How smart are these doctors?

Shop deals on ebay
shop deals on amazon
Advertise with us
Valve Replacement Forums

Help Support Valve Replacement Forums:

This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate links, including eBay, Amazon, and others.
B

Bunny_Rabbit

Howdy doo,

I went to see my cardio today and had an Echo done. The Echo showed that my heart got smaller. YAY!. Also, the Valvuloplasty that I had on my Mitral valve was very successful. Another YAY!.

but...

I happened to mention that on my last Echo it said that I now had Aortic Stenosis that wasn't present before my Valvuloplasty. My cardio listened to my heart and said "no you don't". I also asked him about my Pulmonary Hypertension and without even looking at the results he said "it's gone, don't worry about it".

So is that good enough? I know that heart problems have their murmers, but is that a good enough answer? I'm still being looked after by another specialist every 6 months, but really, how smart are these doctors?

I didn't want to argue with what my last echo said, and I didn't want to come accross like I was undermining his ability. But really, to say that just by listening to my heart he can determine whether or not I have Aortic Stenosis. Is it just me, or does that seem a little odd? Maybe on my next visit I'll be cured completely!

Take care everyone.
 
Your a miracle! It's cured!

Actually it sounds like he/she was blowing you off. I hope not. I hope whomever is right for your sake. :)
 
Hi Bunny-

I agree that you should get a second opinion. Even if he was just being paternalistic and trying not to worry you, you have a couple of conditions that require close and careful monitoring, plus you need someone who will be upfront with you. If you are unhappy with the style of this doctor, remember, it's your health and the decisions you make regarding your care will have a serious impact in the future.
 
I'll second that second. . .

I'll second that second. . .

Bunny - I agree with the others -- best to get another opinion. If you honestly did have aortic stenosis, it won't "go away." What may happen is that with your mitral valvuloplasty (sp?) the hemodynamics may have changed and made the severity of the stenosis seem (or really be) less. Best to get another look at it so you know for sure.

If it is stenosis, unless it is severe to critical, you can live with it for a long time before anything may need to be done. But, again, it is better to know your enemies.
 
Bunny

Bunny

I agree with the rest, get a second opinion, most insurance companies will pay for it, just call your member services and ask.

I'd also try to get a doctor/cardiac recommendation by someone you trust, PCP, OB/GYN, Surgeon, family member or friend.

Good luck to you, we are all hoping your doctor is right and it's just "gone".

Terry40
 
YAY, ROSS CURED ME!

Thanks everyone, I figured the answers I got were a tad strange. Hopefully the good news IS correct, but I'm going to make another appointment with my other doctor who I trust more. I'm also going to see if I can get another Echo done, I want the actual numbers for my own reference.

Thanks for the advice.
 
Another approach

Another approach

Bunny - before you go to the bother and expense of another echo, be aware that a written report on your first echo exists. You should ask for a copy of that report and/or ask your cardio to fully explain the result. I don't know what the problem may be, but sometimes its just that the communication process doesn't work very well. I have had docs that make me mad because of their "bedside manner" and I have had some great communicators. Sometimes the difference is what we ask and how we ask it. Keep asking those questions until you get the answers you need. There are some docs who beleive you shouldn't bother your pretty head about the details, and then there are patients who don't want to know the details. Be as clear as you can about what you want to know, and maybe that will help. Chris
 
Chris

Chris

I'm supposed to go for my 6 month visit with my first specialist (the dr. who first diagnosed me) soon, so it's not really going to be a bother. I'm in Canada, so I won't have to pay for the Echo, I'll be covered...at least I'd better be.

But I think I'm going to see about getting a copy of the Echo I just had. Thanks for the tip.

Maybe I'll start a collection of Echo reports.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Latest posts

Back
Top