Doctors, Who you gonna call?

[tigerlily]

I've been hiding in the wings lately, but I continue to drop by and check on folks here at VR.com. It's now been 4 months since my surgery. For the most part, I'm doing well and enjoying the summer. I just started cardiac rehab last week which is wonderful. More about that in Active Lifestyles.

Here is the burning question I have for you folks. I still have some strange systems I would like to ask my cardio about, but the last time I called his office with the complaint that it hurt to breath deeply, I was referred to my Family Doctor. I ended up having a TEE done to rule out some problems, but I never did get a good chance to talk to my cardio directly.

Who are you suppose to call first with heart related questions (especially after some time has gone by), your family doc or your cardio? I probably wouldn't even be asking the question if my cardio felt more accessible and his assistant more approachable.

Anyway, it would help to know what you guys do. The symptoms I have do not seem to merit any emergency. I just would like to have more peace of mind. Thanks for your help.

 

[Ross]

Your family physician or PCP is the one to go to in most cases. The rule being, if you know for certain it's a heart related problem, then go direct with the Cardiologist. Most of us have to have a referral to go to our Cardios or they won't even see us.

Your more then welcome to come back and help other newbies with the experience that you now have gained. I wouldn't mind that at all.

 

[Lynlw]

If it is heart related we always call Justin card first, if they won't put you thru, then i would say, i know he is probably busy, can you please have him call me when he gets a min, or does he have an email address i could use to ask him some questions about my heart. if it isn't an emergency, I would wait for his call back for a day or 2 then call again, Lyn

 

[JohnnyV_46]

My Cardiologist told me to call about anything....I guess maybe they want the office visit so they can get theirs before telling me to go to my PCP...