Yes, I did!

I think most of us often trust the expertise of medical professionals to guide us through difficult health challenges. Last year, my personal medical experience taught me the invaluable lesson of seeking second opinions related to my health. My story involves battling a persistent foot ulcer and how getting a second opinion ultimately helped me from getting deathly ill, started me on the path to a future I didn’t even know was possible, and reminded me the importance of self advocacy. 

The Struggle Begins

In the beginning of last year, I found myself in the hospital on multiple separate occasions due to a foot ulcer on my heel that simply would not heal. Despite being aware of the possibility of loose hardware in my foot, the medical team initially dismissed the need for that hardware’s removal. Unfortunately, the hardware did come loose, causing the ulcer to persist and worsen. Luckily, due to an accident I had years ago, I could not feel the hardware poking out of my heel; however, the multiple hospitalizations, rounds of antibiotics, and open wounds prone to infection left me beyond frustrated, feeling helpless and fatigued. I felt like I was stuck in a never ending maze…one where “The Song that Doesn’t End” plays endlessly on a loop…ugh….

The Turning Point

After months of unsuccessful treatments, nutritionists and medical assistants treating me as if I wasn’t taking my health seriously and eating healthy foods (I was) and staying off my feet (I was doing that, too), the doctors finally decided to remove the hardware. A month or so after surgery follow up and the medical team still not seeing the results they expected, after yet another hospitalization, I was told that now they believed my foot would need to be amputated. After five long months of hospital stays, doctor follow up visits, and declining health, this latest news hit me like a real-life, non-foam, let’s-build-a-house brick. And something within me finally urged me to seek another opinion on a decision that could completely change my life.

Given a New Perspective

Determined to explore all possibilities, I took to the Internet to search for the expertise of a different doctor with a different hospital system. It was there that my journey took an unexpected turn. The new doctor (we’ll call her “Dr. B”), after examining only five X-ray images, delivered a diagnosis that actually made sense: I had been battling a severe infection that had gone unnoticed for over a year. The infection had been the underlying cause of my prolonged illness, most likely the reason why the hardware came loose and the reason why my foot hadn’t shown any signs of improvement.

The Impact of a Second Opinion

Dr. B’s clarity and certainty in diagnosing the infection was such a breath of fresh air!. Finally, I had answers that explained the persistent illness and the lack of progress in healing. The realization hit me hard – had I sought a second opinion earlier, I might have avoided months of anguish, and though I may have lost my limb anyway, I would have been on the road to recovery that much sooner. The power of a fresh perspective and finding an expert who has the experience to know pinpoint issues is invaluable.

The Importance of Advocating for Yourself

Reflecting on my experience, I now understand the significance of advocating for oneself in matters of healthcare. While it is natural to feel comfortable and trust the initial medical team – especially after working closely with them on serious health matters – it’s important to remember that medical opinions can vary. If something doesn’t feel right or progress stalls, it is crucial to seek alternative viewpoints. Second opinions provide an opportunity to explore different diagnostic possibilities, discover missed or misinterpreted information, and ultimately make more informed decisions about our health. Who knows, you might even feel like you’re living your very own episode of House MD, solving medical puzzles and outsmarting the doctors with your detective skills. Just remember, it’s not lupus… it’s never lupus (except, of course, when it is)!

Seek at Least Two Opinions

My personal journey highlights the huge impact of seeking a second opinion when faced with a complex medical situation. By trusting my instincts and finding a doctor who approached my case from a fresh perspective, I was able to have a needed surgery from an expert and start my path to recovery. Never underestimate the power of a second opinion and the role it can play in shaping your health outcomes.

Our health is our most valuable asset! Be an active, interested participant in your own care. Trust your instincts, seek alternative perspectives when needed, and never ever hesitate to give yourself the best chance at a healthier future.