Comment by moistgorilla | Hacker News Reader

Comment by moistgorilla | Hacker News Reader

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When I was 19 I was diagnosed with something called hydronephrosis. It's effect on my kidney function wasn't significant but my parents took me to see one of the most famous urologists (I think the hospital was in philadelphia) anyway. I don' remember the specifics but the doctor immediately recommended invasive surgery. My father then took me to another urologist he knew from a friend's recommendation. This doctor said that there was no reason to have surgery yet. The kidney with the hydronephrosis had something like 4% below utilization rate that was normal and that we should wait. We decided to follow the second doctors advice and do regular checkups every year and the problem actually just went away.

The most amazing thing about this experience was when we called 3 weeks in advance to cancel the appointment for surgery the nurse got angry with us and said something along the lines of "You actually dare to waste the doctor's time?". It was very surreal.

TLDR: Don't get pressured into getting surgery, go get second opinions.

Had the same thing happen when I broke my hand. The first doctor wanted to fill it with metal. A second opinion with a more conservative doctor caused me to avoid that surgery, and it healed just fine.

I encountered the same egregious attitude when cancelling the appointment. It made me realize all the more that it was a attempted money grab, with no real concern for my wellbeing.

It was quite the learning experience. I will now never not get a second opinion.

This is why I hate going to the doctor in Manhattan.

The doctors are either: (a) decidedly mediocre / horrible because most good ones are going to be rational and leave to another part of the country where they aren't below middle class and subject to a malpractice lawsuit around every corner, or (b) have money on their minds at all times (like anyone in NYC really) and will always recommend the (profitable) procedure or (c) very good but cash only, serving the wealthy in boutique specialty or concierge practices

It's a major quality of life issue here. Note I'm referring to private practice, I don't have experience with hospitals.

I'm lucky to have found (d) a very good doctor with good morals who's on my insurance. This was years ago, and I've since moved away, but have developed some RSI issues in my other hand. I drive three cities over to still see him, because the peace of mind is worth it to me.

There is way too much money to be made for surgeons. I sometimes interact with surgeons through work and they all deny that money is a factor in making decisions. But they all like their sports cars :-)

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