Doctor.. Are You Sure?
Both Ash and I suffer from a number of different health issues. Thankfully our new doctors seem to be very on the ball and have picked up on things previous doctors have missed, in fact, I’m going through full diagnostic tests for things that my old doctors had just said, yes I am sure it is this. The plus side of course is I can feel confident in my diagnosis, something which I have to admit I haven’t felt due to previous issues for a long time.
However, what can you do if you feel your doctor may have got things wrong?
Ask For a Second Opinion
If you feel you aren’t being offered the correct diagnosis you are well within your rights to ask for the opinion of someone else. I often speak about my own issues with mental health and in my early teens when my health hit rock bottom my parents had a number of professionals come in to assess me. My original doctor you see was telling them I was 100% on the mend as I wouldn’t be trying to take my own life if I was badly depressed (honestly yes, this came out of a mental health professionals mouth). Of course, the fact I was ending up in hospital meant I had to see their psychiatrist, he was of completely the opposite opinion. So I was sent for a third opinion, as neither of the first two wanted to back down and was in the end admitted to a psychiatric hospital for almost a year.
I think none of us knows how well that stay helped me, though I am pretty sure without it I would have managed my quest to end my life. After all, it was just pure lucky none of my attempts worked. So asking for a second opinion if you aren’t completely convinced can be a good thing to do.
Take Notes
This is one I am still awful at, there are so many times when I’ve been to hospital or the doctors and my parents have asked what did they say, or what were your results and I can’t remember. Sometimes you will be charged if you ask for print offs, however making your own notes is free. You just need to remember to take a notepad and pen and use them!
It is also worth using this notepad to make notes to tell your consultant next time you go, from what side effects you have had, to any treatments you may have tried and anything you may think could be of use in the future.
Utilise the Internet
This is one you must do with caution. No turning to Dr Google to self-diagnose, please! However there are websites out there recommended by Doctors which can help you safely learn about issues you may be suffering from.
I personally have found joining Facebook groups of use as well, I may not speak in them much, but sometimes posts will pop up on my timeline and I’ll find myself nodding along with the fact that I suffer with that as well. However, you do need to make sure you feel strong and confident in doing this.
It is always worth remembering if the worst happens and you are misdiagnosed or suffer from a form of medical negligence there are people out there who can help you.
Whatever health issue you are going through, please do know you aren’t alone and connecting with those going through similar can make things a lot easier.
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Really good advice! Should always feel confident to ask for a second opinion if you aren’t confident in the diagnosis.
Most definitely – there is no harm in double checking at all.
This is such good information. It is nice to know if you are ever misdiagnosed that there are people out there to help you. Thanks for this! Bookmarking.
Most definitely – it can happen so always good to know people have your back.
I think it’s so important to ask questions so you have a better understanding of your health. Also, get a second opinion if you are not sure. I loved this post. Thank you for sharing.
It really is, after all you need to look after yourself every day so you need to understand.
Misdiagnosis is a very serious thing and happens among doctors very commonly, because they are also judging based on symptoms we show and share. If the doctor is experienced and skilled they get the cue of the problem or then they go for guess work and end up either worsening the situation or making it better. So keeping a watch on the diagnosis is always a priority.
It really is, it’s a shame but doctors are only human as well.
I think its always important to take advice as just that, advice and if you’re not happy with it then seek extra advice and come to your own decisions x
Most definitely you need to feel confident in what you are told.
I really don’t have much faith in doctors. The worst is when you have medical knowledge and they tell you something completely wrong. I do tend to ask for another opinion if I don’t feel confident in what I am being told.
It is hard isn’t it – I always second guess what they tell me these days.