Second Opinion etiquette

Yesterday I went in to have my pacer interogated for my first 30 day check up. (After the replacement of a failed medtronics lead- and the subsequent implantation of an entire new device as well) The medtronics tech turned a funny color, and called in another tech who also showed signs of stress..... apparently the new lead is not pacing me, though it is giving some signal back. Albeit, according to the techs, a "weak one" they sent me for an x-ray thinking the lead had moved. (and they thought that would explain ongoing pain and "ticking feelings" in my left side as well.) This morning I spoke with the cardiologist on the phone. The first words out of his mouth were "you don't need a pacemaker any way, you just need a defibrillator" SAY WHAT????? Hmmmmm. What about my biventricular pacemaker, do I not need it? I asked. "When did we decide on that?" he replied. Uh oh..... Now I am starting to feel a bit like alice in the rabbit hole. Eventually he conceded that I definitely do need a pacer (I am not sure whether that's a relief or not) - but it's okay if the new lead doesn't work - (HUH?) as long as the defibrillator fires - which it may - or may not - with the lead behaving the way it is. To be safe, he says, he wants to put me in the hospital, stop my heart, fire my defibrillator, and - if it gets me going - send me home with no concerns about the quirky new lead. If he had rememberd who I am and the surgery he performed 5 weeks ago - I might feel a bit less uncomfortable - but I really don't feel okay with this. Am I expecting too much? and - if I am not - does this plan sound reasonable? and if doesn't, what is the etiquette for getting my records so I can get a second opinion? Thanks in advance for any insight. - and hope the holidays are being gentle to all. PD

8 Comments

yep, run!

by Tracey_E - 2009-12-16 05:12:38

Forget etiquette, just ask for your records and go find someone new asap.

Screw etiquette...

by COBradyBunch - 2009-12-16 06:12:28

When it comes to questioning my docs about my life screw etiquette. They told me my never before heard murmur could not possibly have been caused by my pacer implant. My own research found exactly the opposite, and that a murmur could even be a warning sign of worse things to come due to a misplaced lead or ever worse, a valve that was punctured during implantation. going in to see my doc after I emailed them what I had found and they agreed that maybe they shouldn't just blow it off.

Me too

by ElectricFrank - 2009-12-17 01:12:46

I agree! It's your life at stake. Request your records and find another cardiologist. He's a big boy. If he can't handle it that's all the more reason for moving on. Get the pre and post printout on that last checkup. There should be a reference to the lead impedances. Post them here and maybe we can give you some idea of the state of your leads.

By the way in finding another cardiologist be sure to locate one who uses the Medronic rep for checkups. My guess is that the stress response you saw was because they saw that something wasn't right, but weren't allowed to tell you. This is part of the medical etiquette.

You might call Medtronics and ask for the name of other cardiologists in your area who use their products and services. That should narrow your search.

good luck,

frank

Isnt that a crock

by walkerd - 2009-12-17 07:12:41

See something wrong and dont say anything because of medical etiquette!!!!!!!! Cover each others behinds, and they wonder why there are so many lawsuits, to error is human dont hide it and make it explode into a nuclear bomb blast.
STOP YOUR HEART TO TEST THE DEFIB!!!! You have got to be kidding me. Like posted run run run.

best of luck
dave

gettting records

by sam78 - 2009-12-17 08:12:12

PreciousDays.. I had to seek out a second opinion and move my care to another cardiologist as well. You as a patient have a right to your medical records. You do not have to tell them the reason why, just tell them it is for personal reasons, or continuing care. I had absolutely no problems getting my records. you should just have to sign a reason and some do request you pay a fee. But again you have a right to them and as a health care personnel I feel that people should have copies of their medical records, particularly for serious things such as pacemakers. Good Luck

CRAZYOLOGIST

by Christmmpace - 2009-12-18 01:12:24

This guy is not a cardiologist. He's a gambler and he's gambling on your heart working if he stops it. I would get away from this chicken bone throwing doctor. This is the kind of doctor who throws chicken bones against the wall and tell you what you have wrong, get away from this crazyologist. Wow, I truly hope you don't go through what this man wants to put you through. I would seek legal advice as well, this man is not right!! I wish you the best and please take each posting on here very serious! I'll pray for you today.

Take care,
James

Backwards leads

by ElectricFrank - 2009-12-18 11:12:17

I wonder if there has been any cases of the atrial and ventricular leads being mixed up at implant. That would be interesting. In DDD mode it would sense a ventricular contraction and us it to time an atrial. Would the heart pump backwards??

frank

WOW Frank

by Christmmpace - 2009-12-19 03:12:14

I never thought of it in that way, but, you could be right about that. That's pretty interesting to think about, it makes me wonder if mines are right because my pm is on stand by but everything they check it i really bothers me, like my heart can take it. Thank Frank, your the Mcgiver of hearts.LOL

Take care,
James

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