Second opinions

[Guest guest]

You are correct in that surgeons think they have the right opinion

only. In my humble opinion though....if your first ped neuro IS

offended by you getting a 2nd opinion and expresses that to you, I

would consider his motives.......his ego or what is best for your

child??

Tracey

>

> Hi again,

> just thought I would add to my story...

> I found out today,when there was no MRI report, that there was a

> letter another pediatric neurosurgeon had written. This summer,dh

> became vehemently opposed to Gabi having another MRI, even though

> our ped. neur. said she needed one. So, I took her to another

ped.

> neurosurgeon to get a second opinion on the whole matter. Well,

she

> gave me her opinion, and then wrote a letter to the pediatrician,

> saying that I was there getting a second opinion about what the

> first ped. neuro. had said that she agreed with the first guy..

> thats good.. but then she sent a copy of the letter to the first

> ped. neuro. with all that information. My point, and I do have

one,

> is that whatever you say to a dr. be prepared for he or she to

write

> it in a letter and send it off to any names you mention during the

> appointment. I hope he wasnt offended, but I always get second

> opinions, sometimes even three opinions. I just feel that it is

good

> practice. I don't see how it is her business to send off a letter

> to someone like that. I guess it is what they do. When we decided

> to go with the dr. in Boston, he did tell us he was going to cc a

> letter to the dr. in Chicago. The dr. here got it and he sent my

> husband a letter, he was very ticked, and very offended. I did

not

> want to burn that bridge but I could smell it burning there. I

just

> have to do what I think is best, surgeons just tend to be very

> confident that they know what is best, it is hard to know who to

> trust. anyway, sorry to ramble, just FYI kind of thing

>

>

[Guest guest]

I also wanted to add I know a thing or two about ticking Dr's off.

Lexi's ortho guy here literally had me hauled out of Texas

Children's by security once because he and I got into a heated

debate about casting vs. his wanting to wait and see method. When he

called casting voodoo medicine and Miss Mehta, whom he has NEVER

even met......I let it rip on him!! LOL

Tracey

> >

> > Hi again,

> > just thought I would add to my story...

> > I found out today,when there was no MRI report, that there was a

> > letter another pediatric neurosurgeon had written. This

summer,dh

> > became vehemently opposed to Gabi having another MRI, even

though

> > our ped. neur. said she needed one. So, I took her to another

> ped.

> > neurosurgeon to get a second opinion on the whole matter. Well,

> she

> > gave me her opinion, and then wrote a letter to the

pediatrician,

> > saying that I was there getting a second opinion about what the

> > first ped. neuro. had said that she agreed with the first guy..

> > thats good.. but then she sent a copy of the letter to the first

> > ped. neuro. with all that information. My point, and I do have

> one,

> > is that whatever you say to a dr. be prepared for he or she to

> write

> > it in a letter and send it off to any names you mention during

the

> > appointment. I hope he wasnt offended, but I always get second

> > opinions, sometimes even three opinions. I just feel that it is

> good

> > practice. I don't see how it is her business to send off a

letter

> > to someone like that. I guess it is what they do. When we

decided

> > to go with the dr. in Boston, he did tell us he was going to cc

a

> > letter to the dr. in Chicago. The dr. here got it and he sent

my

> > husband a letter, he was very ticked, and very offended. I did

> not

> > want to burn that bridge but I could smell it burning there. I

> just

> > have to do what I think is best, surgeons just tend to be very

> > confident that they know what is best, it is hard to know who to

> > trust. anyway, sorry to ramble, just FYI kind of thing

> >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

> > >

> > > Hi again,

> > > just thought I would add to my story...

> > > I found out today,when there was no MRI report, that there was

a

> > > letter another pediatric neurosurgeon had written. This

> summer,dh

> > > became vehemently opposed to Gabi having another MRI, even

> though

> > > our ped. neur. said she needed one. So, I took her to another

> > ped.

> > > neurosurgeon to get a second opinion on the whole matter.

Well,

> > she

> > > gave me her opinion, and then wrote a letter to the

> pediatrician,

> > > saying that I was there getting a second opinion about what

the

> > > first ped. neuro. had said that she agreed with the first

guy..

> > > thats good.. but then she sent a copy of the letter to the

first

> > > ped. neuro. with all that information. My point, and I do

have

> > one,

> > > is that whatever you say to a dr. be prepared for he or she to

> > write

> > > it in a letter and send it off to any names you mention during

> the

> > > appointment. I hope he wasnt offended, but I always get second

> > > opinions, sometimes even three opinions. I just feel that it

is

> > good

> > > practice. I don't see how it is her business to send off a

> letter

> > > to someone like that. I guess it is what they do. When we

> decided

> > > to go with the dr. in Boston, he did tell us he was going to

cc

> a

> > > letter to the dr. in Chicago. The dr. here got it and he sent

> my

> > > husband a letter, he was very ticked, and very offended. I

did

> > not

> > > want to burn that bridge but I could smell it burning there.

I

> > just

> > > have to do what I think is best, surgeons just tend to be very

> > > confident that they know what is best, it is hard to know who

to

> > > trust. anyway, sorry to ramble, just FYI kind of thing

> > >

> > >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Tracey, you are my hero girl, LOL! I can't wait to meet you in Erie .

