General Discussion

MissKat

(234 posts)

9. The importance of THREE

Tue Oct 7, 2025, 07:55 AM

Oct 7

When someone wants to cut into you ALWAYS GET A SECOND OPINION

and then a third.

I was told ten years ago that I needed pins and plates on my spine. No thanks. Back is achey, but ok.

I've been told I needed a hip replacement ASAP. No thanks. Hips are pretty good.

Just tell the suggesting surgeon-- I'm getting another opinion. If the specialist gets annoyed, they are a shit doctor and you should avoid them.

If all three docs agree, pick the person you feel the most comfortable with if you can.

If 2 of the 3 agree, get a 4th if you can.

I have learned to balk at taking prescriptions and accepting surgery suggestions until I can really evaluate.

I think it's why I'm still alive.

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13 members have recommended this reply (displayed in chronological order):

Trueblue Texan erronis mopinko live love laugh c-rational DemSoc peggysue2 IbogaProject area51 Hekate Grey5 pacalo Ms. Toad

65 replies

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Highlight:

A medical story for the forum: [View all] PCIntern Oct 7 OP

I applaud your resolve and common sense. no_hypocrisy Oct 7 #1

a good lesson Skittles Oct 7 #2

excellent advice.... markie Oct 7 #3

I had something similar LittleGirl Oct 7 #55

good luck with your surgery markie Oct 7 #56

One surgeon said I need a new shoulder LittleGirl Oct 7 #60

Good for you! mgardener Oct 7 #4

Underscores the value of a second opinion (and where possible, a close friend, colleague or hlthe2b Oct 7 #5

You know, it's funny... PCIntern Oct 7 #8

And a lot of times just being able to ask questions. I've found a bit of research ahead of time helps. erronis Oct 7 #20

Sure. As long as it is clear you aren't using "untrained so-called medical influencers" or "Dr. Google's worst sources" hlthe2b Oct 7 #22

So, you didn't have to call your local funeral home...... Butterflylady Oct 7 #6

Very good story. Thanks for sharing. Easterncedar Oct 7 #7

The importance of THREE MissKat Oct 7 #9

Terrific advice. PCIntern Oct 7 #10

Glad your intuition was on target! Fla Dem Oct 7 #11

Reading your experience with the electrophysiologist makes me thank my lucky stars TexLaProgressive Oct 7 #12

I agree totally. OldBaldy1701E Oct 7 #13

Interesting. I have been pushed to see an electrophysiologist - much more frequently recently. erronis Oct 7 #14

Have you been on anticoagulants all this time? PCIntern Oct 7 #15

Yup - first coumadin and now eliquis. You mention the Watchman - erronis Oct 7 #21

I just BeerBarrelPolka Oct 7 #46

Good for you! And I really hope it solves those issues. erronis Oct 7 #49

Thank you BeerBarrelPolka Oct 7 #52

erron popsdenver Oct 7 #35

Your points are well understood. As almost anything in this society, money/profit will rot it out. erronis Oct 7 #50

Thank you so much for telling us your story, Ilsa Oct 7 #16

They all own stock in the company that makes the pacemaker. milestogo Oct 7 #17

It sounds like my TIA story nuxvomica Oct 7 #18

Have you considered otchmoson Oct 7 #19

Can't get involved with that stuff, PCIntern Oct 7 #30

I understand otchmoson Oct 7 #36

My brother had a health scare and was stunned watching the vultures gather malaise Oct 7 #23

Surgeons want to cut. Cardiologists who specialize in pacemakers MineralMan Oct 7 #24

As the saying goes, NewLarry Oct 7 #47

The first specialist sounds like the guy who told me I had to get both my knees replaced immediately,. That was 5 sinkingfeeling Oct 7 #25

Thanks. An experience worth sharing and applying to similar situations. joanbarnes Oct 7 #26

MD and AMA poozwah Oct 7 #27

You really have to be your own doctor these days. I'm still pissed off about my experience a week ago Vinca Oct 7 #28

Question everything. It's what I do too as a family advocate. live love laugh Oct 7 #29

"You betcha" PCIntern Oct 7 #31

What do you think of the Korean cholesterol study? womanofthehills Oct 7 #33

I haven't read that study - Ms. Toad Oct 7 #41

The Magnesium Miracle supports the findings that cholesterol isn't "bad" live love laugh Oct 8 #64

They pulled this same shit with my Dad gay texan Oct 7 #32

Similar story here, for goodnes sakes... Dancingdem Oct 7 #34

My belief now is that most doctors are mediocre at best. LuckyLib Oct 7 #37

I didn't save my source for this, and it's been a long time soldierant Oct 8 #65

My biggest regret in life is the one time I didn't stand up to a doctor. pnwmom Oct 7 #38

Oohh my gosh Chicagogrl1 Oct 7 #39

I was 31 when I first refused medical intervention. Ms. Toad Oct 7 #40

I've refused medical intervention. hunter Oct 7 #44

So far - my refusals have always been for the better. Ms. Toad Oct 7 #45

Just now, I declined the opportunity to wear a heart monitor. John1956PA Oct 7 #42

I believe the hospital pressures these docs PCIntern Oct 7 #51

I wore a heart monitor for a week and it was way more interesting than a few missed beats. hunter Oct 7 #43

And "non-profit" hospitals are anything but. erronis Oct 7 #54

They're drumming up business, minimizing liability, and pathologizing you. bucolic_frolic Oct 7 #48

Always a good idea to be your own best advocate. hamsterjill Oct 7 #53

Kickin' with enthusiasm Faux pas Oct 7 #57

Thanks for sharing. yellow dahlia Oct 7 #58

BIG kick and recommendation, might I add to get labs done on a regular basis and to 'watch the trend' ... cliffside Oct 7 #59

Thanks for sharing, would you please link to this post in the health group? There is useful information in your post ... cliffside Oct 7 #61

They are taking kickbacks from the medical device company iemanja Oct 7 #62

You handled it expertly! pacalo Oct 7 #63