The Neurosurgeon Round About

Thus far we've seen 3 neurosurgeons. The first two at Johns Hopkins and the other at Children's National in DC.

Usually you would get a second opinion from a different practice, but we chose to see two at Hopkins. You can't even imagine how much more difficult that made this situation. The first doctor was nice, seemed interested in the "case" and informative. He suggested surgery in a matter of months. Obviously we weren't going to rush into such a huge decision without seeing at least one other doctor to get a conclusive idea. The complete polar opposite happened.  The second doctor we saw had pre-determined surgery was unnecessary. We didn't even discuss it for five minutes, and it was in no way comforting or helpful. I was shocked at his demeanor, half asleep, slouching, arrogant, rushing to move onto the next room, for someone with such an enormously high reputation I was SEVERELY disappointed. Of course I would love to take his word for it, but that appointment left me so uncomfortable. So right away we went on search for yet another pediatric neurosurgeon.  Danny thought I was crazy for insisting on a third but I did it anyways. Soon Danny got to see his "symptoms" increase and get worse and realized maybe I wasn't completely mental.

After multiple recommendations from patients, doctors, and family next we sought out Children's National in DC. We saw Dr. Magge on Wednesday. I could not imagine a better doctor. My sister Becca took us to the appointment because Danny had to work. We were both thoroughly impressed. He has great credentials in this particular field. He was interactive and friendly with Logan. He sat with us talking about every little thing and answering every question. He brought out a skeletal model to walk us through the issues and how surgery would go, having a visual aide was SUPER helpful. He was in no rush to leave the room until we were completely settled, even though he had a few other patients waiting. He gave us the specs of the issues, and while he does agree with surgery, he's going to overlook the "case" with his colleagues to see if they have any differing opinions. He thinks we'll be heading for surgery in a matter of weeks.

We hear back from him next week to see what the conclusive group opinion is. I'm trying to come to terms with the idea of my big boy needing neurosurgery.

*****

Going through what we are going through gives us a fresh outlook on life. Every bit of "drama" people talk about now seems so petty and meaningless.