Noelle (12-2-01)Ian (8-15-04)

Re: Second opinions

I also wanted to add I know a thing or two about ticking Dr's off. Lexi's ortho guy here literally had me hauled out of Texas Children's by security once because he and I got into a heated debate about casting vs. his wanting to wait and see method. When he called casting voodoo medicine and Miss Mehta, whom he has NEVER even met......I let it rip on him!! LOLTracey> >> > Hi again,> > just thought I would add to my story...> > I found out today,when there was no MRI report, that there was a > > letter another pediatric neurosurgeon had written. This summer,dh > > became vehemently opposed to Gabi having another MRI, even though > > our ped. neur. said she needed one. So, I took her to another > ped. > > neurosurgeon to get a second opinion on the whole matter. Well, > she > > gave me her opinion, and then wrote a letter to the pediatrician, > > saying that I was there getting a second opinion about what the > > first ped. neuro. had said that she agreed with the first guy.. > > thats good.. but then she sent a copy of the letter to the first > > ped. neuro. with all that information. My point, and I do have > one, > > is that whatever you say to a dr. be prepared for he or she to > write > > it in a letter and send it off to any names you mention during the > > appointment. I hope he wasnt offended, but I always get second > > opinions, sometimes even three opinions. I just feel that it is > good > > practice. I don't see how it is her business to send off a letter > > to someone like that. I guess it is what they do. When we decided > > to go with the dr. in Boston, he did tell us he was going to cc a > > letter to the dr. in Chicago. The dr. here got it and he sent my > > husband a letter, he was very ticked, and very offended. I did > not > > want to burn that bridge but I could smell it burning there. I > just > > have to do what I think is best, surgeons just tend to be very > > confident that they know what is best, it is hard to know who to > > trust. anyway, sorry to ramble, just FYI kind of thing> > > >>

[Guest guest]

, I am planning to make copies of Miss Mehta's article and send them to the two orthos that I have seen here as well as our pediatrician. It's so frustrating when you talk to these people esp. when they haven't researched Miss Mehta's work at all. I literally feel like I know more than my pediatrician and the orthos here do. I also hate how they treat me like I am so stupid. It drives me crazy.

Noelle (12-2-01)Ian (8-15-04)

Re: Second opinions

> > >> > > Hi again,> > > just thought I would add to my story...> > > I found out today,when there was no MRI report, that there was a > > > letter another pediatric neurosurgeon had written. This > summer,dh > > > became vehemently opposed to Gabi having another MRI, even > though > > > our ped. neur. said she needed one. So, I took her to another > > ped. > > > neurosurgeon to get a second opinion on the whole matter. Well, > > she > > > gave me her opinion, and then wrote a letter to the > pediatrician, > > > saying that I was there getting a second opinion about what the > > > first ped. neuro. had said that she agreed with the first guy.. > > > thats good.. but then she sent a copy of the letter to the first > > > ped. neuro. with all that information. My point, and I do have > > one, > > > is that whatever you say to a dr. be prepared for he or she to > > write > > > it in a letter and send it off to any names you mention during > the > > > appointment. I hope he wasnt offended, but I always get second > > > opinions, sometimes even three opinions. I just feel that it is > > good > > > practice. I don't see how it is her business to send off a > letter > > > to someone like that. I guess it is what they do. When we > decided > > > to go with the dr. in Boston, he did tell us he was going to cc > a > > > letter to the dr. in Chicago. The dr. here got it and he sent > my > > > husband a letter, he was very ticked, and very offended. I did > > not > > > want to burn that bridge but I could smell it burning there. I > > just > > > have to do what I think is best, surgeons just tend to be very > > > confident that they know what is best, it is hard to know who to > > > trust. anyway, sorry to ramble, just FYI kind of thing> > > > > >> >>

[Guest guest]

I wouldn't call me an inspiration, just a hot headed scorpio texan

woman! LOL

It was never my intention to completely tick this guy off, but he

called Miss Mehta a witch doctor which I forgot to say in my

previous post. Anyhow.....he told us we needed to do something, but

had no treatment other than to wait until later and possibly do

rods. When I brought up casting, he insulted my intelligence and the

fact that I was a stay at home mom who had educated myself via the

internet about things I had no business getting into ( the casting).

After I asked him for some valid reasons why he wouldn't cast, he

gave me his black majic spell, and the conversation just

deteriorated from that point.

When Lexi is straight, I plan on walking into his office and

tossing the films on his desk and I hope he chokes on it! LOL

Women are a tough breed, and Moms on a mission for their children

are even tougher.......a lesson this guy learned the hard way!!

Tracey

" GIRL POWER!! " LOL

> > > >

> > > > Hi again,

> > > > just thought I would add to my story...

> > > > I found out today,when there was no MRI report, that there

was

> a

> > > > letter another pediatric neurosurgeon had written. This

> > summer,dh

> > > > became vehemently opposed to Gabi having another MRI, even

> > though

> > > > our ped. neur. said she needed one. So, I took her to

another

> > > ped.

> > > > neurosurgeon to get a second opinion on the whole matter.

> Well,

> > > she

> > > > gave me her opinion, and then wrote a letter to the

> > pediatrician,

> > > > saying that I was there getting a second opinion about what

> the

> > > > first ped. neuro. had said that she agreed with the first

> guy..

> > > > thats good.. but then she sent a copy of the letter to the

> first

> > > > ped. neuro. with all that information. My point, and I do

> have

> > > one,

> > > > is that whatever you say to a dr. be prepared for he or she

to

> > > write

> > > > it in a letter and send it off to any names you mention

during

> > the

> > > > appointment. I hope he wasnt offended, but I always get

second

> > > > opinions, sometimes even three opinions. I just feel that it

> is

> > > good

> > > > practice. I don't see how it is her business to send off a

> > letter

> > > > to someone like that. I guess it is what they do. When we

> > decided

> > > > to go with the dr. in Boston, he did tell us he was going to

> cc

> > a

> > > > letter to the dr. in Chicago. The dr. here got it and he

sent

> > my

> > > > husband a letter, he was very ticked, and very offended. I

> did

> > > not

> > > > want to burn that bridge but I could smell it burning

there.

