I debated on writing this BUT I think this may be valuable to someone out there.
Two weeks ago, I was supposed to have endoscopic sinus surgery to fix a deviated septum amongst other sinus related issues. I've suffered for years with chronic allergy and sinus infections and both have greatly hindered my ability to train for things consistently throughout the years. I always get sick, always, causing large lulls in training...leading to results less than what I want...and domino effect. I found out in April that all of this junk may also be compounding a lot of the auto immune issues I've dealt with over the years as well. I was ANXIOUS to have surgery and try and get this fixed as soon as I could.
So what's my point. Throughout my diagnoses this Spring and through my plan of care with my former ENT, I felt anxious, uneasy, and overall like something wasn't right. She recommended an over 60 day HIGH antibiotic dosage of antibiotics that were already making me sick, and was defiant when I pleaded with her that they were not helping but I were causing other major side effects that were hard to live with. I kept on though and scheduled surgery even after all of it. I was so desperate to get this fixed, I ignored some major red flags even after some very good friends warned me I should get a second opinion. I just wanted closure and to feel better, I'm impatient and I didn't want to wait.
One final very large red flag came up the day before my procedure and I knew in my heart and my gut at that point that I should NOT proceed with this Dr. So I postponed and scheduled with another recommended ENT.
Today, I had my Consult and I'm rescheduled for surgery on June 9th. But the difference in care, patience knowledge and intelligence I'm receiving now with the new Dr is astounding in comparison. He found 2 new issues that need to be taken care of immediately and was not only reassuring but confident that he can help me.
My point is, I'm confident had I just pushed on with the previous Dr. I would be sitting here dissatisfied and wishing I had listened to my gut. Medical care, especially surgical procedures no matter how "routine" or "common" are not only expensive but they are scary. These things cost entirely too much to be done without serious thought and consideration. And if you don't have confidence in your Dr, don't do it, it's not worth it. I know my procedure is small potatoes and minor, but this goes for anything, it's your right and your body, don't be afraid to wait and listen, if you feel uneasy, trust it and it's ok to get a second opinion.
I'm so glad I did, and I'm so looking forward to feeling better!
