First: I must commend our newspaper, The Daily Star, for its many articles on medical and health concerns. Through the years I have learned much and am truly thankful.
As you will see it is extremely important to be informed _ correctly _ so as to make needed decisions. When your life and well-being are at risk this becomes paramount.
A very sincere medical person told me not too long ago that "Medical science is not an exact science." There are many variables. After all, each person is a unique individual and so different. What works for one person does not necessarily work for another.
I, for one, was never a person to "doctor." Seems my past hospital experience in the medical field was to be a visitor and never a patient. But even though being blessed with good health all my life, old age cannot be stopped and there comes a time when we all have to depend on and trust the medical expertise of our caring doctors and staff.
I need to write this column. I need to tell the public how extremely important a second opinion, and possibly a third, is. Each person is privileged to make and choose the many options for their medical concerns. This is where the needed correct information is so vital, and it is never too soon to start collecting that knowledge.
"There is much wisdom in a multitude of counselors." That Bible citation is so true, and not only from the educated but from individuals with firsthand experience.
Here I am. This will be probably hard to comprehend, and I, still to this day, am a bit "frazzled" to say the least. The fact is that over the years there have been three surgical operations that were recommended paramount and almost quickly scheduled.
"No," was my decision. "Please may I have second opinion?"
The second opinions not only brought me understanding of the particular health problems but also gave me more options and, most of all, peace of mind. I am certain I made correct decisions, for I'm still here and feeling good. Sure I have high mileage at the age of 76, who doesn't? Mostly everyone has health concerns as they age.
Many may question me for writing this, with the thinking that we all should accept the findings of the professional.
But as I quoted above, "Medical science is not exact." With that thought in mind then: A medical professional can be wrong, or perhaps there is more than one way to get good results. That I found out.
The three above mentioned surgeries were put on hold, although the concern was still watched closely. One surgery, in particular, was completely not needed at all _ and still isn't.
It certainly pays to do your homework. Who wants all the unneeded pain and suffering, plus an empty wallet?
Speaking about "second opinions": Why, it was just yesterday that my husband went to get his S-10 pickup truck inspected. When he came home he was downhearted, for the truck not only failed to get the sticker but the "garage" said that it needed several repairs. (All I saw was dollar signs!)
As we all know: Maintaining a vehicle these days is not cheap. Folks on fixed incomes must not only count their pennies but also do the needed "homework" and get second opinions to make proper decisions. It certainly pays off in the long run.
First off. We did not agree for that garage to repair what they said was needed (as they would have liked). My husband and I talked about the options and then opted for that second opinion.
Yes, the second opinion did pay off. It paid off to the tune of savings well above $200, and that would have been just for starters.
Our truck was thoroughly inspected, again, by a different garage (as my husband watched), it passed, and what's more ... it needed no fixing. All was copacetic.
So as said: "Let the buyer beware" and let the deceitful fraudulent be warned as our Creator states at Malachi 3:5.
Being taken unjust advantage of and especially with a costly price tag makes a person not only extremely upset but also stirs one to action. Action, so that others will not be ensnared, for "actions speak louder then words." The Better Business Bureau can be reached at (800) 828-5000 or BBB.org.
Elaine W. Kniskern is a 76-year-old resident of Schenevus and a grandmother of five.
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