> I

> > > just

> > > > have to do what I think is best, surgeons just tend to be

very

> > > > confident that they know what is best, it is hard to know

who

> to

> > > > trust. anyway, sorry to ramble, just FYI kind of thing

> > > >

> > > >

> > >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Tracey you are a legend!! I am so impressed that you had security called. So did you get charged for the consultation? I told a paediatrician that I didn't see the point in seeing him when he told me he had no idea about infantile scoliosis and had never seen a case like my daughter's before.

He became incredibly offended and which I thought was just childish since he couldn't answer a single question on my list. I left and he sent me a bill which I didn't pay and he threatened to take me to court.

I am just a mild mannered Libran but I can bark if I have to.

It all comes down to the child bond.

I think your argument would have made some great reality TV.

Bertth77381 <pthahn@...> wrote:

I wouldn't call me an inspiration, just a hot headed scorpio texan woman! LOLIt was never my intention to completely tick this guy off, but he called Miss Mehta a witch doctor which I forgot to say in my previous post. Anyhow.....he told us we needed to do something, but had no treatment other than to wait until later and possibly do rods. When I brought up casting, he insulted my intelligence and the fact that I was a stay at home mom who had educated myself via the internet about things I had no business getting into ( the casting). After I asked him for some valid reasons why he wouldn't cast, he gave me his black majic spell, and the conversation just deteriorated from that point. When Lexi is straight, I plan on walking into his office and tossing the films on his desk and I hope he chokes on it! LOLWomen

are a tough breed, and Moms on a mission for their children are even tougher.......a lesson this guy learned the hard way!!Tracey"GIRL POWER!!" LOL> > > >> > > > Hi again,> > > > just thought I would add to my story...> > > > I found out today,when there was no MRI report, that there was > a > > > > letter another pediatric neurosurgeon had written. This > > summer,dh > > > > became vehemently opposed to Gabi having another MRI, even > > though > > > > our ped. neur. said she needed one. So, I took her to another > > > ped. > > > > neurosurgeon to get a second opinion on the whole matter. > Well, > > > she > > > > gave me her opinion, and then wrote a letter to the > > pediatrician, >

> > > saying that I was there getting a second opinion about what > the > > > > first ped. neuro. had said that she agreed with the first > guy.. > > > > thats good.. but then she sent a copy of the letter to the > first > > > > ped. neuro. with all that information. My point, and I do > have > > > one, > > > > is that whatever you say to a dr. be prepared for he or she to > > > write > > > > it in a letter and send it off to any names you mention during > > the > > > > appointment. I hope he wasnt offended, but I always get second > > > > opinions, sometimes even three opinions. I just feel that it > is > > > good > > > > practice. I don't see how it is her business to send off a > > letter > > > > to someone like

that. I guess it is what they do. When we > > decided > > > > to go with the dr. in Boston, he did tell us he was going to > cc > > a > > > > letter to the dr. in Chicago. The dr. here got it and he sent > > my > > > > husband a letter, he was very ticked, and very offended. I > did > > > not > > > > want to burn that bridge but I could smell it burning there. > I > > > just > > > > have to do what I think is best, surgeons just tend to be very > > > > confident that they know what is best, it is hard to know who > to > > > > trust. anyway, sorry to ramble, just FYI kind of thing> > > > > > > >> > >> >>

FareChase - Search multiple travel sites in one click.

[Guest guest]

If any physician is "ticked and offended" by you going for a second opinion, that is THEIR problem, NOT yours! You are entitled to get a second opinion, and any dr worth his salt will encourage you to do so. I saw 3 drs with regards to . The first one, just wasn't my cup of tea and I felt that she wasn't completely sure about what she was seeing. So I have taken to, for all intensive purposes, her boss - that is who we see now. The third was when I took to Boston to be evaluated for the VEPTR with Dr. Emans. Dr. Crawford, 's ortho, was not ticked about it, and in fact he praised me for taking the initiative since the procedure was not being done in Cincinnati at the time.

Don't feel bad for trying to get the best care for your child, you are her mom, that is what you are supposed to do!!!

Hugs,

Gail

Second opinions

Hi again,just thought I would add to my story...I found out today,when there was no MRI report, that there was a letter another pediatric neurosurgeon had written. This summer,dh became vehemently opposed to Gabi having another MRI, even though our ped. neur. said she needed one. So, I took her to another ped. neurosurgeon to get a second opinion on the whole matter. Well, she gave me her opinion, and then wrote a letter to the pediatrician, saying that I was there getting a second opinion about what the first ped. neuro. had said that she agreed with the first guy.. thats good.. but then she sent a copy of the letter to the first ped. neuro. with all that information. My point, and I do have one, is that whatever you say to a dr. be prepared for he or she to write it in a letter and send it off to any names you mention during the appointment. I hope he wasnt offended, but I always get second opinions, sometimes even three opinions. I just feel that it is good practice. I don't see how it is her business to send off a letter to someone like that. I guess it is what they do. When we decided to go with the dr. in Boston, he did tell us he was going to cc a letter to the dr. in Chicago. The dr. here got it and he sent my husband a letter, he was very ticked, and very offended. I did not want to burn that bridge but I could smell it burning there. I just have to do what I think is best, surgeons just tend to be very confident that they know what is best, it is hard to know who to trust. anyway, sorry to ramble, just FYI kind of thing

[Guest guest]

Bert...you know while security was on their way upstairs, his

office girl TRIED to collect my copay for the visit and I shot her a

look like " you have got to be kidding me " . I never heard anything

about the copay nor did they bill my insurance company for the visit.

I also want to clarify that I wasn't hauled out of the building in

handcuffs or anything, it was all very uneventful.

Tracey

> > > > >

> > > > > Hi again,

> > > > > just thought I would add to my story...

