1. Get the Diabetes Forum App for your phone - available on iOS and Android.
    Dismiss Notice
  2. Guest, we'd love to know what you think about the forum! Take the Diabetes Forum Survey 2021 »
    Dismiss Notice
  3. Diabetes Forum should not be used in an emergency and does not replace your healthcare professional relationship. Posts can be seen by the public.
    Dismiss Notice
  4. Guest, stay home, stay safe, save the NHS. Stay up to date with information about keeping yourself and people around you safe here and GOV.UK: Coronavirus (COVID-19). Think you have symptoms? NHS 111 service is available here.
    Dismiss Notice
Free Forum App Feedback Reminder COVID-19: stay safe
Dismiss Notice
Find support, ask questions and share your experiences. Join the community »

Type 1 How do I go about a second opinion?

Discussion in 'Ask A Question' started by Alex_B, Nov 22, 2020.

  1. Alex_B

    Alex_B Type 1 · Well-Known Member

    Messages:
    168
    Likes Received:
    63
    Trophy Points:
    68
    I’ve received some devastating news in the past few weeks about my bladder. I was catheterised in January this year and they’ve now told me they can’t find anything wrong as my kidneys/ovaries/bladder/urine is all “normal” but your bladder doesn’t just stop working at 23 years old. I can still go to the toilet when I bypass or my catheter comes out accidentally. I want a second opinion but I don’t know how to go about it. I have an email for a secretary at another hospitals urology department. Do I email them? Or do I have to contact the urology department at my current hospital about a second opinion?? I’m 23 and I really don’t want to wear a catheter my whole life as I’m worried I will do something I may regret.
     
    #1 Alex_B, Nov 22, 2020 at 2:17 PM
  2. Jaylee

    Jaylee Type 1 · Moderator
    Staff Member

    Messages:
    15,278
    Likes Received:
    11,482
    Trophy Points:
    298
    Hi,

    Sorry to hear you are having problems.
    Can you clarify? "Ovaries" are normal... You appear to be listed on the forum as "male.??"
     
    #2 Jaylee, Nov 22, 2020 at 2:46 PM
  3. sally and james

    sally and james Family member · Well-Known Member

    Messages:
    1,088
    Likes Received:
    1,837
    Trophy Points:
    178
    @Alex_B One option for a second opinion is to go private, you will at least be listened to and given a little bit of time. There are private hospitals and clinics across the country, where you can usually see a private GP, who will forward you to a private consultant, if needed. Google private hospitals / Nuffield Hospitals / BUPA hospitals / private GP's for your area.
    Another option is to return to your own NHS GP and simply say that you want a second opinion and/or to discuss the situation you find yourself in. It could be that your GP can explain things to you, or that s/he agrees that having someone else take a look might be a good idea.
    A lot of things have gone wrong with NHS treatment this year, long delays, no joined up thinking. Trying to catch up with overdue treatments. Applies to private care too.
    good luck,
    Sally
     
    • Like Like x 2
    #3 sally and james, Nov 22, 2020 at 4:01 PM
  4. Alex_B

    Alex_B Type 1 · Well-Known Member

    Messages:
    168
    Likes Received:
    63
    Trophy Points:
    68
    I go by male pronouns online but I’m biologically a female, sorry for the confusion
     
    • Informative Informative x 1
    • Friendly Friendly x 1
    #4 Alex_B, Nov 22, 2020 at 4:03 PM
  5. ert

    ert Type 1 · Well-Known Member

    Messages:
    2,187
    Likes Received:
    2,803
    Trophy Points:
    198
    #5 ert, Nov 22, 2020 at 4:59 PM
  6. DCUKMod

    DCUKMod I reversed my Type 2 · Master
    Staff Member Administrator

    Messages:
    14,302
    Likes Received:
    8,226
    Trophy Points:
    298
    Alex_B - Under the terms of the NHS you are entitled to a second opinion (on the NHS). That second opinion can be with a named consultant, and does not need to be in your area. You can be referred out of area if that is your choice. I was told this by my GP after an unsatisfactory with a consultant, where he didn't seem interested in my symptoms.

    In order to move things forward, my GP asked me to decide whom I wanted to see, and let her know. When I had decided, she simply sent off the referral and it went from there.

    In your shoes, I'd have a think about who I wanted to see, and ask my GP to facilitate it.
     
    • Like Like x 1
    • Informative Informative x 1
    #6 DCUKMod, Nov 22, 2020 at 5:12 PM
(You must log in or sign up to post here.)
Style
Red
Language
English (UK)

  • Meet the Community

    Find support, connect with others, ask questions and share your experiences with people with diabetes, their carers and family.

    Did you know: 7 out of 10 people improve their understanding of diabetes within 6 months of being a Diabetes Forum member. Get the Diabetes Forum App and stay connected on iOS and Android

    Grab the app!

  • Tweet with us

  • Like us on Facebook