Second Opinions are SO Important

I just wanted to post a little something about second opinions. I know we all live very busy lives and expect instant gratification in almost all circumstances but sometimes we have to SLOW DOWN, especially when it comes to getting advice about our health. I am such a fan of getting second opinions, and in some cases, even third ones! I implement this in almost all situations out of my realm of expertise (certain health issues, car problems, etc.). I can't even tell you how many times this has saved me. I think sometimes people in mainstream health related fields see so many people that they just don't have time to really sit and look at all the facts. They don't know you and what you are personally experiencing so they may dismiss or just not see something big. A few months ago my son hit his front tooth and it was bleeding and was wiggly so I called a pediatric dentist, whom I had never seen before, and came in right away. They were all super nice and treated my son with such care. However, the dentist recommended pulling his front tooth out right away! I was so upset and being that he was 3 at the time couldn't imagine him missing a front tooth for years never mind the trauma for him to go thru the procedure. So I called my dentist and he offered to evaluate the situation. After examination he said there was no need to pull it. You can imagine my relief, but then the feelings of “what if” came out. I sat there and wondered how many other children had their teeth needlessly yanked out. I would like to think he just made a mistake but who knows now-a-days. Just to be on the safe side, since both recommendations were so different I sent the X-ray to another dentist. He confirmed what my dentist said. Crazy huh? This is just a tooth, I have heard of some doctors amputating wrong limbs!! Sometimes I think we forget the doctors are human too and everyone gets it wrong every now and again. So next time someone gives you advice you are not sure about, trust your gut and get a second opinion!