Expert second opinion made a real difference for my daughter

A mother’s instinct

“My daughter was a happy, thriving baby but I’d noticed a small pea-size lump on the back of her head that concerned me when it turned red and wept. I repeatedly went to the doctors and was either sent away or given antibiotics to reduce the inflammation.

After persistent visits, the GP agreed to an ultrasound before a ‘very simple procedure’ was suggested to remove the lump. This surgery showed that the small lump had a track going through to my daughter’s skull connecting to a benign tumour on her brain.

Surgical intervention

The tumour was subsequently removed successfully via Craniotomy at King’s College Hospital in London when my daughter was two. The operation was necessary due to the location, growth, risk of infection through the track and connection to her spinal cord fluid. King’s completely discharged her three years later advising me there was no chance of regrowth.

Seeking a second opinion

Despite feeling relived about the success of the surgery and the care administered, I wanted to make sure my daughter was ok. Under my healthcare insurance, I contacted Teladoc Health for reassurance.

I was referred to a Teladoc GP case manager. The GP reached out to a leading neurosurgeon in the USA for their guidance and opinion. The expert agreed with the diagnosis and treatment given to my child, and that the risk of regrowth was small. Teladoc did, however, add that they would continue to monitor/scan for a longer period before discharging completely (as the type of tumour can take 10 to 15 years to regrow). For me, ‘no chance of regrowth’ felt very different to a small chance of regrowth.

Comfort for the future

Since receiving the invaluable report and sharing it with King’s, my daughter is back under their care. They will continue to monitor her and carry out a further MRI scan this coming summer. King’s gave exceptional quality of care during the Craniotomy procedure; Teladoc Health’s Second Medical Opinion report just provided me with added peace of mind and a chance to keep my child under observation.”

“I would highly recommend the service to anyone needing reassurance on their diagnosis/treatment plan; whether the expert’s findings change the diagnosis/treatment plan or not, you can’t put a price on professional reassurance.”

REF AJG