Have you ever sought a second medical opinion? This story in The Mail describes how seeking a second opinion saved the lives of patients who were incorrectly diagnosed, including a woman whose mouth cancer was dismissed as post-natal depression, while a patient with a brain tumour was thought to have a virus.
It is worrying reading. But on the whole, our doctors do their best, and we have to rely on their professional judgement. But what if they are wrong, as sometimes can be case, or struggling to make a correct diagnosis?
I have had personal experience of this which is why I strongly recommend seeking a second opinion too if you have strong concerns about a medical diagnosis. I had to do that when David was in agonising pain after his jawbone swelled. Because he was not a text book case, even the top consultant at Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge was unable to discover what it was and how to help me. He infuriated me by repeatedly asking David if he was happy at school.
Eventually, I rang my GP in tears after David had been referred for cognitive therapy to help him cope with his terrible pain, yet anyone could see his jawbone was hideously protruding.
My GP told me she had no idea where to send David as his case was so unusual. I could only think of Great Ormond Street Hosptial, the best children’s hospital in the country, and she agreed.
It was the best thing I ever did and David was, for the first time, given a nuclear scan which identified his “hot spots” and chronic osteomyelitis. He had fantastic care and treatment. I thanked them for believing us.
David is now virtually recovered, thankfully avoiding any need for major surgery. His last outbreak of pain was last Easter.
If we hadn’t been referred to GOS, I have no idea what the outcome would have been.
So please, do not hesitate if your instincts tell you something is wrong. The chances are, you are right.
[…] Continued here: Have you sought a second opinion? […]
I’m trying to get a date for an operation at the moment and yesterday received a letter from Southampton hospital which began, “You have had a … operation. Here is some post-procedure information that you may find useful.” It’s so depressing!
I’m so glad all went well for you and David.
Doctors are only people, however high an opinion they have of themselves! All people make mistakes, it’s just that a doctor’s mistakes tend to have far-reaching results.
Yes i think mothers usually are right. I have had great trouble even trying to get a 1st opinion with Cs health issues. My persistance has paid off each time as i have been right.
I am so pleased that you did sought a second opinion for David. My son and I have tried to get a second opinion for him, but need to get into the right area. Until this country gives more to the people living with Mental Health of any type , we will not succeed to help him. We don;t know what is wrong with him, and I don;t think he fully understands. All the doctors do is give him medication..
A second opinion might save someone’s life. Don’t assume the doctor you see originally knows everything.
I’ve not sought a second opinion but I have refused to leave a hospital until my distressed child was treated.
Hi Elle,
we all know the world is not perfect
But God forbid we should question a top consultant then the hospital or trust may unleash the ‘wrath of god’ on you – and dismiss you or David as a ‘problem patient’
Believe me in some cases, a letter from the consultant may accompany the patient’s referral for a second opinion – and the patient just gets the run around.
I’m glad you were luckier at Great Ormond Street.