> > > > > I found out today,when there was no MRI report, that there

> was

> > a

> > > > > letter another pediatric neurosurgeon had written. This

> > > summer,dh

> > > > > became vehemently opposed to Gabi having another MRI, even

> > > though

> > > > > our ped. neur. said she needed one. So, I took her to

> another

> > > > ped.

> > > > > neurosurgeon to get a second opinion on the whole matter.

> > Well,

> > > > she

> > > > > gave me her opinion, and then wrote a letter to the

> > > pediatrician,

> > > > > saying that I was there getting a second opinion about

what

> > the

> > > > > first ped. neuro. had said that she agreed with the first

> > guy..

> > > > > thats good.. but then she sent a copy of the letter to the

> > first

> > > > > ped. neuro. with all that information. My point, and I do

> > have

> > > > one,

> > > > > is that whatever you say to a dr. be prepared for he or

she

> to

> > > > write

> > > > > it in a letter and send it off to any names you mention

> during

> > > the

> > > > > appointment. I hope he wasnt offended, but I always get

> second

> > > > > opinions, sometimes even three opinions. I just feel that

it

> > is

> > > > good

> > > > > practice. I don't see how it is her business to send off

a

> > > letter

> > > > > to someone like that. I guess it is what they do. When we

> > > decided

> > > > > to go with the dr. in Boston, he did tell us he was going

to

> > cc

> > > a

> > > > > letter to the dr. in Chicago. The dr. here got it and he

> sent

> > > my

> > > > > husband a letter, he was very ticked, and very offended.

I

> > did

> > > > not

> > > > > want to burn that bridge but I could smell it burning

> there.

> > I

> > > > just

> > > > > have to do what I think is best, surgeons just tend to be

> very

> > > > > confident that they know what is best, it is hard to know

> who

> > to

> > > > > trust. anyway, sorry to ramble, just FYI kind of thing

> > > > >

> > > > >

> > > >

> > >

> >

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Tracey,

wow that was brave, I don't know if i could be that brave, but if I

had to I would I guess. I am more of a passive aggressive I guess.

> > > > > >

> > > > > > Hi again,

> > > > > > just thought I would add to my story...

> > > > > > I found out today,when there was no MRI report, that

there

> > was

> > > a

> > > > > > letter another pediatric neurosurgeon had written. This

> > > > summer,dh

> > > > > > became vehemently opposed to Gabi having another MRI,

even

> > > > though

> > > > > > our ped. neur. said she needed one. So, I took her to

> > another

> > > > > ped.

> > > > > > neurosurgeon to get a second opinion on the whole

matter.

> > > Well,

> > > > > she

> > > > > > gave me her opinion, and then wrote a letter to the

> > > > pediatrician,

> > > > > > saying that I was there getting a second opinion about

> what

> > > the

> > > > > > first ped. neuro. had said that she agreed with the

first

> > > guy..

> > > > > > thats good.. but then she sent a copy of the letter to

the

> > > first

> > > > > > ped. neuro. with all that information. My point, and I

do

> > > have

> > > > > one,

> > > > > > is that whatever you say to a dr. be prepared for he or

> she

> > to

> > > > > write

> > > > > > it in a letter and send it off to any names you mention

> > during

> > > > the

> > > > > > appointment. I hope he wasnt offended, but I always get

> > second

> > > > > > opinions, sometimes even three opinions. I just feel

that

> it

> > > is

> > > > > good

> > > > > > practice. I don't see how it is her business to send

off

> a

> > > > letter

> > > > > > to someone like that. I guess it is what they do. When

we

> > > > decided

> > > > > > to go with the dr. in Boston, he did tell us he was

going

> to

> > > cc

> > > > a

> > > > > > letter to the dr. in Chicago. The dr. here got it and

he

> > sent

> > > > my

> > > > > > husband a letter, he was very ticked, and very

offended.

> I

> > > did

> > > > > not

> > > > > > want to burn that bridge but I could smell it burning

> > there.

> > > I

> > > > > just

> > > > > > have to do what I think is best, surgeons just tend to

be

> > very

> > > > > > confident that they know what is best, it is hard to

know

> > who

> > > to

> > > > > > trust. anyway, sorry to ramble, just FYI kind of thing

> > > > > >

> > > > > >

> > > > >

> > > >

> > >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

tracey,that is a great story!  although i'm sure you weren't too happy about it at the time.  i wish i had your "balls" with our first ortho.  i definitely asserted myself, but i guess i was just too chicken to really light into him.we also look forward to seeing you in erie!  not too far away now.desheaOn Oct 27, 2005, at 11:54 PM, th77381 wrote: I wouldn't call me an inspiration, just a hot headed scorpio texan woman! LOL It was never my intention to completely tick this guy off, but he called Miss Mehta a witch doctor which I forgot to say in my previous post. Anyhow.....he told us we needed to do something, but had no treatment other than to wait until later and possibly do rods. When I brought up casting, he insulted my intelligence and the fact that I was a stay at home mom who had educated myself via the internet about things I had no business getting into ( the casting). After I asked him for some valid reasons why he wouldn't cast, he gave me his black majic spell, and the conversation just deteriorated from that point. When Lexi is straight, I plan on walking into his office and tossing the films on his desk and I hope he chokes on it! LOL Women are a tough breed, and Moms on a mission for their children are even tougher.......a lesson this guy learned the hard way!! Tracey "GIRL POWER!!" LOL > > > > > > > > Hi again, > > > > just thought I would add to my story... > > > > I found out today,when there was no MRI report, that there was > a > > > > letter another pediatric neurosurgeon had written. This > > summer,dh > > > > became vehemently opposed to Gabi having another MRI, even > > though > > > > our ped. neur. said she needed one.  So, I took her to another > > > ped. > > > > neurosurgeon to get a second opinion on the whole matter.  > Well, > > > she > > > > gave me her opinion, and then wrote a letter to the > > pediatrician, > > > > saying that I was there getting a second opinion about what > the > > > > first ped. neuro. had said that she agreed with the first > guy.. > > > > thats good.. but then she sent a copy of the letter to the > first > > > > ped. neuro. with all that information.  My point, and I do > have > > > one, > > > > is that whatever you say to a dr. be prepared for he or she to > > > write > > > > it in a letter and send it off to any names you mention during > > the > > > > appointment. I hope he wasnt offended, but I always get second > > > > opinions, sometimes even three opinions. I just feel that it > is > > > good > > > > practice.  I don't see how it is her business to send off a > > letter > > > > to someone like that. I guess it is what they do.  When we > > decided > > > > to go with the dr. in Boston, he did tell us he was going to > cc > > a > > > > letter to the dr. in Chicago.  The dr. here got it and he sent > > my > > > > husband a letter, he was very ticked, and very offended.  I > did > > > not > > > > want to burn that bridge but I could smell it burning there.  > I > > > just > > > > have to do what I think is best, surgeons just tend to be very > > > > confident that they know what is best, it is hard to know who > to > > > > trust. anyway, sorry to ramble, just FYI kind of thing > > > > > > > > > > > > > >

