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Appointment with Dr. Wigle

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  • #1

    Appointment with Dr. Wigle

    Finally! I have been waiting 6 months to see an HCM specialist, and at last I got the call. Feb 8th is the big day. I am both thrilled and terrified at the same time. I have never flown before, and have only been to Toronto once(in grade 8-class trip).

    I will also be on my own(yikes) as my husband has to go out of town for work, we will however be able to fly out together.

    If anyone has some tips for a first time flyer, especially anything pertaining to HCM, please let me know. Also, this is my one chance to see a specialist, I don't want to miss a beat, is there ANYTHING I should/must ask about?

    A big thank you to Lisa and the HCMA for guiding me in the right direction, and for all the support.

    Thanks
    Pam
    It's not what you gather, but what you scatter that tells what kind of life you have lived.

    Dx in Feb/99. Obstructed. No ICD, no surgeries, no family history. 2 sons ages 14 and 6.
    Tags: None
  • #2
    Congrats on the appointment! First of all, pack light. You don't want to haul around more stuff than you need. Secondly, make a list of things you want to ask. Keep it with you and add to it as you think of things. Third, enjoy your flight.

    Reenie

    PS: I can't remember, but if you have an ICD you will want them to hand check you for the security screening. You shouldn't go through the metal detectors and they shouldn't pass the wand over the device.
    Reenie

    ****************
    Husband has HCM.
    3 kids - ages 23, 21, & 19. All presently clear of HCM.

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    • #3
      Arrange with the airline, in advance, to get a wheelchair if you have trouble with walking distances. You may be required to walk a long distance with stairs at Toronto's Pearson International Airport.
      Travel light, use baggage with wheels, and be prepared to carry it by yourself. If you can't lift it, don't take it!
      Dr. Wigle is a very competent, old school doctor/professor and is very straight forward.
      While he will spend as much time with you as you need, you should write out all your questions before you go.
      Refer to your notes while you talk to him. Go through each question.
      Ask for copies of your test results before you leave.
      Have fun in Toronto!

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      • #4
        Appointment with Dr. Wigle

        I'm a long time flyer but a newbie HOCM. Good luck for 8 Feb.

        Absolutely agree with the others about the light luggage, and using wheeled suitcases. The two things that most often knock me are nothing to do with the actual flying - they're the distance you have to walk in some airports (especially after you've had to leave the airport trolleys behind), and having to lift the bag I take on to the plane up to the overhead locker.

        The other thing I'd add is to wear comfortable flat shoes - not just for the walking, but depending on how long the flight is (and from New Zealand all flights are long), your feet can start to swell, so that snug fitting shoes at the start of the flight are impossibly tight by the end.
        kiwi

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        • #5
          Pam, good luck, Dr Wigle has been my HCM doc for 30 years, your seeing one the best and I'm sure your going to get a lot of the answers you've been looking for.
          And welcome to Toronto.
          Right now we're in a deep freeze, but I'm sure your used to that.
          Every great thing that has ever happened since the beginning of time has started as a single thought in someones mind.
          So if you are capable of thought then you are capable of great things
          Good luck and stay well.
          Glen

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          • #6
            Thanks all for your replies, they were very helpful.
            I have quite high expectations so I hope I am not disappointed. From what I have heard and read about Dr. Wigle though, he sounds terrific.

            Reenie, no I don't have an ICD, I'll have to remember that for the furture should I ever get one.

            Glen, we had 2 days last week that reached -48C, it hasn't been that cold here for atleast 7-8 yrs. Brrrrrrrr!!

            I'll be in Toronto for a week, so hopefully the weather won't be too bad, I'd hate to have to stay indoors all week.

            Take care all.

            Pam
            It's not what you gather, but what you scatter that tells what kind of life you have lived.

            Dx in Feb/99. Obstructed. No ICD, no surgeries, no family history. 2 sons ages 14 and 6.

            Comment

            • #7
              Pam ,

              Best of luck to you . I think this is the best thing that you are going to be seen by Dr. Wiggle. The visit has been a long time coming. Stay warm. .... -48C!!! that is so unbelievable. Here we are moaning about -10C , -20C wind chills and frozen washer hoses, I don't know how we would deal with that cold. What must your oil bills be like????

              Will be thinking of you.

              The other Pam
              Dx @ 47 with HOCM & HF:11/00
              Guidant ICD:Mar.01, Recalled/replaced:6/05 w/ Medtronic device
              Lead failure,replaced 12/06.
              SF lead recall:07,extracted leads and new device 2012
              [email protected] Tufts, Boston:10/5/03; age 50. ( [email protected] 240 mmHg ++)
              Paroxysmal A-Fib: 06-07,2010 controlled w/sotalol dosing
              Genetic mutation 4/09, mother(d), brother, son, gene+
              Mother of 3, grandma of 3:Tim,27,Sarah,33w/6 y/o old Sophia, 5 y/o Jack, Laura 34, w/ 5 y/o old Benjamin

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