advice

I've never posted anything on a website before but I am feeling very frustrated and found this site so I thought I'd give it a try.

I'm 29 yrs old and have had a pacemaker for almost 6 yrs now. For the past 3 yrs my heart has been going too fast. I feel like the Dr doesn't really listen to how this makes me feel and just rights a script after hearing not even half of what I'm trying to tell him. Every new med I have had bad side effects from but everytime he just gives me something new and walks out. I would love any suggestions on what to try to maybe ease the side effects. I have 3 kids to take care of and the side effects are so bad I feel like they prevent me from being the mom they deserve.
Thanks

7 Comments

I get it...

by pacergirl - 2010-04-24 01:04:03

I really do! Doctors don't have time to actually listen to us. It really upset me. I have this problem with my doc. as well. I have been thinking that maybe I should begin to ramble off weird stuff just to see if he is listening!


For me, it is time to get a new doc. Someone who will actually talk with me and listen when I explain that I am having some issues!

Good luck, take care and sorry that I can't really offer much help.

Pacergirl

Only one way to deal with it

by ElectricFrank - 2010-04-24 02:04:23

It is hard to go up against a powerful authority figure like a doctor, but that is the only way to get any satisfaction. You need to let him know you aren't happy with what he is doing and want him to spend enough time with you to explain what he feels is happening. Let him know that if he can't do that you will need to be referred to someone who will.

It sometimes helps to take a spouse or friend with you to to an appt and have them do some of the assertive activity.

Otherwise, he is happy. He charges you or your insurance company for an office visit and spends a minimum time with you.

by the way welcome to the group. You will find us varied and helpful.

advice

by dottodot - 2010-04-24 08:04:19

I make a list and then 1-2 weeks before my appointment I review it. Then I type it up on the computer and when I go in the physician knows those things need to be addressed. I also have questions for the staff at the pacemaker clinic. I'm also lucky as my EP has an excellent nurse practioner who meets with me first and then reviews that information with the EP and then he comes and discusses the information with me.

My unprofessional opinion

by Pookie - 2010-04-24 09:04:03

I think it's time you find another doctor if you can.

It's either speak up like Frank said or put up with him dismissing you.

Can your primary care doctor refer you to another cardiologist? I don't know where you live and how your medical system works.

Or....do like others mentioned: type up that list and just hand it to him. or...fax it in a few days prior along with a letter telling him you would like the items on your list explained to you.

I wish you the best of luck.

Doctors are only people, don't let them intimidate you.

Pookie

no advice

by qwerty - 2010-04-24 10:04:03

Like Frank said, it is hard to go up against a Doctor. But you have to try. Once, when the Doctor was in the room, I got a chair, put it in front of the door and sat in it. Then I got out my list and I think he knew I wasn't getting up until I got some answers. Instead of saying I don't feel good, be specific. If they write a script for a med, ask what it is for and what they think it will do and what the side effects are. How long it will take, and when to follow up. Then ask if there are other options.
You pay a healthy premium for that Dr to come in to see you. THEY have the responsibility and YOU have the right to demand answers.
This isn't a bad case of poison Ivy you need some meds for, this is your heart, and your life. Take charge of it!
This all sounds good, but I know it is hard to do. I usually end up crying because that is just me and I cry easy. But, I have learned to tell them... ignore the tears, I want my questions answered.
Hang in there. Make a list.... this really does help

Thanks

by Kisha - 2010-04-24 12:04:57

Thank you for all the help!! My husbands been saying for a couple yrs he wants me to find a different Dr. All these problems started during the birth of my daughter who didnt survive. I had massive internal bleeding and ended up in ICU with congestive heart failure for 2 wks. Then the following yr I became pregnant again and refused their advice to terminate the pregnancy. I had my daughter 6 wks early and she spent 2 wks in NICU. Two weeks after she came home I had my pacer put in. The pregnancy weakened my heart so much that it wouldnt go above 40 and would almost stop when I was sleeping. Then a couple yrs later my heart started too fast. I've asked him many times why this is now happening and his response everytime is "sometimes these things happen". He's never done any testing to find out why. He just goes by what info my pacer stores.

Thanks

by Kisha - 2010-04-24 12:04:59

Thank you for all the help!! My husbands been saying for a couple yrs he wants me to find a different Dr. All these problems started during the birth of my daughter who didnt survive. I had massive internal bleeding and ended up in ICU with congestive heart failure for 2 wks. Then the following yr I became pregnant again and refused their advice to terminate the pregnancy. I had my daughter 6 wks early and she spent 2 wks in NICU. Two weeks after she came home I had my pacer put in. The pregnancy weakened my heart so much that it wouldnt go above 40 and would almost stop when I was sleeping. Then a couple yrs later my heart started too fast. I've asked him many times why this is now happening and his response everytime is "sometimes these things happen". He's never done any testing to find out why. He just goes by what info my pacer stores.

You know you're wired when...

You have a little piece of high-tech in your chest.

Member Quotes

I live an extremely normal life now and my device does NOT hinder me in any way.