If you’ve just been diagnosed with transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM), you may be experiencing many conflicting emotions — relief at finally having answers, uncertainty for the future and maybe even disbelief over the diagnosis.
If you have any lingering doubts after receiving an ATTR-CM diagnosis, you might be wondering whether you should seek a second opinion from another doctor. Here are some reasons you may want to consider getting another perspective on your diagnosis.
You think you may need more testing
There is no universal set of guidelines for diagnosing ATTR-CM. Diagnosis is usually made based on a combination of laboratory tests and procedures, which may include:
- Electrocardiography
- Echocardiography
- Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging
- Scintigraphy
- Heart biopsy, also known as an endomyocardial biopsy
Read more about ATTR-CM testing and diagnosis
A heart biopsy is usually considered the most reliable method of diagnosing ATTR-CM, but other tests including scintigraphy are very accurate, too.
If you feel that you haven’t received enough testing to confirm your ATTR-CM diagnosis, or your results were unclear, it may be worthwhile to seek another opinion.
You have a complex medical history
Symptoms of ATTR-CM can overlap with those of many different heart conditions, such as light chain amyloidosis, aortic stenosis and several forms of cardiomyopathy. These conditions can also coexist in patients with ATTR-CM, further complicating diagnosis.
You may want to talk to doctors from different specialties to get various points of view. If possible, having them talk to one another can help clear up any uncertainties and paint a more accurate picture of your medical history.
You disagree with your doctor’s treatment plan
There are several treatment options for ATTR-CM, each with its own pros and cons. In some cases, you may not agree with your doctor’s treatment plans for a number of reasons. This doesn’t necessarily mean that one of you is right or wrong; it could just be a matter of differing priorities.
If you can’t reach an agreement with your doctor, getting another opinion may help you to better understand what options are available and which may work best for you.
Tips for seeking a second opinion
You shouldn’t feel uncomfortable asking your doctor for a referral to get a second opinion. In fact, many physicians often collaborate with one other when they want to hear alternative viewpoints. Some doctors may have lists of other specialists in the field who you can talk to about your diagnosis.
Once you have chosen a new doctor to consult, try to compile all of your relevant medical records and prior testing results. This can help streamline the process and make it easier for them to review your history.
After meeting with both doctors, take the time to carefully go through everything that you discussed during the appointments. You’ll likely have a lot of information at this point, and deciding how to move forward can be overwhelming, especially if the doctors had different opinions.
You may also seek additional opinions if you still feel unsure about your next steps. However, you should weigh the financial and emotional costs of going through more appointments and tests before making any decisions.
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