2nd Opinion

[Blueberries-are-good]

Hi all,

A general question, and I am a first timer on here. Has anyone ever explored the route of getting a second opinion regarding treatment path/diagnosis. Also with any experience of exploring the private route if the NHS pathway encounters any delay (hopefully this won't happen). I write as a concerned parent of a newly diagnosed daughter (in her 30's). We are yet to have the call from the CNS+MDT after scan and MRI, and trying to fill the time while she waits for the call in the next few days.

I would be interested if anyone has therefore any experience of Consultants and/or hospitals that they have positive feedback for, and if they could reply with any names/places etc; this again if we were to consider getting a second opinion.

Thanks in advance.

[summerjasmine]

Hi,National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery London is very good. I had a brain surgery there a few years ago.

I did take a second opinion, whether I should have a surgery for my tumour. I was under the NHS and they did a brilliant job, I was with the same consultant for some years before I was told I needed surgery. That's when I took a second opinion.

This was before covid.

Getting a second opinion once your consultant had told you what they think should be the next step be,helps. It helped me atleast.

My experience with NHS has been really good, like I said, my surgery happened before covid. What I would suggest is that speak with your doctor/consultant, ask as many questions as you want, they'll be patient and would answer, don't think any question is unimportant..get a second opinion then.

I know it is scary but I would really advise you to write all the questions/queries/anxieties before meeting your doctor. Take a second opinion and then decide further course of action.

I hope your daughter feels well soon...good luck and best wishes

[Blueberries-are-good in reply to summerjasmine]

Hi, and thank you so much for your reply. I have heard about that hospital, and since my post we have been given the name of the consultant she is going to see next week, and yes I agree waiting for after then to decide whether we need to explore elsewhere is the way to go. The Dr concerned does work from the hospital you mentioned, but we are being seen at King's. Things seem to be moving fast, and at present have complete confidence in the NHS. Hopefully we will all be in a better place after her appt and a lot of the questions answered, and with an outline of what treatment, options lay ahead. I hope you continue to do well, and my very best wishes.

[Hammers67]

Hey there, Guessing you are a Blueberry farmer looking to drum up some trade!?!In my time, having been diagnosed 22 years ago, I’ve had 3 craniotomies. All three at what is regarded as the best hospital in the South-St.Georges In Tooting. It has maintained this reputation for 50+ years, generally known as The Atkinson Morley hospital. All of my 6 monthly follow up scans and meetings have been conducted at The Royal Surrey Hospital, Guildford. They’ve both kept me going well past my’Use-By-Date’ so I can only recommend those two hospitals.Good Luck, and well done for your first post! James.

[Blueberries-are-good in reply to Hammers67]

Thanks James. She had her surgery at Kings College, Camberwell, a ten hour craniotomy! So far can't fault the care and speed of everything that's been done, although the diagnosis (Astrocytoma) only became clear post surgery. Sent home 48 hours after operation. Currently on the first month of radio and chemo (tablet), the battle commences... Hope you continue to do well; as for the blueberries, no I am just partial to them!

[Hammers67]

Oh, so pleased for you that Camberwell delivered and met your wishes.Im sure you’ve been told that a combo of radio and chemo together present's some bloody tough side effects. If it does the job then great, Your daughter will experience extreme fatigue-The one key thing is family support during thistime. We had 4 young children when I went through it and I’ve got to say the feeling of guilt when I skipped Dad duties was awful and also I felt my partner was just overwhelmed with the situation. Thank God for our parents and siblings who care so much and are prepared to disrupt their lives to keep our own going!

Main point is to realise your daughters sense of guilt when she needs her bed rest.