How Many Doctor's Have You Seen?

[Cappy]

Since I first started experiencing symptoms this past December:

• 11 cardiologist
  
• 1 cardiac surgeon
  
• 2 HCM specialists
  
• 1 pulmonologist
  
• At 20 least Internal Medicine Residents
  
• Had 7 echocardiograms
  
• God knows how many EKG's and Chest X-Rays
  
• 4 stress test
  
• 1 nuclear test
  
• 1 Cardiac Catheterization
  
• 1 Breathing Test
  
• Been admitted to the hospital 5 times
  
• Been to the ER 12 times
  
• Been stuck with needles, IV's etc, about 30 times
  
• Taken to hospital 4 times by ambulance, twice by co-workers
  
• Passed out 4 times
  
• On my third cardiac medication

[Sarah]

Re: How Many Doctor's Have You Seen?

Wow!

That is very impressive for such a short period of time.

I was diagnosed at 13, and if I had to count ALL the doctors I've seen while in the teaching hospital nearby, well, then I wouldn't finish this post for a week. So I'll stick to doctors whose name I can almost remember.

Cardiologists and Electrophysiologists: 18 with an appointment to see a new one in September.

How many of those call themselves an HCM specialist? 2 or 3.

I have about five other specialists I see for things not entirely related to HCM.

l,
S

[Pat]

Re: How Many Doctor's Have You Seen?

Cappy & Sarah,

Double-wow! In the 4+ years since my HOCM diagnosis I've seen two physicians who specialize in cardiology. One who is not a specialist in HCM and one who has an expertise in HCM diagnostics & treatment.

I would be confused and very upset if your situation had happened to me, Cappy! I sure hope you've got a lead cardiologist who you trust now and you're getting coordinated care which doesn't involve unnecessary duplication of tests.

I am on my fourth or fifth med.

Pat

[Reinhard]

Re: How Many Doctor's Have You Seen?

Gee, I don't feel so bad. I've been to 1 HCM specialist, 3 cardiologists and 1 electrophisiologist. And judging from my last visit with the cardiologist, I might be seeking out another one. Seems like evry time you go to see someone new, a new piece of the puzzle crops up. Guess I'll be seeking out the next one soon.

Stay well and God Bless

[Sarah]

Re: How Many Doctor's Have You Seen?

Re: meds. I've taken four or five different beta-blockers, two calcium channel blockers, one ace-inhibitor, two potassium-channel blockers, and digitalis. The only drug I've not tried is amiodarone, which I refuse to take b/c of the side effects.

S

[Lisa Salberg]

Re: How Many Doctor's Have You Seen?

Is that all?

WOW... you have had a **** of a few months!

How are you feeling now??
Lisa

[Cappy]

Re: How Many Doctor's Have You Seen?

Is that all?

WOW... you have had a **** of a few months!

How are you feeling now??
Lisa

Its been a long last several months.

I am feeling pretty sucky, but making it through ok

[Lisa Salberg]

Re: How Many Doctor's Have You Seen?

again I say..WOW...

Have you had any improvement since you have seen the specialist?

Lisa

[Cappy]

Re: How Many Doctor's Have You Seen?

again I say..WOW...

Have you had any improvement since you have seen the specialist?

Lisa

Nope.