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Is it Time for a Second Opinion?

I am not going to lie, I was nervous about getting a second opinion regarding my daughter's illness.  I love her team of doctors.  They have helped us so much, but I had some lingering questions that were not getting answered.  However, seeking a second opinion felt like I was "cheating" on our doctors.  Would they be mad?  Would they be offended? Ugh, the guilt!

Finally, I decided hurt feelings or not, I needed to do this for my daughter.  In the end, I was VERY glad we got that second opinion.  We gathered some valuable information.  My daughter's original team of doctors were amazing and even agreed to collaborate with the second opinion team.  I'm glad that I listened to my instincts and ignored my "need to make everyone happy" guilt.

Here's some things I learned through the process:

1. Before even making the call to schedule a second opinion, start gathering all your medical records.

2. Request CD copies of your child's MRI scans.  

3. When you call to make the appointment, let the doctor's office know the reason you are calling.  The doctor we wanted to see, required us to send all of my daughter's medical records before we could even schedule the appointment.

4. At the appointment, arrive prepared.
    • You will go over your child's medical history from the very beginning, so bring a timeline of the medical events that have occurred in your child's life.
    • Bring a list of your child's medications.
    • Bring a list of questions you want to ask.
5. Before the appointment ends, ask the doctor what should happen next.  Is the new doctor willing to collaborate with your child's current doctor?  Will the new doctor send a letter to your child's current doctor to summarize the visit and recommendations?

6. Talk to your child's current doctor.  We chose to wait until after we got the second opinion, then we reached out to our current doctor to explain why we sought out a second opinion and to discuss how to proceed.

7.  Remember you are your child's best advocate!  It is okay to ask questions, and it is okay to look for answers.

Good luck!  You've got this!

Image credit:

www.wellnesscorporatesolutions.com



 

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