Cardiologist questions

[JohnB]

My cardiologist, I was very happy with him, left town rather suddenly (for pastures greener), about 2 months ago. I haven't seen a cardio since, only g.p. & surgeons. I guess I need to decide on a new cardio, how soon after getting home from surgery is it normal or recommended to see a cardiologist?

My surgery is at the Texas Heart Institute, in Houston, next week. They advised me that they would have to "appoint" a cardiologist for the time I am in hospital. Is this normal? I am having pre-op on the 15th, surgery the next day, so any input I have has to be made close to the base of the mountain.

JohnB

 

[Tony]

My hospital discharge paper reads as follows:

"Call your cardiologist for an appointment in one week."

"Call your surgeon for an appointment in four weeks."
--------------

That was the last time I saw my surgeon. The cardiologist I see every six months

Hope this helps!

 

[Kathy]

I had been going to Cleveland to see a cardiologist before surgery. Iwas told to see a local cardiologist one week after discharge from the hospital. I certainly wish that I had lined up one before, because it was hard making decisions with a post-surgical foggy mind.

I was discharged on Friday and needed an INR done on Monday. My GP handled that and gave me the wrong directions. The cardiologist sent me to a Coumadin Clinic for the next INR and things were handled appropriately.

 

[dwfreck]

John,

My cardiologist specifically requested that I see him two weeks after my surgery. Of course, I don't have a surgery date set yet, so I don't have the follow-up date set either...

With respect to finding another cardiologist: did your former cardiologist practice by himself, or was he part of a group practice? If he was part of a larger group, it may be easier, in the short term, to see someone from the same practice because they'll have access to all of your medical records. If he wasn't part of a larger group, then you need to get copies of your records from him (if you haven't already). Also, I would repeat what Kathy said: get a new cardioloogist before the surgery, if you can, then let the hospital know who you chose.

Good luck on Monday & Tuesday.

 

[JohnB]

Thanks guys,
Yes Derek he was part of a group, they still have my records. I wasn't too keen on others, only on local heresay, but now think I will stay with them. Will take note of advise above and phone them this morning,
Thanks again,
John

 

[dwfreck]

John,

If it turns out you don't like the rest of the group, you can always "fire" them, but I'd wait until after the surgery...

 

[catwoman]

John:

You've picked a great place for surgery. Best wishes for smooth sailing down there in Houston -- hope there's no rain making you have to row to the hospital. Y'all had some pretty good gully washers a couple of weeks ago. Don't even know if we had sprinkles up here in N. Central TX.

 

[JohnB]

Thanks Marsha,
As far as the weather is concerned I am more worried about how it is where you are. I will be driving up there tomorrow, my daughter graduates from UNT on Saturday.

John