[Guest guest]

Dawn, I understand that you can only do what Jack will let you

do, but I'd hound him to death to get a 2nd and even a third

opinion. I told a doctor once I wanted a second opinion before

I made a decision. He said fine and if any doctor ever gets

upset when you say that, run as fast as you can. I don't believe

any reputable doctor will object to a second opinion.

If Jack could get on line and read past messages and see

how many blotched surgeries have been performed by

inexperienced doctors he'd change his mind.

I don't know what coverage you have with Georgia Retirement

insurance. But that together with Medicare, I can't believe

you'd not be covered. It pays however to ask both.

Since I've spouted off so much here let me add that if I were

he I might consider traveling to see someone like Dr. Rice

at Cleveland Clinic or one of the other doctors mentioned

here who have preformed many surgeries. That is something

else you might ask your insurance company. Be sure to

let them know when you talk to them that this is a very rare

disease and there just aren't that many competent doctors.

A blotched surgery could cost them more in the long run.

Good luck,

Maggie

Alabama

See what's free at AOL.com.

[Guest guest]

Dear Dawn, Jack is really considering surgery by such an inexperienced doctor?!? I hope you can talk him into getting a second opinion. A surgeon who has done a few Heller's and is experienced in performing esophagectomies is already talking about an esophagectomy in future?!? I'ld say no no no!!! Don't go for it!!! And please go get that second opinion in a hospital recommended here on the board. At least Jack is now considering surgery, so that's a step forward, I guess. Now I hope you'll be able to convince him in going to see another surgeon. As for the insurance part I am very sorry for not being able to help you out on that one. Overseas health insurance keeps surprising me and keeps giving me the feeling that I am a lucky girl living over here... But, I think you'll manage to find covering for second opinion and surgery. I'm keeping my fingers crossed! Love, Isabelladawnbwillis <dawnbwillis@...> wrote: Hi, Everyone!My husband Jack had a consultation at DeKalb Medical Center, and I was glad I had the list of questions from this site. The surgeon (Champney) has done a few Heller myotomies while chief resident at Vanderbilt, but none since he moved to Atlanta two years ago. He says Jack is the first he has seen here, but he doesn't foresee any problems. Jack would have to do another barium swallow

before the surgery proceeds. I am now pressuring Jack to make an appointment with the laparascopic thoracic surgery group at Emory U. From the article Maggie sent, they must do about 20 Hellers a year...although the lead surgeon has left Emory for Mayo in ville, so he is no longer there.The DeKalb guy said that if Jack did not have surgery, it was likely that the Botox would become less and less effective and that the Heller would become more difficult to do. If things continued to worsen, as is likely, he might wind up having to have an esophagectomy....in which, perhaps not incidentally, this surgeon has had a lot of recent experience. What I am finding, to my surprise, is that Jack is resisting the second opinion. All of his MDs are at DeKalb, which is close by, he has been in the hospital several times (dehydration or urinary retention)and knows where everything is. He likes the surgeon and

has confidence in him despite his lack of recent experience with this procedure. He says you never know at a teaching hospital if the surgeon or a resident is doing the surgery. I fail to see the harm in getting a second opinion, but it is something he has never done before. Actually, I haven't either, but I have always talked to someone who has had the same procedure before signing up. Maybe he thinks it is an insult to the first surgeon. What we also need to determine is if Medicare and his GA State Retirees Health Plan will pay for a second opinion.Dawn in Atlanta

Need a vacation? Get great deals to amazing places on Travel.

[Guest guest]

Dawn,

I’m glad to hear that your husband saw a surgeon with some

experience with this rare disease. I understand that there is a comfort

zone with things being familiar, but what is the harm in getting another

opinion from a surgeon with more experience with Achalasia?

If he’s worried about hurting the feeling of his current

doctor, that’s understandable. I felt the same way when I got my second

and third opinion. But you are paying to it and have to live with the outcome,

why not get the best advice available to you?

Venable in SF

From:

achalasia [mailto:achalasia ] On Behalf Of dawnbwillis

Sent: Thursday, June 07, 2007 11:54 AM

achalasia

Subject: Second Opinions

Hi, Everyone!

