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Honored Contributor
Posts: 20,160
Registered: ‎10-04-2010

Re: Misdiagnosed and had surgery!!!

This is about the most unbelievable mistake I can imagine.  An uproar should be heard!!

Honored Contributor
Posts: 14,304
Registered: ‎03-09-2010

Re: Misdiagnosed and had surgery!!!

I don't know if I was misdiagnosed for Achilles tendon surgery, but it was definitely an un -needed surgery due to side effects of taking a statin that ended up affecting those tendons----many thousands of $$ that my insurance paid. This was  in 2006/07.

Honored Contributor
Posts: 12,844
Registered: ‎03-09-2010

Re: Misdiagnosed and had surgery!!!


@NYC Susan wrote:

@haddon9 wrote:

@NicksmomESQ wrote:

  Precisely why I don’t run to doctors.They can’t wait to test you into oblivion. I know someone who’s family member was misdiagnosed even with a second opinion.I won’t go into detail but this person was maimed for no reason!! Many lives were affected. The case is in litigation. But no amount of money will ever make up for what that family goes through on a daily basis.


@NicksmomESQ I agree and feel the same way.  Yet every time there is a health related thread here we get posters who are quick to say "ask you doctor"! 

 

I am not running each and every time to my doctor.  Life is a gamble and most of us do the best that we can but all of that testing can often be misdiagnosed.  I can go visit my primary for a sudden pain in my toe but he will not look at me but into his computer the entire time asking if I've had this & that test totally unrelated to the reason that I came in to see him.

 

 

Well, I'm one of those who often says, "Ask your doctor".  And what I mean by that is ask a medical professional rather than seek medical advice here.  I have seen A LOT of incorrect information given here, some of it potentially dangerous.  And I firmly believe that a good medical professional who knows someone's medical and family history, current meds, conditions, allergies, etc, is the best source for information.

 

I do see my doctor (or talk to him on the phone) when I have a concern.  He has been my PCP for many, many years, and he has been amazing.  We make decisions together, and he knows my aversion to testing, so we keep it at a minimum.  I don't like seeing other doctors, specialists, etc, because it often starts a cycle of testing that uncovers problems or "incidental findings" and then it becomes a whole thing that I don't have the time or patience for.  So I agree about not running to doctors for every little thing.  They're obligated to test and use the equipment and technology that's available to them, but I would much rather keep things simple and not get caught up in all that.

 

I don't think doctors are gods.  Or infallible.  But I've seen them do far more good than bad, and I have a lot of respect for the medical profession.


@NYC Susan   You are very lucky to have a great PCP!  I wish I could find one.  I have been asking around for a new doctor but it's hard to get an appointment to see the good ones.  I have to wait several months.  In the meanwhile I will try another primary in a few weeks who is currently accepting new patients and see how she is.

 

I'm also reluctant to get every "wellness test" that my current PCP insists that I get.  He even mentioned that he would drop me this year if I don't comply.  I would be considered as a "non-compliant"  patient and it's just bad for his bottom line.  so I decided I was long overdue for a new PCP.

Respected Contributor
Posts: 3,994
Registered: ‎03-09-2010

Re: Misdiagnosed and had surgery!!!

 

I got a second opinion and wound up with a pacemaker that I didn't need. 

 

A friend of mine got 4 opinions and they were all different.

 

I don't know where we stop.   But I wish I'd just stuck with my first cardiologist who knew me and my history and not seen the second Dr.  

 

 

Respected Contributor
Posts: 3,994
Registered: ‎03-09-2010

Re: Misdiagnosed and had surgery!!!

As my freshman government professor said:  "Don't believe anything you hear and only 1/2 of what you read."

 

That is untrue about the NHS not allowing second opinions.

Esteemed Contributor
Posts: 6,889
Registered: ‎03-13-2010

Re: Misdiagnosed and had surgery!!!


@haddon9 wrote:

@NYC Susan wrote:

@haddon9 wrote:

@NicksmomESQ wrote:

  Precisely why I don’t run to doctors.They can’t wait to test you into oblivion. I know someone who’s family member was misdiagnosed even with a second opinion.I won’t go into detail but this person was maimed for no reason!! Many lives were affected. The case is in litigation. But no amount of money will ever make up for what that family goes through on a daily basis.


