[Talk Host]

I actually posted this in a thread about glaucoma, but I don't want to hijack that thread with this question, so I am starting a new thread about it.

"Maybe someone can answer this for me. When you get a "second opinion" and it differs from the original opinion, which one do you believe? Do you now have to get a third opinion?

I recently had an opinion from a dermatologist that I need to use an unpleasant chemical cream on my face to destroy sun damaged skin. I got a second opinion from a dermatologist and he said that he saw nothing that would indicate that I needed the treatment. He said, in fact, that if he had used the treatment on me, he always prescribes one half of what the first guy uses.

First guy said to come back in 14 days so he can see the progress. The second guy said he prescribes it for 15 days and the patient doesn't have to come back until 5 months has passed.

First guy says the treatment can become really unpleasant and that it'll get worse before it gets better. Second guy said, if it gets unpleasant, "stop using it." Second guy said that it should get no worse than a bad sunburn.

I actually have opted to go with the first opinion and do the treatment twice a day as prescribed. (second guy said only once a day) I'm now in my 5th day of a 14 day treatment."

I look kind of like a pepperoni pizza.


JLK