when you know the diagnosis is wrong

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Have any of you had a situation when you knew 100% that the diagnosis you were given was wrong?

My mom was complaining of pain in her back last week thought it was a kidney or bladder infection drank water and cranberry juice but was not getting better.

Went to the doctors told her it was a bladder infection and gave her some antibiotics. Did not get better only worse went back and thought it was a possibility for kidney stones. Went through bunch of test and she goes back and the nurse tells her she has gallbladder stones. Mom says you mean kidney stones. Nurse says no it says gal stones. Mom pauses and then says I had my gallbladder taken out 30+ years ago. Nurses turn to have a big pause and then says I'll have to tell the doctor that. :facepalm:

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Yes, well a loved one, a major misdiagnosis.

I knew it immediately it was so absurd, young HMO Dr.

I called my personal Dr who knew said loved one and he coached me on what to say and ask for (I gave him the test results and background) at the next immediately scheduled appt.

Got everything I asked for, obtained a proper diagnosis (sometimes it is a zebra) and treatment, full recovery.

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Actuallt, you can still get gallstones after having your gallbladder removed.

Choledocholithiasis: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia

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Specializes in ICU, LTACH, Internal Medicine.

Yes, actually, removal of gallbladder does not remove risk of stones being formed in other bile ducts or common duct. Just like removal of appendix has nothing to do with diverticulitis, with its symptoms just like appendicitis.

I went through this innumerable amount of times, with myself, my child and my patients. I always voiced my concerns, not because I was always 110% sure (although most of the time I was right), but because I want clarify things and because I enjoy diagnostics and learning. Depending on situation, my reaction was anywhere from: "Doctor, I found "this" and "that" and, if I understand it right, in case of "X" it doesn'the fit the picture, can you explain this to me, please" to direct and less than polite disagreement (when a clearly wrong diagnosis was pushed onto my child). Most of the time, providers are surprisingly understanding.

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Wow thank I figured if it was called gall stones it was produced in the gallbladder.

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