Gut feelings and second opinions

I am a regular at the local corner coffee shop, so much so that my drink is often ready for me before I’ve had a chance to order it.

Among the eclectic group of shmoozers gathered most mornings are the shmoozers’ dogs. This morning while waiting for my coffee, Molly, a massive Rottweiler mix, greeted me. As usual, her voice and body language told me in no uncertain terms that she expected me to toss her a cookie (a bin full of dog biscuits resides beneath the shelf holding Half-n-Half, sugar, and other coffee accoutrements). Today, I noticed that Molly’s demands were less vigorous than usual. My veterinarian antennae began to quiver and I paused for closer inspection. I was aghast to see one of Molly’s eyes almost closed and filled with pus; the other had a completely cloudy cornea. Molly’s mom, Jill observed my startled expression and explained that she had taken her darling dog to see the vet three times in the past couple of weeks. In spite of treatment with various ointments, her eye problem was clearly worsening.

I bit my tongue for approximately one millisecond before my concern for Molly forced me to question, “Have you considered getting a second opinion?” Jill responded that the thought had crossed her mind, but she had not acted on this impulse. She didn’t want to hurt her veterinarian’s feelings. After some serious coaching, such as “A second opinion results in a new diagnosis as often as 30 percent of the time,” “Veterinarians are used to people desiring second opinions,” “What’s more important, Molly’s health or your vet’s feelings?” Jill agreed that it was time to contact our local board certified ophthalmologist.

Is Jill’s story unusual? No, but I wish it was. When it comes to our own health issues or those of a beloved four-legged family member, it’s not uncommon that even when our gut tells us it’s time to consider a second opinion, we ignore the feeling. I believe that this gut feeling, experiential wisdom –whatever one chooses to call it — is a true gift. In fact it is one of the few things in life that actually seem to improve as we age. All we need to do is pay attention to this gift rather than ignore it. Second opinions are invaluable for our health and our peace of mind.

I’m keeping my fingers crossed that Molly and her eyes will be sparkling and bright the next time I see her. Have you ever had an impulse to get a second opinion? If so, did you act upon your impulse?

Photo credit: Susannah Kay, www.skphotography.micksluck.com

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