Get a Second Opinion Before a Hysterectomy
Each year more than half a million women in the United States choose to have a hysterectomy. The reasons for having the surgery span from the imperative (cancer) to the elective (fibroids, bleeding and endometriosis). Women who are uncomfortable with the thought of hysterectomy, or who merely want another point of view, should ask for a second opinion before undergoing the procedure.
Instructions
Know Get a Second Opinion for Hysterectomy
1. Tell your doctor that you want to get a second opinion before proceeding with hysterectomy. No doctor should be offended by the request for a second opinion for any surgery, especially one like hysterectomy with far reaching permanent effects.
2. Proceed with extreme haste if your doctor has advised you to have a radical procedure for cancer or other extensive disease. Make sure the professional you contact for a second opinion is aware of the need for a speedy second opinion. Requesting a 24-hour turnaround is not unfair.
3. Educate yourself about alternative treatments for chronic, non-life-threatening conditions of the reproductive system.
4. Contact your insurance provider to see if your plan covers a second opinion and the proper steps to follow. In extreme cases, make sure the process is expedited.
5. Consider intermediate therapy for the treatment of fibroid tumors, polyps, endometriosis or bleeding. Changes in diet, drug regimens, less invasive surgery and even age may cure some problems.
6. Contact hysterectomy support groups to get names of health care professionals for second opinions. Many such organizations maintain data banks broken down by specialties as well as anecdotal information from their members.
7. Go to a doctor who is not in practice with or associated with your current physician to get your second opinion. Doctors who work in the same practice or work together closely may have similar philosophies about the need for a hysterectomy. You want a diversity of opinion before proceeding with your surgery.
Tags: second opinion, Before Hysterectomy, before proceeding, before proceeding with, opinion before, Opinion Before Hysterectomy