@NicksmomESQ I agree and feel the same way.  Yet every time there is a health related thread here we get posters who are quick to say "ask you doctor"! 

 

I am not running each and every time to my doctor.  Life is a gamble and most of us do the best that we can but all of that testing can often be misdiagnosed.  I can go visit my primary for a sudden pain in my toe but he will not look at me but into his computer the entire time asking if I've had this & that test totally unrelated to the reason that I came in to see him.

 

 

Well, I'm one of those who often says, "Ask your doctor".  And what I mean by that is ask a medical professional rather than seek medical advice here.  I have seen A LOT of incorrect information given here, some of it potentially dangerous.  And I firmly believe that a good medical professional who knows someone's medical and family history, current meds, conditions, allergies, etc, is the best source for information.

 

I do see my doctor (or talk to him on the phone) when I have a concern.  He has been my PCP for many, many years, and he has been amazing.  We make decisions together, and he knows my aversion to testing, so we keep it at a minimum.  I don't like seeing other doctors, specialists, etc, because it often starts a cycle of testing that uncovers problems or "incidental findings" and then it becomes a whole thing that I don't have the time or patience for.  So I agree about not running to doctors for every little thing.  They're obligated to test and use the equipment and technology that's available to them, but I would much rather keep things simple and not get caught up in all that.

 

I don't think doctors are gods.  Or infallible.  But I've seen them do far more good than bad, and I have a lot of respect for the medical profession.


@NYC Susan   You are very lucky to have a great PCP!  I wish I could find one.  I have been asking around for a new doctor but it's hard to get an appointment to see the good ones.  I have to wait several months.  In the meanwhile I will try another primary in a few weeks who is currently accepting new patients and see how she is.

 

I'm also reluctant to get every "wellness test" that my current PCP insists that I get.  He even mentioned that he would drop me this year if I don't comply.  I would be considered as a "non-compliant"  patient and it's just bad for his bottom line.  so I decided I was long overdue for a new PCP.


@haddon9, good luck!  I hope you find a doctor you like and feel you can trust.  Different doctors have different styles, so a lot of the time it comes down to personal preference.  I like to be involved in my own health care decisions, so I need someone who communicates well, respects the fact that it's my body and my life, and has patience for a lot of questions.  Some people just like to keep things short and sweet, with minimal conversation.  Finding the doctor that's right for you might take some time, but will be well worth it in the end.  I hope you find him/her soon!  :-)

Highlighted
Honored Contributor
Posts: 10,820
Registered: ‎03-10-2010

Re: Misdiagnosed and had surgery!!!


@PA Mom-mom wrote:

@FlowerBear  Three letters: NHS. No second or third opinion available. Take a number and wait your turn.

 


shoekitty said

I am not sure you can get second opinion.  i have a friend who lives there, and they have National Health.  getting regular care is easy, but specialists..not so much.  you do have choice to get private care...but expensive.  my friend has an  autistic child. they do put him in front of the line, and they offer a lot of advanced testing and care. when she had her son, they came to visit her for after care in her home.

 

 

Honored Contributor
Posts: 12,844
Registered: ‎03-09-2010

Re: Misdiagnosed and had surgery!!!

@NYC Susan   Thanks!  I hope so too and it seems like it might become a long process.

Respected Contributor
Posts: 3,355
Registered: ‎03-09-2010

Re: Misdiagnosed and had surgery!!!


@Bridgegal wrote:

As my freshman government professor said:  "Don't believe anything you hear and only 1/2 of what you read."

 

That is untrue about the NHS not allowing second opinions.


Of course it's untrue but it fits some peoples narrative so they present their own alternative facts.


'I refuse to engage in a battle of wits with an unarmed man'.......Unknown
Trusted Contributor
Posts: 1,463
Registered: ‎12-26-2011

Re: Misdiagnosed and had surgery!!!

I'm so sick and tired of reading lies when it comes to health insurance.  We are told that with single payer health care you can't get surgery when needed, that you wait in line to see a specialist or even a regular doctor and so many other untrue things.  My daugher lives in Denmark, they have GREAT health insurance, there are no lines, if you're sick you can see a doctor as quickly as you can see one here, you can see a specialist without waiting a month, you can get second opinions etc.  The people there are very happy with their health insurance so stop listening to fake information/propaganda.