Son and tests

[Karlynn]

Derek's lung scan was clear. He hasn't talked to the Dr. yet. I told him to relay that we want an echo done to rule out a valve cause, and that if she had any disagreement with that to please speak with me. Our insurance will cover the echo if it is done to diagnose a current complaint.

 

[Harrybaby666]

This Really Stinks The Way They Are Treating This....

This Really Stinks The Way They Are Treating This....

Now I'm starting to get a bit irritated. Derek's doctor told him that men don't usually get MVP and she doesn't hear a murmur, so she doesn't think there's reason to do an echo. However, she is doing a lung scan today because one of her colleages said his symptoms could mean small blood clots in the lungs. My sister's MVP isn't heard, it was diagnosed because of SOB!!!!!!! My parents' male minister had his mitral valve replaced because he got endocarditis after dental surgery. He had no clue he had MVP and he had yearly check-ups, so a murmur was apparently not heard there either.

I still think it's stress - but it's getting very annoying that she feels there's cause for a lung scan, but not for an echo - even after knowing his family Hx.

Hi Karlynn,
This is EXACTLY the kind of thing that I am running into myself with my "bozo" doctors. They think that just because one test doesn't show anything, that they can write it off and forget it, or they blame your symptoms on anything that is convenient to them...My cardiologist and PCP have told me that because I had my catheterizations in 1999 and 2001 that I am fine...they also seem to stick to the "your arteries are not clogged" routine after I have told them I am having tons of chest pains and SOB...they just don't get it...I have read up on the valve issues and the CHF and Cardiomyopathy, and they ALL have the symptoms of Angina, so therefore, I feel that they shouldn't rule out something just because 1 test says negative...Oh, I am sorry for venting, it's just that what your son is going through is what I have been dealing with and it just makes me mad to no end...I hope your son finds out what's wrong and it gets taken care of...Take Care, Harrybaby

 

[Abbanabba]

Derek's doctor told him that men don't usually get MVP and she doesn't hear a murmur, so she doesn't think there's reason to do an echo.

Just because men don't usually get MPV, doesn't mean it doesn't happen!! I've also been banging my head against a brick wall with doctors who make assumptions about things and won't test for things even if just to rule them out. I tried the ol' "..well test for it and prove me wrong.." line, but unfortunately they still wouldn't.

Maybe if they don't find anything on the lung scan they'll be more willing to do the echo.

Hope you (both) get some answers and cooperation soon.

Anna

 

[gijanet]

Always chiming in late............

Always chiming in late............

but I would have to insist on the echo, too. If they refuse, then I would seek an opinion elsewhere. Like Pam, I had a couple of really bad experiences with college health services and just do not trust them, by and large. Maybe you can get one set up at home during Christmas break.

There's nothing like "piece of mind." I'm missing one of mine, by the way..........a rather large chunk.

Keep at it, Mom, and let us know how it goes.

 

[Karlynn]

Thanks to all for the encouragement and the advice. I have a call in to his doctor and am waiting...waiting...waiting.

I still think it's stress - however, I want to make sure that it's not stress affecting a valve.

He said his breathing has been better this week. He's annoyed with me for being a pest about the echo issue. That's just a sign that I'm doing my job!

 

[Bryan B]

Karlynn,

Is Derek coming home for Thanksgiving? If so maybe you can have one done while he is home. I know when I was in college I would only go to the college's health services for minor stuff (cold, sprained ankle once). I do agree that an echo is in order to rule out any valve issues...for peace of mind if nothing else. Hope everything turns out ok for him (and you).

 

[Karlynn]

Mission accomplished. I spoke with his doctor this afternoon. She seemed a bit defensive at first. However, when I explained that, with my personal and family Hx and the fact that he has had this problem one other time, that ruling out a valve involvement would set his mind at ease and ours as well, she quickly agreed with me.

I told her that I did think it was stress, but that I know he has asked many times over the years if he was going to have heart problems and if we could use the echo to calm any underlying fears, it would just help the stress.

He has an echo set up, I don't know when it is scheduled, but I would imagine fairly soon.

Thanks again for all the support!

 

[ALCapshaw2]

GOOD JOB Karlynn / MOM !

Glad to see that your persistence paid off.

'AL'

 

[geebee]

So happy to hear that your son will be getting his echo. I think it will make everyone feel better to be able to rule out (or find out) any problems.
I get irritated too when doctors go by statistics. I would be dead if I listened to the statistic spouting.
Men don't usually get breast cancer either but I know of 2 who did and have heard of others who have died because doctors went down the "men don"t road".
Anyway, I will pray that the echo shows all is well.
Smiles,
Gina