My husband Jack had a consultation at DeKalb Medical Center, and I

was glad I had the list of questions from this site. The surgeon

(Champney) has done a few Heller myotomies while chief resident at

Vanderbilt, but none since he moved to Atlanta two years ago. He

says Jack is the first he has seen here, but he doesn't foresee any

problems. Jack would have to do another barium swallow before the

surgery proceeds. I am now pressuring Jack to make an appointment

with the laparascopic thoracic surgery group at Emory U. From the

article Maggie sent, they must do about 20 Hellers a year...although

the lead surgeon has left Emory for Mayo in ville, so he is no

longer there.

The DeKalb guy said that if Jack did not have surgery, it was likely

that the Botox would become less and less effective and that the

Heller would become more difficult to do. If things continued to

worsen, as is likely, he might wind up having to have an

esophagectomy....in which, perhaps not incidentally, this surgeon has

had a lot of recent experience.

What I am finding, to my surprise, is that Jack is resisting the

second opinion. All of his MDs are at DeKalb, which is close by, he

has been in the hospital several times (dehydration or urinary

retention)and knows where everything is. He likes the surgeon and

has confidence in him despite his lack of recent experience with this

procedure. He says you never know at a teaching hospital if the

surgeon or a resident is doing the surgery. I fail to see the harm

in getting a second opinion, but it is something he has never done

before. Actually, I haven't either, but I have always talked to

someone who has had the same procedure before signing up. Maybe he

thinks it is an insult to the first surgeon. What we also need to

determine is if Medicare and his GA State Retirees Health Plan will

pay for a second opinion.

Dawn in Atlanta

[Guest guest]

Absolutely NOT!!!! Its your body, make sure you treat it with as

much respect as you would your car. We don’t take our cars to a Bob

and he spits a wad of tobacco out and says “Well, Thinkin’ yer

timein chains not right, could be wrong thou” as he scratches his head!!!

LMAO I crack myself up some times. No get all the opinions that you want and if

they are a good surgeon and secure in their abilities they should have NO

problem with it.

From:

achalasia [mailto:achalasia ] On Behalf Of clayoub

Sent: Thursday, June 07, 2007 5:40 PM

achalasia

Subject: Re: Second Opinions

Dawn,

Most doctors expect that a patient will get a second opinion. In

fact, my surgeon told me to get one, and then told me that she thought

the 2nd surgeon I chose was a good one! A surgeon who is secure in

their abilities won't mind. You can use their knowledge to get the

best tests done. My 2nd surgeon had me go to a different facility for

testing, but I plan on giving the info to the 1st one too, for her

opinion. It's nothing to feel bad or weird about.

[Guest guest]

Dawn- Your husband sounds just like me. I didn't want a secound opinion

either. I had to go to U of M for it which was out of network for my

insurance and not to mention two hours away. My gastro doctor insisted

and it was well worth it. My surgeon was experienced but knowing that I

had a team of doctors behind the surgery made me feel really good. It

is better to wait and feel confident then to always wonder if you made

the right decision.

, Michigan

[Guest guest]

>i agree totally with you, i am in the UK and was diagnosed in 1995, i

refused then and still do, as i manage the condition fairly well.

until the day I can not then i will travel the world to find the best

surgeon to do what is needed.

I have heard of a lot of operations not being the success they

thought, and the relieve gained lasting for a short time.

I would love to speak to fellow sufferers that are 5 years post op, i

wish to gain as much information as possible and share mine with others.

Take care All

Paddy.

> Dawn, I understand that you can only do what Jack will let you

> do, but I'd hound him to death to get a 2nd and even a third

> opinion. I told a doctor once I wanted a second opinion before

> I made a decision. He said fine and if any doctor ever gets

> upset when you say that, run as fast as you can. I don't believe

> any reputable doctor will object to a second opinion.

>

> If Jack could get on line and read past messages and see

> how many blotched surgeries have been performed by

> inexperienced doctors he'd change his mind.

>

> I don't know what coverage you have with Georgia Retirement

> insurance. But that together with Medicare, I can't believe

> you'd not be covered. It pays however to ask both.

>

> Since I've spouted off so much here let me add that if I were

> he I might consider traveling to see someone like Dr. Rice

> at Cleveland Clinic or one of the other doctors mentioned

> here who have preformed many surgeries. That is something

> else you might ask your insurance company. Be sure to

> let them know when you talk to them that this is a very rare

> disease and there just aren't that many competent doctors.

> A blotched surgery could cost them more in the long run.

>

> Good luck,

> Maggie

> Alabama

>

>

>

>

>

> ************************************** See what's free at

http://www.aol.com.

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Paddy, Good on you to try to gain as much information as possible. I wrote to you before, mentioning the Nissen-procedure being wrong. My first myotomy (with Nissen) gave me relief for a couple of years. After giving birth to my boys problems worsened and worsened. I got my second myotomy last January. They still don't know what caused my worsened problems. The Nissen fundo was completely loose and damaged and has been replaced with another type of wrap. There was lots of scar tissue (spleen and liver had even grown together). Furthermore the length of the myotomy might have been to short. We'll never know. They have done something about all possible causes. Unfortunately this myotomy didn't bring me relief and I am going to have another one next year. In Holland I had surgery with the best possible Dutch surgeon. I had lots of confidence in him and he truly had

lots of experience performing myotomies. Now I am going to Germany, to Europe's top surgeon on achalasia, dr. Schulz. He has done hundreds of mytomies and lots of redo's. Succes rates are truly high. In my case he thinks about using a new procedure TSE-Cardiaplastic. Through this procedure they can even perform the mytomy further up, which might finally do the trick for me. My Dutch surgeon agrees that this might be THE procedure for me, whereas he cannot offer me anything else now than esophagectomy. If you have any further questions, don't hesitate to ask. Paddy, I am not a success story (yet, I am going to be on, you can count on that). But you must keep in mind that the oldies (well, I am only 33, but have achalasia over 15 years now) who write here, are mostly the "difficult" cases. The achalasians with success stories disappear from the board after a while, which is very understandable, I guess.

