When a second doctor's opinion isn't enough or contradictory, what do you do?

Question

Story is much too long and would not be able to tell it all, but this are basics: Bit over two years ago very close member of my family was admitted through emergency room at one hospital. Though all members of family knew of her COPD and CHF somewhat for couple of years, it wasn't until more than year and a half and at least 6 hospitalizations afterwards_with intubation included_that some of us really understood how extremely sick she'd been all along, but had never been WARNED by any of ther doctors as to any of the things she must avoid, such as the intake of salt, strenous exercise, long trips, abuse of certain medications, weight gain (or loss), the excess of oxygen intake,the need for extra hydration, etc. And the list could go on.

While this not only was totally unfair to the patient and family_and of course negligent_the worse part was having to suffer through the misdiagnosis of cancer given by not one, but two doctors. Actually 3, since primary doc. confirmed w/out really.

Without really trying, her primary doctor did'nt review her real symptoms to compare with the x-rays, nor did worry about her weight loss, paleness, much harder breathing. Etc. Thanks to strong faith and to one particular attending doctor in one of hospitals, were the first clouds dispersed, and contrary to prognosis_for a misdiagnosed disease_I made sure she was brought back to the "normal" health COPD and CHF permit! Having given her less than three months to, she's very much alive thank God, two and a half years later...I not only fed her very nutritious foods and became completely observant of all changes and the smallest details, I made sure to learn as much I could about her misdiagnosed disease as well as the ones she does have. And went on to ask every single question of interest from her doctors, as well as get into discussions and arguments once I saw how they were offering and getting us appointments for HOSPICE even!!! There was no CANCER ever, only lack of will from them!

Answer 1

Get a fourth, fifth and sixth opinion until you are more comfortable.

Answer 2

I would like to believe that medicine is a 'hard science' in the sense that it is deterministic - you put symptoms in and out pops a correct diagnosis. Reality is the complex array of symptoms that might be present in any patient are such that mis-diagnosis is highly probable, not because of a failure of the doctor(s) per se, but because it is so complex. I am a bit surprised that congestive heart problems were not well explained your family member - or perhaps they were, but not explained to the rest of the family clearly - that happens sometimes because of HIPA regulations - unless the family member gave specific release authority, health care professionals may not legally discuss details with family unless it is a minor child or someone legally 'unfit'. I've had an elderly family member we had to make sure someone was with whenever she talked to her doctors, because she didn't ask enough questions, or didn't understand what the doctor said (but didn't relay that to others...) COPD in particular can have that effect because of the reduced oxygen flow to the brain...

Answer 3

GET A MALPRACTICE ATTORNEY, BUT DON'T WAIT TOO LONG AS THE STATUE OF LIMITATIONS MAY EXPIRE.