[cactus]

Morning.

After banging on about my son to the consultant for 2 years, we had a CT scan last week, and it shows he has a mass in a difficult place (ie near nerves/tiny area to work in).... I feel that I was pretty much dismissed as a worrier, but my own experiences of a very similar issue mean I knew what I was worrying about.

So, I have no qualms about their surgical skills, but I'm feeling a little more nervous than I would be already (ie out of my freaking mind).

I have knowledge of this medical area so immediately knew who to ask for a second opinion.

BUT there are pros and cons

Pros to our current surgeon:
Familiarity
V close to our home
Great anaesthetist
Very good reputation - esp. Paediatric

Cons
I no longer feel safe
The other surgeon has many years more experience - international reputation etc etc..


This all started in a private hospital, and it will all break the bank anyway, so am beyond looking at the money side of it - I suspect the other surgeon is even more expensive, but we can borrow the money if necessary.

So, I knwo alot of this is about my own childhood experiences, and not feeling listened to. I know that keeping it local/familiar is in my son's interests, but wwyd?

Many thanks

Hates having to make life-changing-decisions-for-my-babies-Cactus

[Maple Leaf]

Sure! I would ask for a second opinion definitely.

It will put your mind at ease to know that you have looked at every possible option and even if you remain with surgeon 1, you will know in your heart that you went with that decision with every single bit of knowledge available and have made a fully informed decision.

Knowledge is power, get a second opinion.

I don't put much stock in 'keeping it local', I much prefer going for the best outcome regardless of geography.

My mom went to another country to have surgery with the surgeon who actually invented the procedure she was having.
Geography means nothing in the grand scheme of medical care (in my opinion).

[mum2five]

On several occasions I have asked for a second and third opinion. In three very specific instances it has been vital. Listen to your intuition!

[Therese]

I think if you have any concerns it is worth getting a second opinion.

[Sinister Bonnet]

Second opinion. And good luck!

[PinkSurvivor]

Different situation but yes I got a second and third opinion. I got told twice I didn't have cancer thank god I listened to my gut and went to a third doctor seven months later or I don't think I'd still be around.
It never hurts to get a second or third opinion to ease anxiety, find out different treatment options or just to see which doctor you prefer.
Best of luck OP. it's normal to feel anxious at a time like this

[YodaTheWrinkledO...]

I'd get a 2nd opinion. If in doubt, go the 2nd opinion.

I don't put much stock in 'keeping it local', I much prefer going for the best outcome regardless of geography.

agree with this. Your child is better off getting the best possible treatment, where that happens is a secondary consideration (not to be ignored, because of the cost/logistics, but it's not the primary criteria for making the decision IYKWIM)

[Guest_Dinah_Harris_*]

Yes, I would absolutely without a doubt get a second opinion.

[meggs1]

So you are going through this.

I agree with PPs, and talk to the new doctor. It may be that the new doctor has exactly the same recommendations, and expresses every confidence in your old doctor and you decide to stay with him anyway.

[mmuc83]

Definitely seek second, third, fourth opinions if necessary....

My dad went to 4 specialists, where one stated that he had mental problems, before he was found to have bladder cancer!

Go with your gut - but try and put your fears aside to get the best possible objective decision for you child.. hard i know... but it's worth having that extra piece of mind.