Changing Docs?

[AnnaK]

I have mitral valve regurgitation, found out last spring when I had afib. I was "assigned" a cardiologist, a woman, no complaints but not particularly attached either. She's with a large group, about 45. Today I was reading the blurbs on some of the other doctors & noticed some have listed mitral valve as a special interest, unlike my doctor. If you were me would you switch to another doc? Or do they all work as a team anyway...any opinions will be much appreciated

 

[AZ Don]

I would consider it. It's good to have this information on the Dr's special interests, something that isn't always so readily available. What is readily available that I like to use are how other patients rank the Dr, available on Healthgrades.com, and how other Dr's rank the Dr, available on http://www.castleconnolly.com/doctors/, for a small fee. Unless the other Dr's reviews/rankings are lower than your current Dr., I would probably give the other a try.

 

[AnnaK]

Thanks for the reply Don. I hadn't heard of castleconnolly- I'll check that out. Btw, I had my cancer treatment at the Phoenix Mayo, but have since moved back east- great place.

 

[honeybunny]

I agree with Don. I would rather see some who is a specialist in my condition. Let us know which way you decide to go.

 

[Golden_Heart]

Hi Anna,

I am having the same concern as you mentioned and would definitely look into surgeons who specialize in mitral valve regurgitation. I am currently searching and "interviewing" surgeons.....so far I have seen Dr. Trento at Cedar Sinai and currently waiting for a response from Dr. Gillinov at the Cleveland Clinic. The heart facility at Cedar Sinai it absolutely wonderful, but I did not quite take to the doctor. He typically does minimally invasive mitral valve repair (his specialty), but since I have breast implants he mention I would probably need a plastic surgeon present during the procedure. From his body language and tone of voice, it seemed like that was going to be a hassle and said he'd just go through the sternum and my scar should heal fine. I was like no, that's not a good enough answer for me. Plus, when I spoke to him on the phone briefly he really wasn't open to listening to my concerns. So I had to mark him off my list of possible surgeons.

But if I were you, I would definitely do your research. I was told in May that I needed surgery for severe mitral valve regurgitation and every since I have been spending most of my free time researching and calling doctors to make appointments. I'm hoping to have surgery next month, but since I have not decided on a surgeon I don't think that is going to happen.

 

[Agian]

I was accused of 'doctor shopping' for seeking alternative opinions. Narcissistic pricks :-(

 

[AnnaK]

Thank you all for your replies...Golden Heart, Im a candidate for the minimally invasive procedure too, but I haven't had the cardiac catheterization yet - if a bypass(es) are needed they'd go through the sternum. It sounds like recovery can actually be harder, more painful, with the minimal approach. Best of luck with your decision & procedure, let us know how it goes!

Agian, that's exactly what I'm afraid of! I want to stay with this practice, don't want to tick anyone off, but I do want the best I can get.

Honeybunny, thanks, I'll keep you posted how it goes

 

[Golden_Heart]

I think there is nothing wrong with 'doctor shopping.' And don't feel bad to offend a surgeon by seeking second, third and fourth opinions......remember this is your heart and your body. No one has to live with the outcome but you. Good luck on your journey.....definitely keep me posted on what surgeon you decide to go with.

 

[almost_hectic]

If you think you should switch docs, then you should. I switched cardiologists and it may have actually saved my life. First one said I'd need surgery in a year or two. Didn't like him so I got a recommendation to a different cardio who said yes I'd need surgery but more likely in a month or two, not a year or two! He recommended an amazing surgeon at a totally different hospital than his own. Two months later I had my surgery and afterwards the surgeon said I was lucky I made it there in time.

 

[jwinter]

Hi AnnaK. I want to add a note here also. Having a good patient./doctor relationship USED to top of my list. I have had the same cardiologist since my first surgery four years ago. I made it to all appointments and had yearly and bi-yearly tests and appointments done. I get clean bill of health at his office in AZ in February......come back to Montana in May and after entering hospital in Billings for something else altogether...they find my valve is severely stenosed. Go figure?!
I still believe that you have to have some faith in people but will not stay with any doctor if I feel they are not the right one for me.
I had my first surgery with a "top" surgeon in Las Vegas...they now say the valve was not measured correctly and was to small.
I had a cardiologist and full team of cardiac surgeons review my case in Billings Mt. and two of them called me at home and said that as a team they do not feel qualified to do my surgery. I admire them for that!
Listen to the doctors and also listen to your instincts. If you don't feel comfortable go ahead and find another. Your life, your body, your choice.

 

[Catie]

I needed to change cardiologists last year, because I knew more about my condition than that doctor did, and he wanted testing that could have harmed me. "He could have killed you!" quipped the new cardiologist. It feels much safer to be in better hands now.

 

[AnnaK]

Thanks for your replies- you've made some very convincing cases for switching- I do plan to do that. I basically feel that my cardio does not take my past radiation history seriously. I had 7 weeks of daily radiation to the left side of my chest - breast cancer 7 years ago- it's the cause of my valve damage. The surgery & the recovery can be complicated for that reason- bones can be crumbly & not heal well. A friend who works in the medical profession advised me to make a discreet inquiry to make sure the practice allows switching before I attempt it. Apparently, some practices don't allow it!

 

[MartinF]

I had minimally invasive surgery for my mitral valve replacement and glad the surgeon suggested it. I can't say if it was more painful since I don't have anything to compare it to. I do have a high threshold for pain. Good luck with the decision on the new cardiologist. I'm at that point too. My original cardiologist left the group and I've found out the one I picked to replace him doesn't do any procedures. If I ever hear from him (it's been a year), I'm going to make another change.

 

[almost_hectic]

Is it the current state of healthcare that doctors are different now? Just wondering. Years ago my doctors used to be great! All very good but almost as important, they were all very engaged in the doctor patient relationship. They got to know me and genuinely cared about what I had to say. I dont know if its because I moved to Florida and doctors here see so many patients (old people) come and go that they dont have the time to care or what... But I had some great doctors in Illinois who were also just very good people. Dont know if thats just a sign of the times, or just the health climate of where I live now.

 

[dornole]

For a SURGEON I would def look for a mitral specialist. For a cardiologist, not sure unless you are talking about an interventional cardiologist who does non-surgical corrective procedures. That is who I see for a cardiologist.