A Date with my Cardiologist!

[Jamboesque]

Hi Folks,

I have a kind of strange problem…..

Like Hosacktom I’m coming up for my five anniversary (March 19th to be precise, Aortic – St Jude Regent Valve) and all gone pretty well. I’m not like Tom, into running , but am into X-country skiing. Jan 14 and I’ll be in Austria for a week of some Sun & Snow….

In 2 weeks I have an appointment with my cardiologist, not seen him in two years, he’s not had any reason to see me and I’ve reciprocated. (It’s nothing personal it’s just we’re busy men!!)

I have a bit of a problem regards the consultation, its silly I know but, what questions should I ask him?

The only thing that concerns me at present is trying to be allowed to be self testing for my INR and I’m not sure what influence he would have as I think that my regional haematology service has more sway.

So after that I’m stuck….but I’m pretty sure if that’s all I’ll be leaving the consultation then going “Darnit, I wish I’d brought that up!”

So folks any suggestions?

 

[catwoman]

I am assuming you will be having an echo. Check with the cardio to see if one is planned. If not, ask for one.
I keep records of all my echos, annual physical exams and bloodwork to compare how I'm doing from year to year.
I formulate my questions based on results of the echo that day compared to previous ones.

I'm sure others will be suggesting questions.

 

[catwoman]

Oops! Forgot about the self-testing ...
Does your insurance cover equipment and supplies?
I was lucky -- I didn't have to campaign my doctor on self-testing, since he already had 2 other patients doing so.
There are studies that show self-testers stay in range better than than others who have lab draws or depend on their doctors. I think it's mainly because your machine is there at home and it's readily available for testing when you start a course of antibiotics or other meds, to see if the Rx will affect your INR.

My primary care physician writes my warfarin prescriptions. I do my own testing and adjust the dose according to the INRs. He tells me quite frequently that he wishes that more insurance companies covered PT/INR machines and supplies. And, of course, not all patients are suitable for self-testing.

 

[JimL]

This fall I scheduled my annual cardiologist visit, preceded by a CT scan and an echo. I got both tests done. A nurse unexpectedly called me with the results of the tests: everything normal. I asked about my appointment to see the cardiologist. What appointment? she said. Even though I had called it and scheduled it, it wasn't there. And I thought, What questions do I have for this guy? None. Why should I take up his time, and he mine? No reason. So I didn't go. I have him, if I should ever need him.
I went to see him last year in order to have a cardiologist, and to ask him to sign my coumadin prescription. He wouldn't sign that, said my GP had to sign it (which he did), so I have no need to go back to him, at least not now.
So I guess I have no suggested questions to ask, not this far out from surgery, unless you have symptoms.

 

[Rush20]

This fall I scheduled my annual cardiologist visit, preceded by a CT scan and an echo. I got both tests done. A nurse unexpectedly called me with the results of the tests: everything normal. I asked about my appointment to see the cardiologist. What appointment? she said. Even though I had called it and scheduled it, it wasn't there. And I thought, What questions do I have for this guy? None. Why should I take up his time, and he mine? No reason. So I didn't go. I have him, if I should ever need him.
I went to see him last year in order to have a cardiologist, and to ask him to sign my coumadin prescription. He wouldn't sign that, said my GP had to sign it (which he did), so I have no need to go back to him, at least not now.
So I guess I have no suggested questions to ask, not this far out from surgery, unless you have symptoms.

Jim, you had me until the coumadin comment. I agree that no news is good news, however the fact that he wouldn't prescribe your primary medication is concerning. I recently moved from Chicago to Sarasota FL and my previous cardio nurse called me and asked me if I needed any new prescriptions. That's customer service!

 

[Dennis S]

Cardiologist Questions

Cardiologist Questions

What questions would you ask for a first visit? Would a Cardiologist need an echo/CT Scan since my surgery was just 4 months ago? I know I am supposed to go, but this sounds expensive. Anyone care to guess what a first post-surgical visit should cost?

 

[Jamboesque]

Thanks for your inputs.

Slight thing though, being on the other side of the pond Insurance issues are not a concerning problem. The good ole National Health Service is basically free at the point of service, everyone just gets stung on taxes, whether you use it or not.

The consult is coming up on Thursday, I thiink he won't do an echo unless he picks something up on listening, there being no other symptoms.

I might get shouted at for still adding salt (low sodium only, I may add) to my porridge, but its a small price to pay. There may also be a tweaking on my blood pressure medication I seem to recall he would like not to exceed 140 Systolic, mines is a wee bit over, roughly 143 average.

Anyway thanks again