My conversation about eyes with Ursula yesterday reminded me of a checkup with an opthamologist years ago. When she did the exam she said I had a retinal hole — a small tear in the retina that had healed itself — but it was nothing to worry about. Don’t come back for two years.
Huh? I had been going once every two years, but it sounded to me like it was time to start going once a year. I compromised. I went back in a year and a half. She remembered me and said, “I thought I told you not to come back for two years.”
Everything looked okay, and she again told me not to come back for two years. ❓ ❓ I was covered by insurance, which had nothing to do with her office, so she had no financial reason to put me off.
Fortunately after about a year and a half it was clear I needed a new prescription, so back I went again. This time there was a new fellow in the practice, so I chose him. He examined my eyes and said I had a torn retina. It wasn’t an emergency, but I should have surgery within the next two weeks to keep it from detaching.
Sometimes it pays not to do everything a doctor says — sometimes it’s better to switch doctors. Have you ever had an experience like that?
September 3, 2014
That seems like two totally contradictory opinions – one that the torn retina has healed itself and one that urgent surgery is needed. Perhaps a third opinion is called for?
My doctor told me on one occasion I had cataracts developing. I went to the optician shortly after and he could see nothing wrong with my eyes. Supposed expert opinion has to be taken with a pinch of salt sometimes.
The hole and the tear were two separate incidents. If I had followed the first doctor’s advice not to come back for two years, I would have had a detached retina.
No. The doctors and surgeons in my life so far have all been simply great human beings and who have not given me any reason to consider ditching for other doctors and surgeons. My friends and relatives who have gone to the same doctors and surgeons on my recommendation also have similar attachments to them. But I do know others who have benefited by changing doctors.
You’re lucky. I’m happy for you!
Oh yes. And, I have no problem asking to be referred to, or seeking out, a different doctor if I’m not liking what I hear. Intuition is a good thing to listen to.
I might even agree with Nick that perhaps a third examination by a different eye doctor might be a good idea? Just to be sure. I’m sorry one opinion conflicts with the other. Very frustrating.
Wishing you all the best.
Again, they were two different incidents of retinal problems. I ended up having two more torn retinas and three retinal hemorrhages before it was (hopefully) all over. I was right to insist on more frequent exams.
Not me, but Karen did years ago, back in the late 80s. She had problems with rashes, couldn’t lift arms over her head, muscle weakness and pain. It all developed about 6 weeks after a hysterectomy. The doctor she initially went to for the new problems basically blew her off, implying it was all in her head and that she should go to a a dermatologist for the rashes. The dermatologist she went to recognized that it wasn’t just rashes. It turned out that she had pericarditis, swelling and irritation of the pericardium, the thin sac-like membrane surrounding the heart. It as a symptom of other problems. She ended up with a different GP, who referred her to a rheumatologist in Little Rock, who she has no been seeing for 26 years! It turned out she had lupus and related connective tissue disorders. Dr. K has successfully treated her such that she has been in medicated remission for many, many years. Heaven knows what would have happened if she had not found someone who actually listened!
Good for the dermatologist! Any time a doctor suggests it’s all in a person’s head, it’s time to move on. I’m glad Karen ended up with good care.
I still remember a friend telling me his aunt had been in the hospital for an operation and when it was over she couldn’t raise her arm over her head. The doctor said you have to expect problems as you get older. So why did the problem suddenly appear after the operation? It turns out they had accidentally dropped her while moving her, and they had broken her collarbone.
I’ve been lucky with my doctors. Carmen’s experience has been more mixed.
Glad you, at least, had good luck.
Your problems were obviously more complex than I realised. I’m glad it’s all been sorted out now.
Thanks.