Should I insist on seeing a cardiologist

Hi,
I have had a pacemaker now for 7 years due to a very slow (37) and arrythmic heart rate. I also had pauses of 4 secs. I saw my cardiologist two years previous to this and he told me nothing was wrong. |The same cardiologist implanted my pacemaker. I have had no problems since then. However, I am a little concerned that I am not being 'followed' up other than at the once a year pacer check and all they say is that the pacer is working properly. If I do mention a problem - I am told to go to my GP? I have had a couple of small episodes when I have landed back up in the hospital, where I am immediately kept in and put on aspirin. I do not take aspirin on a daily basis, as I have not been told to do so. Comments would be greatly appreciated. I have got to say that I totally trust the pacer, but sometimes I get a little concerned that I am not being properly looked after. And no, I am not a hypochondriac!!!

8 Comments

I guess I would get call back for

by janetinak - 2010-07-05 01:07:03

an appointment. I have had an ablation & am 100% dependent & am seen every 6 months with a phone check between so alernate office visit every 6 months with a telephone check between @ 3 months. Do you have some sort of monitoring devise where they can check the PM over the phone? Newer models do but you said you have had PM 7 yrs. So how do they determine your battery life? I am sure others on here will have other comments to add but I wonder about that (i.e., battery life). And no, I don't think you are a hypochondriac. Just very patient, more than I would be.

Let us know what you find out. Good luck,

Janet

See Cardiologist

by SMITTY - 2010-07-05 01:07:20

I say see anther cardiologist if possible. I have little doubt that your pacemaker is working as it should, just as you are being told. But all that really means is it is working as its settings would have it work. The probability of a pacemaker changing on its own is very slim, although it can happen. To me the concern is your heart function can change in much less time. Changes that your pacemaker may not accommodate unless its settings will allow it to.

I have a pacemaker checkup every 3 months or more often if I request it and a visit with a cardiologist every six months. The PM checkups are alternated between an in office visits and a telephone checkup. I expect you will hear from others here about their checkups being more often than you get.

Now I'm not implying that you may have had any serious changes in your heart function. But more frequent visits with a cardiologists would give you greater peace of mind and that is worth a lot.

Good luck,

Smitty

take aspirin daily

by jimkirschvink - 2010-07-05 02:07:15


I would sure take a low-dose aspirin a day, to prevent clots. My doctor wanted me to take a full aspirin a day, which doesn't seem like a big deal, but my arm was bruising easily.

A friend of mine had a stroke from his dysrhythmia!

My doctor wants me in every 6 months, and I usually blow him off...

call

by LS - 2010-07-05 07:07:21

Either to see your cardioligist, or to find a new one. You need someone to LISTEN to your concerns.
After 7 years could it be time for a replacement?
Good luck to you & keep us posted.
Liz

IN THE UK

by pete - 2010-07-06 03:07:49

Im in the UK where abouts are you? Care can be patchy in the UK . I am now well looked after but it was not always the case. Peter

I agree...Fire him

by Tracie H - 2010-07-11 07:07:54

You have a heart condition. You have questions. You want to be heard. All of this was apparent in your post. Unless your dealings with your doctor are much different than your post, your doc is not getting it and should be fired. You deserve a doctor that listens to you and is willing to see you when you make an appointment, no matter what he thinks of your situation. Many people don't realize that doctors are service providers - they are providing us with a medical service. They are no different than the guy who does your electrical or your plumbing. If they do a bad job, you fire them. Same with your doctor. Find someone who cares about you.

Should I see a Cardiologist

by suep - 2010-07-12 05:07:26

Firstly, I would like to thank all of you that took the effort to reply to my enquiry. It is quite obvious from those replies that you have all, at some time or another, been in the same situation I find myself in. Thank you all so much. I cannot reply to you all individually, it would take me forever, so I will try to summarise.

My condition, which is apparently, SSS was diagnosed, when I collapsed in Sainsbury's with a heart rate of 29. I was monitored in hospital where they discovered that I was having 4 secs nocturnal pauses and that they had now overflowed to during the day. None of this was picked up on the very many 24 hr tapes that were done previously. When the gaps were 'discovered' I was immediately prepped for pacer implantation that pm. However, some bright spark decided (My Consultant) that he would do another test (a 24 hr urine test) to see if there was a tumour somewhere (sorry if a bit vague but I was never given detailed information). However, the test was not done and the 24hr specimen was left in the sluice room untouched.


My GP was the only one that fought my corner and insisted that something was done and now. So, I am reluctant to go banging on his door. He checks me over, when I go to him concerning my heart and takes my bp also. Sometimes a wonder (and I know this is stupid) but did they put the pacer in just to shut me up and are now saying to the gp, well you referred her now you deal with her! And no, I dont' think I am paranoid or think the hospital is conspiring against me.

My main concern is that my heart condition must be changing or otherwise why are they altering the pacer each time I go. This time they said I had quite a few significant pauses which the pacer had been adjusted to meet. The underlying issue is that they *the hospital' are not looking after my heart as such!

I cannot sack my Cardiologist because I dont' have one that I can sack at the moment!

With fondest regards to you all and many thanks

Sue

There are always options. . .

by sugarleaf4 - 2010-07-14 09:07:29

I agree with those who say it's time for you to look for a caring cardiologist who will have your best interest at heart. The one you have now obviously doesn't. Yes, I've been in your shoes and I did find another cardiologist who is a real gem. So, unless you live on an island alone, you can find another one and you should. Your heart deserves to be cared for by someone who has a heart themselves.

Spend time looking and you'll find a good cardiologist!! It will make all the difference in your world!! I wish you the best! If you let me know where you live, I can try to help you locate someone in your location.

-- sugarleaf

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