What do you think

[fcarter]

Hi there,
I went to get assessment for my rehabilitation today and what was told to me was another shock. The card. that did the assessment asked if I was told that I have more clogged arteries and kept asking me if I had had a heart attack or stroke in the past. Well he seems to think that I have a clogged arteries (1 in the neck and 1 in each leg, the groin area). I asked him why he thought that on the first examination and why he would suggest something like that. I guess he had good reason because of the sounds he heard throughout my arteries. What I am wondering is if it is possible after all I been through that it was missed. I had congestive heart failure,echogram,stress test, blood work,last year and 2 bypass and mechanical valve replacement this year.
Now I am being told something new has come up. I don't know what to think or believe anymore, it seems that everytime I see a doctor or specialist, they have something else to tell me. I know that I am lucky to be here and be able to complain but isn't there a limit.It is hard trying to explain to my kids that there may be more surgeries to come. Do you think that I should get another opinion and ask for more test. And what kind of test do I ask for? Thank you all so much for being here for me and everyone else. I feel more confident asking this stuff here than at a doctor office right now because it seems that someone is misleading me or not telling the truth. Again thanks.
Faye

 

[Ross]

I would've went Postal on the guy! After everything you've been through and tested for, yes they should have caught that. I certainly would want a second opinion and if it's found to be true, I'd be making use of the Doctors Malpractice Insurance.

That angers me in case you can't tell.

 

[Nancy]

Hi Faye-

The news you got was pretty disturbing. Did I understand right that this rehab evaluation card told you all this just upon hearing things through a stethoscope?

I think you should run, not walk to get a second opinion.

I've never heard that stethoscope evaluation is the gold standard for developing a definitive evaluation on your arteries. It's true you can hear things, and may have a hunch, but I would have someone else check it out more thoroughly.

You've been through a lot of testing in the recent past, right? The most logical thing would be that this new fellow is mistaken, because your other tests, surgeries, etc most probably would have picked this up.

But now you have this guys statement, and you need to have everything checked out, so get the second opinion from a different cardiologist, or even your Primary Care Physician. Whomever you think is the best.

Just my two cents. Don't worry until it's absolutely necessary, and don't get way ahead of yourself.

Just be cautious and prudent.

Please let us know what happens, I'll be thinking about you. Take care.

 

[Georgia]

Grr-r-r-r

Grr-r-r-r

Faye, I'm so sorry to hear this. Do you have a big ol' target painted on you???

I just don't know much about these things (clogged arteries and such), but I do know that while they were messing around doing the cardiac cath etc. in preparation for the valve surgery they checked my carotids and all the blood vessels around my heart. And I presume they at least looked at the other big ones. So how COULD they miss this??? They sound like car mechanics (yeah, lady, the new water pump screwed up the hoses; and when ya put new hoses on it screwed up the radiator; etc. etc.).

I think Nancy's advice is best - don't get too upset (more than you are now) and run for a second opinion. Take care and keep in touch with us. My prayers are with you. This sucks.

 

[McCln]

Sound like a scare tactic to me. I agree with the others to get another opinion, no one is diagnosed by sethiscope alone. Clogged arteries, your cardio would have known from a catherization. Something doesn't sound right. Let us know what you plan to to do and what happens after. Hang in there and take care.

Caroline
09-13-01
Arotic valve replacment
St. Jude's valve

 

[Creed3]

Faye,
I totally agree with what Nancy and everyone else here says. Don't jump to conclusions right now, but you should definately get it checked out. Something just doesn't sound right about the whole thing. Please keep us informed.

Take Care!
Gail

 

[ALCapshaw2]

Sorry you are having a tough row to hoe Faye.

There is a special Blood Pressure Test that measures BP at your ankles and arms to check for Blockages in your extremities. You may want to ask your Cardiologist or Primary Care Physician if this would be appropriate in addition to whatever your Cardiologist might want to investigate.

Better to be safe than sorry and better to KNOW than not know.
Do the tests and try not to get too anxious (yeah - right).

Sorry you are having a tough row to hoe.

Best wishes,

'AL'

 

[sylviayasgur]

hi faye!
i'm so sorry you have to go through this after all you've already been through... it's supposed to get easier from here on in, no?
please listen to all the others here and go for that second opinion. i think it may have been a hasty diagnosis for the rehab cardio to conclude that based on a simple stethoscope hearing. try not to make yourself crazy with worry until you know more. please let us know as soon as you find out what's going on.
you are in our thoughts and prayers.
wishing you all the best, sylvia

 

[Mark Wagner]

Wow ... I'm sorry to hear the bad news. It is your heart and life your talking about, and if your uncomfortable, get the second opinion. With so much going on; if I may suggest; write down all your questions before you go in. I know myself, with so much going on, I would just draw a blank. Thank goodness my wife pre-discussed my questions with me beforehand, and made sure they were asked. I suppose I am giving into the fact that 'behind every good man their is a good woman.' (I see Nancy smiling right now. Your certainly in my prayers.

 

[fcarter]

Thank you

Thank you

Just wanted to say thank you for all of your support and kind responses. I am going to get a second opinion. After talking to my family doctor, she says it is possible that they may have overlooked the arteries because they were more concerned with the arteries in my heart. I am waiting to hear back from my regular card. to set up an appointment to go in and talk to him about this recent find. My family doctor suggest that I have the proper test run before we get into any thing serious and that I should try and not worry.
OK... it's not her that just went through double bypass and valve replacement surgery 3 mnths ago.

 

[fcarter]

got some appointments

got some appointments

Thank you to all who are concerned and the wonderful responses. Just wanted to let you know that I have an appointment to have a stress test done on June 20 and I will see my card. on July 4. Boy do I ever have some questions for him. I also had the rehibilation centre fax a copy of my assessment to my family doctor. Normally that don't but said that they would so that is a little better news for me. At least my doctor can go by the report and not just hear say on my part. Sometimes I wonder if they believe you when you tell them what another doctor says. Anyway enough boring you. Thank you all for your support.
Faye

 

[Nancy]

Hi Faye-

I'm glad things are moving along. I hope it all turns out OK for you. Please let us know.

Best wishes.

 

[medtronic of borg]

Grr

Grr

you do not have a case of mal practice! Second be sure to ask for a doppler of your carotids and femorals..Third if they come back negative...get a betterDr.

 

[fcarter]

update

update

I wanted to give you an update so far on my progress with my recent new.
I saw my family doctor yesterday and she is ordering the test required to find answers on whether or not I have more clogged arteries. She said that she won't be surprised if I do have some clogged because of my age and the situations that I have been through. We will deal with each problem has they present themselves. With God's help and family and friends I know that I will get through this. I am happy however to say that I am officially 3 months smoke free and starting to really get over the withdraws. I am surprised that I haven't wanted to give into the cravings especially since the recent news I have been getting. I am trying really hard to stay smoke free.
Thank you all for your kind words and advise.
fcarter