Second Opinions.

Whose opinion is important? Sometimes, too many opinions can cause confusion and chaos and even frustration. Sometimes, many opinions are critical and necessary in order to clarify and to come to a wonderful powerful solution not initially thought of.

I was surprised to hear that getting a a second opinion could actually be construed as something discouraging, rather than encouraging.

Asking experts for second opinions are commonplace. In my field, where there are so many subspecialists, asking for a specialist's consultation is par for the course. If anything, a second opinion gives a person more options, if the options exist if at all. Sure, one can make the argument that more information can cause some kind of sensory overload, but in the end, most people would like to have some alternative available to them.

It's like ordering from a menu; while it's nice to order the same thing each and every time, it is sure nice to have a choice of another main course if available;
It is a rare bird that goes to a restaurant with only one item on the menu.

So, I was stunned to hear that getting a second opinion could be actually negative; how could that be when more heads together are better than one? How can getting a second opinion mean that one is shaking confidence in the original planners? That thought misses the whole purpose of a second opinion.

I guess, there's the other saying: there are too many fingers in the pot, or the other saying too many Chiefs and not enough Indians.

Bottom line is, in my humble opinion, which could be someone else's second opinion, (and you are very welcome to use my opinion as a second opinion), may cause initial confusion, but at the end of the day, if the original plan is confirmed, it is a comfort to know that one is being appropriately and best cared for.