Should I seek a second opinion?
Has anyone had experience with getting a second opinion after an initial diagnosis?
I didn't get a 2nd opinion after initial diagnosis but I did request one prior to being diagnosed. Initially I felt like I was betraying the Consultant whom I'd been seeing for 18+ months. However, I was becoming more poorly, with repeat UTI's that were becoming more persistent and difficult to treat in that I was becoming resistant to most antibiotics and I was actually spending more of my life suffering with infection than I was without. It was at this point that I requested a 2nd opinion. Within 4 weeks I was diagnosed with high grade, aggressive bladder cancer. The moral of my story is, it's your health, your body and you need to look after and protect it. If you feel that you are not getting the best treatment or you just want a 2nd opinion to look at and discuss your health issues or proposed treatment plan, go for it! Sometimes it's necessary for reassurance and to be honest, I believe that most Doctors are quite happy for patients to seek a 2nd opinion. So don't be afraid ever, to seek a 2nd opinion it's your well being and you are responsible for it.
Shirley, your story is a powerful reminder of the importance of advocating for our own health. It’s so easy to feel loyalty or hesitation when we've been under a particular doctor's care for a long time, but your experience shows how critical it can be to seek that second opinion, especially when your health is at stake.
You’re absolutely right—no one knows your body better than you do, and if something feels off or if your treatment isn’t improving your condition, seeking another perspective can be a life-saving decision. Your courage to ask for a second opinion led to a crucial diagnosis, and sharing this story will undoubtedly encourage others to trust their instincts and prioritize their well-being.
In situations like yours, where recurrent infections and resistance to treatment complicate things, it’s also worth exploring additional supportive measures that could help manage symptoms or complement medical treatments. For instance, some people have found that hydrogen water, known for its potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, offers some relief from chronic conditions. It’s not a replacement for professional medical care, but it might provide an extra layer of support, especially when dealing with persistent issues like UTIs.
Thank you for sharing your story and empowering others to take charge of their health. Your message is incredibly valuable, and I hope it inspires many to be proactive in their healthcare journey.
thanks for your post and good information. I had to edit your comment to remove the solicitation link as it violates our Community Rules. Thanks for your understanding. Jill (Team Member)
Absolutely!
I got three opinions because if the first two differed then I was still 50/50.
My first opinion came from the doctor I saw after going to the emergency room with a ton of blood in my urine - so much I thought I had internal bleeding. That doctor/hospital did the initial turbt and diagnosis. Their recommendation was radical cystectomy and external urine bag. I was pretty sure that was what I was going to do. Why not? You trust doctors.
A doctor friend of mine suggested someone more local and we wen there. They reviewed the diagnosis and agree it was T2 High grade and needed chemo and cystectomy. BUT... they were adamant that I get the neobladder. To the point that they were almost calling me an idiot for thinking otherwise.
That made me get a third opinion with the idea being that whatever they said - the 2 similar answers would win.
I went to NC Chapel Hill hospital at the university and they said neobladder.
I have a neobladder now and am happy I did. Works great. No bag.
Short answer... definitely get a second opinion and get three in case you need to break a tie.
I would rather be alive than worry about hurting some doctor's feelings. When you get a cancer diagnosis - that's 100% permission to be selfish and do what YOU think is right.
Yes, definitely. It will either confirm what the first doctor told you or cause you to realize there are other possible approaches. It is often a hassle to get a second opinion but it is worth it. You especially want to be sure you are seeking opinions from doctors who see and treat bladder cancer every day. If surgery is recommended, you want to know how many times your doctor has performed the surgery. For instance, bladder cancer is more common in men than women. So if you are female and having a radical cystectomy, you want to know how many times your surgeon has done this surgery on women. There are certain doctors who have more experience treating women. Good and confident doctors understand that educating yourself with multiple opinions is a wise strategy for a patient.
Renata, a second opinion can certainly give you some more perspective about possible approaches to treatment. The considerations you mention such as how much experience the doctor has with bladder cancer, how many times the doctor performed a specific surgery, and how much experience he/she has with treating women can be very wise to look into.
Thank you for weighing in on this important discussion topic.
-Sarah (BladderCancer.net Team Member)
