Cruciate ligaments :

2nd opinion - - Posted by patlim (patlim), 9 January 2005

HI there, i am really considering 2nd opinion from another doc. I am 4 months post op. My first doc said after 6 months i can play back sports but my knee doesnt feels good. When can i go and get another opinion from another doctor? is it after the 6 months program or during recovery and still inside the existing program its ok, cause i am just wandering sticking with the first doctor because he is the one who has done the operation. please give me advice.
Posted by hottubpam (hottubpam), 9 January 2005

It is not always easy getting an OS to give you a 2nd opinion.  When I deduced that my original OS was a quack, I sought the opinion of 2 other OS's, They REFUSED to see me.  I was told later by 2 drs. that are not OS's that no one wants to "clean up" somebody else's mess - that's why I had such a hard time finding a good OS.  Finally got into the best OS in the State who was very suspicious about why I wanted a second opinion.

2nd OS did arthroscopic surgery on me and based on his comments I know he agrees that the first OS was an imcompetent dr.   Anyway after the 2nd op, I developed additional scar tissue and even though my 2nd OS is a very good surgeon, he did not know how to treat recurrent scar tissue.  I was told by many in medical professional locally that I would have to go out of state to find another OS that would take my case.

I found an arthrofibrosis specialists (scar tissue) in the neighboring state and have been seeing him for the past 3 months.  He knows what he is doing and I am very confident in his treatment protcol.

You may have to get your family dr. to give you a referral to another OS.  Depending on how large the city is where you live, you may have to go out of the area.
Some people actually ask there current OS for a referral to another OS, but I'm not sure I have any faith in this since the medical brotherhood is pretty close knit.


Good luck
Pam


Posted by JMStan (Jaci), 9 January 2005

Hello, Patlim.

I was less than 3 months post-op when I sought a second opinion from a different OS. My primary care doctor was extremely supportive and helped me get a referral. As Pam mentioned some doctors are hesitant to see someone else's patient so soon after surgery. However, I doubt that healthcare providers can have a policy that strictly forbids seeking a second opinion.

If you're concerned about your knee definitely get another opinion. The main thing is that you may have to push for what you want, don't take "no" for an answer.

Good luck.

Jaci

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