Have you ever had a medical experience where a 2nd opinion would have saved you some pain? Or maybe you did get that 2nd opinion and were so relieved that you did. As much as I respect medical professionals, some just catch things others do not. It isn’t a matter of trusting or not trusting, it is a matter of following your gut and doing more research. Some doctors miss things, others have experiences that help them catch nuances or other details. This can go for family doctors, OB/GYNs, and dentists. (Thank you Invisalign for sponsoring this post. I am going to share my story with you all now!)
See that picture above? That is me just shortly after my emergency c-section for my oldest, Lizzie. I was very young and naive. I blindly trusted everything my OB/GYN told me, never thinking to question her. I thought my pregnancy was going along so smoothly. I hired a doula and was ready for as natural a birth as I could have.
Something about the pregnancy did strike me as a little odd. The only times I felt her kick was down super low, below my belly button. I pointed that out to my doctor, saying I think she was punching me with her arms. Doc smiled and said “yup! Probably!”
Then, I went over my due date and tried to get induced. That didn’t work and I went home later that day. I just didn’t dilate. Then, 10 days after my due date, I had some serious contractions – yay!! But when I arrived at the hospital the doctor on call said “um, that isn’t a head. Honey, your baby is breech.”
So I had to have an emergency c-section that I didn’t prepare for emotionally or intellectually at all. All because I didn’t ask for a 2nd opinion about the lack of kicks in my 3rd trimester.
Second opinions are important
I could have prepared for my c-section or even avoided it. The same goes for your car, your house and even your teeth. Asking for a second opinion can have the potential to save you money and provide better solutions for you. Whether it is a birth, a therapy session or braces, I highly suggest seeking 2nd opinions.
So let’s take orthodontics for example. There are two popular choices for teeth straightening – wire braces or Invisalign clear braces. You might ask, “How much are braces for adults?” While everyone’s needs are different and there are many factors that determine the cost of different types of braces. But, in most cases, Invisalign is comparable in cost to traditional braces, is covered by most dental insurance plans, and affordable financing options are always available. For more information on cost and insurance coverage, visit the Invisalign website.
The reason for the 2nd opinion? Not all dentists and orthodontists are certified Invisalign providers. So the best way to find a general dentist and an Invisalign provider is to visit the Invisalign Doctor Locator.
I have really crooked bottom teeth. It makes me self-conscious and seriously the cost of braces has always been a deciding factor for why I haven’t tried to straighten them. That and I am a serious dental wuss. It’s bad. This not only applies to braces, but also to other dental concerns such as dental implants and tooth extractions.
SO TELL ME – Do you always get a 2nd opinion?
I don’t often seek out 2nd opinions – but I also don’t think I’ve needed to find a 2nd opinion.
Thanks for sharing your story!
I can not believe that this Doctor did not find out that your baby was breach. How could she not know. I do not think I would have thought about getting a second opinion, but I am glad your child turned out okay. I will keep in mind a second opinion. I would love to get Invisalign for myself.