Powered By
What to do if doctors have different opinions? The previous doctor prescribed medication that was effective for a long time, but during one of the last visits said that surgery is necessary because its effectiveness will decrease in the future. However, the new doctor believes that the benefits of surgery may not outweigh the harm it would cause. When is it better to stick to medication.
You will know when you have found the correct doctor for you. We don't have to be "comfortable" with a treatment, but listen to your gut. Don't let anyone experiment on you. And if you go for a 2nd or 3rd opinion, don't talk too much. Let the doctor ask you questions. I am here for a 2nd opinion and here are my recent EEG results. Please tell me how you would treat my condition. You, @A MyEpilepsyTeam Member are the boss of your body and you are your own best advocate.
Get another Dr’s opinion
Very interesting
As a patient that works with a specialist I listen closely to what is being said then will make the final judgement after hearing all suggestions. When in the situation of my first brain surgery (1995) I had just experienced going through 15 different epilepsy medications that did not work and my epilepsy neurologist was concerned for my situation. He referred me for consult to a neurosurgeon to discuss having brain surgery take place.
I was in panic mode, had a lot of questions going through my mind but with the help of a family member by my side we went to see this neurosurgeon to discuss the option. The consultation lasted for an hour. I learned how the surgery would take place from beginning to end including recovery. I then asked tough questions about why this surgery and not just changing to another medication; the answer did make sense. So many medications were taken and none of them worked in combination or when changed. A specific section was found on the brain where the seizures are coming from and it is felt in medical professional opinion partial of that can be a solid benefit to dropping seizure activity. I thought about that information for a few days, spoke with my neurological specialist then gave my answer to move forward to the neurosurgeon for the surgery which we did. I was actually seizure free for five years after the surgery.
My point of all the above, the patient (over 18) is the person who provides yes or no to a procedure taking place. The patient (under 18) must have a guardian approval which gets into an entirely new conversation.
Normally if your on a med and it has been working for a while and there's lot of evidence to back that up then they shouldn't be changing anything. The only reason they may change a med when it is working is if they do a blood test and they find out the levels are out and there is a chance it will stop working. This is what happened to me.
Join
Your Privacy Choices
