Pre-relocating back to South Florida, I was living in Nashville, Tenn., and had scheduled some routine doctor appointments. After asking around, and being given some suggestions, I made an appointment with a physician, who I chose through a co-worker referral. One minor detail that my co-worker left out was that her doctor was specialized in herbal medicine.

Now that I work for a physician and have been taught the different processes, in which medicine is studied, I understand that there are varying types of physician services. This makes sense when I think of my area of study, journalism, and all of the media platforms made possible for writers.

Herbal doctors generally promote natural remedies, including a plant’s seeds, berries, roots, leaves, bark, or flowers, for medicinal purposes in patient care. Now it is easy to see why this doctor was so focused on getting me off of my prescription medications: Prevacid (stomach pill) and Yaz (birth control). I did go off of the Yaz, which I do not regret, after she talked me in to it, by detailing the damage that 10-plus years of hormones can do to a woman’s body.

After starting Yaz, one year prior to my herbal doctor visit, I stopped getting my period. I did my research and read on-line that a side effect of the drug was inconsistent periods, but mine had literally checked out. What this herbal doctor told me, the part that was completely irresponsible on her part, had me walk out of her office with what may as well have been a death sentence. I immediately stopped taking the pill and booked a “second opinion” appointment with my former doctor, in Boynton Beach, Fla.

In many cases it is strongly suggested that patients get second opinions. CNN recently reported five diagnoses, in which medical experts encourage second opinions: heart bypass surgery, hysterectomy, pregnancy termination for fetal abnormality, surgery for varicose veins, and treatments for brain tumors.

“You’re the consumer who’s taking the risk,” said Dr. Richard, cardiologist at Beth Israel Medical Center in New York. “As you would for any financial decisions, you should get a second opinion.”

Luckily, in my case, I was fine, as I learned from my doctor at my second opinion appointment. But it made me think of how important second opinions are in regards to questions patient may have from initial diagnoses. Many times, as in my case, it is up to the patient to make that decision. Seeing my doctor in Florida gave me peace of mind; that is something I’m always willing to go the extra mile for, in my life.