So don't let the stories here mislead you. Love, Isabellapaddypower2468 <paddypower2468@...> wrote: >i agree totally with you, i am in the UK and was diagnosed in 1995, irefused then and still do, as i manage the condition fairly well.until the day I can not then i will travel the world to find the bestsurgeon to do what is needed.I have heard

of a lot of operations not being the success theythought, and the relieve gained lasting for a short time.I would love to speak to fellow sufferers that are 5 years post op, iwish to gain as much information as possible and share mine with others.Take care AllPaddy.> Dawn, I understand that you can only do what Jack will let you > do, but I'd hound him to death to get a 2nd and even a third> opinion. I told a doctor once I wanted a second opinion before> I made a decision. He said fine and if any doctor ever gets> upset when you say that, run as fast as you can. I don't believe> any reputable doctor will object to a second opinion.> > If Jack could get on line and read past messages and see> how many blotched surgeries have been performed by> inexperienced doctors he'd change his mind.> > I don't know what coverage you have with Georgia Retirement> insurance.

But that together with Medicare, I can't believe> you'd not be covered. It pays however to ask both. > > Since I've spouted off so much here let me add that if I were> he I might consider traveling to see someone like Dr. Rice> at Cleveland Clinic or one of the other doctors mentioned> here who have preformed many surgeries. That is something> else you might ask your insurance company. Be sure to> let them know when you talk to them that this is a very rare> disease and there just aren't that many competent doctors.> A blotched surgery could cost them more in the long run.> > Good luck,> Maggie> Alabama> > > > > > ************************************** See what's free athttp://www.aol.com.>

Be a better Globetrotter. Get better travel answers from someone who knows. Answers - Check it out.

[Guest guest]

Hey Paddy - I am 18 years post op, have had A for over 25 years and

have still only had 1 surgery (ironically, a myotomy with nissen).

I still manage pretty well day to day. I have to say that if I could

get rid of my occassional spasms, I really wouldn't have much to

complain about.

Happy Swallowing!

- in NC

> >i agree totally with you, i am in the UK and was diagnosed in

1995, i

> refused then and still do, as i manage the condition fairly well.

> until the day I can not then i will travel the world to find the

best

> surgeon to do what is needed.

> I have heard of a lot of operations not being the success they

> thought, and the relieve gained lasting for a short time.

> I would love to speak to fellow sufferers that are 5 years post op,

i

> wish to gain as much information as possible and share mine with

others.

> Take care All

> Paddy.

>

>

> > Dawn, I understand that you can only do what Jack will let you

> > do, but I'd hound him to death to get a 2nd and even a third

> > opinion. I told a doctor once I wanted a second opinion before

> > I made a decision. He said fine and if any doctor ever gets

> > upset when you say that, run as fast as you can. I don't believe

> > any reputable doctor will object to a second opinion.

> >

> > If Jack could get on line and read past messages and see

> > how many blotched surgeries have been performed by

> > inexperienced doctors he'd change his mind.

> >

> > I don't know what coverage you have with Georgia Retirement

> > insurance. But that together with Medicare, I can't believe

> > you'd not be covered. It pays however to ask both.

> >

> > Since I've spouted off so much here let me add that if I were

> > he I might consider traveling to see someone like Dr. Rice

> > at Cleveland Clinic or one of the other doctors mentioned

> > here who have preformed many surgeries. That is something

> > else you might ask your insurance company. Be sure to

> > let them know when you talk to them that this is a very rare

> > disease and there just aren't that many competent doctors.

> > A blotched surgery could cost them more in the long run.

> >

> > Good luck,

> > Maggie

> > Alabama

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> > ************************************** See what's free at

> http://www.aol.com.

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Paddy wrote:

I would love to speak to fellow sufferers that are 5 years post op,

You may be interested in a file in the file section, LongTerm.HTML

..

notan

[Guest guest]

Yeah! I persuaded Jack to talk to his internist, who backed me up

totally. He said that if this were a common operation it probably

wouldn't matter which surgeon did it, but with something this rare,

experience is very important. It looks like the Emory group does about

25 Hellers a year, and , the surgeon, trained in the

procedure at Mayo-Rochester, which is the top place in the country for

achalasia surgery. I hope is able to convince Jack (and me)that

he is the guy to do this. Going to Mayo itself doesn't seem practical,

and there would no doubt be a long wait.

Dawn in Atlanta

-- In achalasia , " cthymunroe " <cthymunroe@...> wrote:

>

> Dawn- Your husband sounds just like me. I didn't want a secound

opinion

> either. I had to go to U of M for it which was out of network for my

> insurance and not to mention two hours away. My gastro doctor

insisted

> and it was well worth it. My surgeon was experienced but knowing that

I

> had a team of doctors behind the surgery made me feel really good. It

> is better to wait and feel confident then to always wonder if you

made

> the right decision.

>

> , Michigan

>

[Guest guest]

WELL DONE!!! Love, Isabelladawnbwillis <dawnbwillis@...> wrote: Yeah! I persuaded Jack to talk to his internist, who backed me up totally. He said that if this were a common operation it probably wouldn't matter which surgeon did it, but with something this rare, experience is very important. It looks like the Emory group does about 25 Hellers a year, and , the surgeon, trained in the procedure at Mayo-Rochester, which is the top place

in the country for achalasia surgery. I hope is able to convince Jack (and me)that he is the guy to do this. Going to Mayo itself doesn't seem practical, and there would no doubt be a long wait.Dawn in Atlanta-- In achalasia , "cthymunroe" <cthymunroe@...> wrote:>> Dawn- Your husband sounds just like me. I didn't want a secound opinion > either. I had to go to U of M for it which was out of network for my > insurance and not to mention two hours away. My gastro doctor insisted > and it was well worth it. My surgeon was experienced but knowing that I > had a team of doctors behind the surgery made me feel really good. It > is better to wait and feel confident then to always wonder if you made > the right decision. > > ,

Michigan>

Get your own web address. Have a HUGE year through Small Business.

