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Re: How horrifying!
No problem, Jemmie. Like I wrote, 'always getting a second opinion' is probably an axiom, especially when it comes to our bodies and our health! Yes, I actually do have full use of said thumb, no lingering discomfort or difficulties. But I will have to live with that ugly scar running down the middle of it. Oh well. It could have been worse! Much, much worse . . . 
posted by
JimmyA
on February 9, 2014 at 10:19 AM
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Re: Re: Re:
posted by
JimmyA
on February 9, 2014 at 10:15 AM
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How horrifying!
Such trauma at such a young age! I am glad to hear your parents demanded a second opinion! I assume you have full use of said thumb (or at least a good percentage of use). Kudos to your parents, and thank you for the great lesson in always getting a second opinion when making life-altering decisions!
posted by
Jemmie211
on February 9, 2014 at 12:40 AM
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Re: Re:
posted by
Kabu
on February 8, 2014 at 3:13 PM
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Re: Jimmy..I'm in total agreement with you...
I'm glad you agree, Rumor. And I suppose there's a thing amongst doctors called 'professional courtesy.' They can agree to disagree, as long as they have the patient's best interests at heart! The bottom line is, no one person is probably right. In almost any situation, it's probably best to get that second opinion . . .
posted by
JimmyA
on February 8, 2014 at 11:22 AM
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Jimmy..I'm in total agreement with you...
I wonder how doctors deal with differences of opinion? There's probably no hard feelings, at least I would hope not.....
posted by
Rumor
on February 8, 2014 at 10:48 AM
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Re:
I hope not, lustor! I know, years ago, in certain extreme cases, amputation was the only option. But today, there's so much they can do to 'save' certain body parts. Certainly a thumb can be repaired or reattached! I'm so glad my parents stood their ground . . .
posted by
JimmyA
on February 8, 2014 at 9:18 AM
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I am sure these days there wouldnt of been even a question to save or not to save
posted by
Lanetay
on February 8, 2014 at 7:43 AM
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Re: JimmyA
An amazing coincidence for us, Sir Wiley! You almost lost a part of your leg, and I almost lost a thumb, because some doctor was more or less looking to 'take the easy way out!' And I have a feeling that both of our fathers were cut from the same mold! I hope that situation with the 'scammers' can somehow work out . . . 
posted by
JimmyA
on February 8, 2014 at 7:16 AM
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Re:
I am too, lovelylady! I know there are plenty of people out there who have to go through life with more physical problems than just a missing thumb, but it probably still would have been devastaing for me, especially as a child! No, doctors are not infallible, and shouldn't act as though they are! You're right . . . get as many opinions as possible!
posted by
JimmyA
on February 8, 2014 at 7:12 AM
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Re:
I thought so too, Kabu. I have heard of and read about so many errors being made in hospitals because someone just wasn't paying attention. But it's different when a doctor thinks only one diagnosis is correct, and proceeds accordingly. No, they are definitely not 'gods,' and should be challenged when something just doesn't sound quite right . . .
posted by
JimmyA
on February 8, 2014 at 7:06 AM
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Re:
So, Utah, did it turn out that you may have been taking that medication unnecssarily, or perhaps for longer than you needed? I can understand that too. But I guess you were somewhat vulnerable at that time, and simply had very little choice. It can be scary sometimes when you have to trust your doctor's initial diagnosis. I'm assuming you're okay now . . . 
posted by
JimmyA
on February 8, 2014 at 7:03 AM
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Re:
I can understand that, FSI. Hey, doctors can make mistakes too, or at least be unsure of themselves from time to time. Having another doctor weigh in couldn't possibly hurt, and I would highly recommend it . . .
posted by
JimmyA
on February 8, 2014 at 6:58 AM
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Re:
I've been experiencing that too this winter, C C T. Large splits in my skin along the edges of my fingernails! Very painful! The cold and the constant moisture in my gloves from all the shoveling of snow have rendered my hands almost inoperable. But somehow, I'm still able to type! I need some of that cream . . .