[Guest guest]

Dawn,

I've been following your posts about your husband and the " dreaded "

second opinion.

While it may not always be convenient to get a second opinion, it is a

necessity when it comes to achalasia. You need a surgeon that has a

great deal of experience with achalasia patients. There are many on

this board that have been to inexperienced surgeons that have paid the

price through having to have " re-do " surgeries to repair the mess that

was made.

Maybe put it to your husband in normal terms, comparing it to more

everyday things.

If you were house hunting, he certainly wouldn't jump to buy the very

first house he found without seeing it first or getting an inspection.

He wouldn't just buy a car without test driving it or having it seen

by a mechanic. If you had to have major work done on your house, would

you call the repairman that had only done one job, or the experienced

one that had done the same job 300 times?

Just trying to help you get the point across that a second opinion, or

even third if you still aren't happy, is so important. You need to

find the most qualified, experienced doctor to take care of this -

your husband only has one body and it makes no sense taking chances.

Trust me, I just had an esophagectomy 10 weeks ago at the age of 33 -

if I could go back in time 10 years to change things I would.

in NY

Re: Second Opinions

achalasia

> Yeah! I persuaded Jack to talk to his internist, who backed me up

> totally. He said that if this were a common operation it probably

> wouldn't matter which surgeon did it, but with something this

> rare,

> experience is very important. It looks like the Emory group does

> about

> 25 Hellers a year, and , the surgeon, trained in the

> procedure at Mayo-Rochester, which is the top place in the country

> for

> achalasia surgery. I hope is able to convince Jack (and

> me)that

> he is the guy to do this. Going to Mayo itself doesn't seem

> practical,

> and there would no doubt be a long wait.

>

> Dawn in Atlanta

>

>

>

>

> -- In achalasia , " cthymunroe " <cthymunroe@...> wrote:

> >

> > Dawn- Your husband sounds just like me. I didn't want a secound

> opinion

> > either. I had to go to U of M for it which was out of network

> for my

> > insurance and not to mention two hours away. My gastro doctor

> insisted

> > and it was well worth it. My surgeon was experienced but knowing

> that

> I

> > had a team of doctors behind the surgery made me feel really

> good. It

> > is better to wait and feel confident then to always wonder if

> you

> made

> > the right decision.

> >

> > , Michigan

> >

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

(that's my daughter's name)--

Actually, my husband probably would buy a house/car without shopping

around. At least a car! He never bought a house until we were

married, and he hated shopping for one, but I wanted to see

everything! However, he decides what kind of a car he wants, and

goes to a dealer and buys it. I'll let everyone know the results of

the " second opinion " next Thursday.

Dawn

-- In achalasia , tracylb@... wrote:

>

> Dawn,

> I've been following your posts about your husband and the " dreaded "

> second opinion.

> While it may not always be convenient to get a second opinion, it

is a

> necessity when it comes to achalasia. You need a surgeon that has a

> great deal of experience with achalasia patients. There are many on

> this board that have been to inexperienced surgeons that have paid

the

> price through having to have " re-do " surgeries to repair the mess

that

> was made.

> Maybe put it to your husband in normal terms, comparing it to more

> everyday things.

> If you were house hunting, he certainly wouldn't jump to buy the

very

> first house he found without seeing it first or getting an

inspection.

> He wouldn't just buy a car without test driving it or having it

seen

> by a mechanic. If you had to have major work done on your house,

would

> you call the repairman that had only done one job, or the

experienced

> one that had done the same job 300 times?

> Just trying to help you get the point across that a second opinion,

or

> even third if you still aren't happy, is so important. You need to

> find the most qualified, experienced doctor to take care of this -

> your husband only has one body and it makes no sense taking

chances.

> Trust me, I just had an esophagectomy 10 weeks ago at the age of

33 -

> if I could go back in time 10 years to change things I would.

>

> in NY

>

> Re: Second Opinions

> achalasia

>

> > Yeah! I persuaded Jack to talk to his internist, who backed me

up

> > totally. He said that if this were a common operation it

probably

> > wouldn't matter which surgeon did it, but with something this

> > rare,

> > experience is very important. It looks like the Emory group does

> > about

> > 25 Hellers a year, and , the surgeon, trained in the

> > procedure at Mayo-Rochester, which is the top place in the

country

> > for

> > achalasia surgery. I hope is able to convince Jack (and

> > me)that

> > he is the guy to do this. Going to Mayo itself doesn't seem

> > practical,

> > and there would no doubt be a long wait.

> >

> > Dawn in Atlanta

> >

> >

> >

> >

> > -- In achalasia , " cthymunroe " <cthymunroe@> wrote:

> > >

> > > Dawn- Your husband sounds just like me. I didn't want a secound

> > opinion

> > > either. I had to go to U of M for it which was out of network

> > for my

> > > insurance and not to mention two hours away. My gastro doctor

> > insisted

> > > and it was well worth it. My surgeon was experienced but

knowing

> > that

> > I

> > > had a team of doctors behind the surgery made me feel really

> > good. It

> > > is better to wait and feel confident then to always wonder if

> > you

> > made

> > > the right decision.

> > >

> > > , Michigan

> > >

> >

> >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

I beleive there is a link to a list of private dr's who see patients, that TPA

have created. I have tried all over the site and still cannot find it.... ??

Thank you :-)

Dawn2