posted by
JimmyA
on February 8, 2014 at 6:56 AM
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Re: JimmyA
Is that what it's come down to, Bill? The final decision of the next step in a medical procedure is based on someone's insurance coverage? Probably. So what ever happened to the integrity behind that Hippocratic Oath . . . ?
posted by
JimmyA
on February 8, 2014 at 6:53 AM
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Re: Jimmy
I suppose, Naut, that sometimes even a 'third opinion' might be called for. But hopefully, as you've said, it wouldn't be needed too often. And you're right . . . I'm sure even an average doctor knows a hell of a lot more about medicine than you or I, but can still be prone to errors or misjudgements. And that's why I say, why take chances . . . ?
posted by
JimmyA
on February 8, 2014 at 6:49 AM
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JimmyA
We have something in common. At age 12 I fell on my skates and broke my right leg, in a spiral compound fracture where the bone ends protruded through the leg. The doctor put it back together and that was supposed to be that. For 3 weeks I kept crying to my folks about the terrible pain in the back of my leg. Back to the hospital where they unwrapped the leg to discover a gangrenous ulcer eating me alive. Dr. said, like your doctor, "I'll have to remove the leg below the knee." My dad reached across that table, "If you do that" he said, as he clutched the lapels on the doc's gown he said, " If my son loses that leg, as a CRA (IRS) agent be sure I shall remove your financial head. Your medical career will be over." They saved my leg and they did a good enough job that I could serve in the military eventually. Thanks for comment to my post my friend.
posted by
WileyJohn
on February 7, 2014 at 8:26 PM
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I agree, Jimmy. In this day and age, far too many people are misdiagnosed either because doctors are in too much of a hurry to listen to their patients (or the parents of their patients) or because they don't believe the symptoms their patients are describing to them, or far worse, because too many doctors have the age old "I am God" complex.
Demanding a second, third, however many opinions necessary, may just save a life. Never be afraid to stand up to a doctor who thinks they know everything. I've done it myself on many occasions.
I'm glad your parents stood up for you.
posted by
lovelyladymonk
on February 7, 2014 at 6:13 PM
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absolutely, many Dr's think that they are God's and their word should never be challenged. That way bad thinga can /do happen. Well done to your Dad.
posted by
Kabu
on February 7, 2014 at 5:05 PM
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You are so right. Some time ago I went to hospital with pneumonia and for a special surprise the doctors there in the emergency room told me that I also had emphysema, so for the next 18 months or so I took my emphysema medications religiously only to find out with a new x ray that my lungs were clear of this incurable disease...A miracle...Yes, by all means get two opinions.
posted by
UtahJay
on February 7, 2014 at 2:18 PM
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Your example is an excellent one as to why one should seek a second opinion...I had to seek many opinions in order to find out what I was experiencing with my eyes (blurry vision and double vision) was an astigmatism.
posted by
FormerStudentIntern
on February 7, 2014 at 11:08 AM
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Sure thing Jimmy and while we are here, about three years ago I had hands just like yours, it was a cold winter and I wonder if one becomes insensitive to knocks and obviously the skin breaks easily. I use tablets that regenerate the skin only a half dose, women use them, according to the blurb. I must say I have not had chaps for a long time my brother still does, but he is using a lot of drugs and is afraid to mix things. Something with collagen.
posted by
C_C_T
on February 7, 2014 at 10:40 AM
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JimmyA
❝I agree. And good health insurance’s in order in following the best decision (that could be an alternative) Jimmy. BC-A, Bill’s R®st
posted by
BC-A
on February 7, 2014 at 8:38 AM
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Jimmy
I concur, 100 per cent! While I really like doctors, and acknowledge that even the dumbest doc has studied more medicine than I have, I also know it's not an exact science, and opinions differ...I always get second and sometimes third opinions, which hasn't been necessary too often, luckily...
posted by
Nautikos
on February 7, 2014 at 6:39 AM
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