My Trip To Cleveland Clinic

[casey311]

Well had my appt. with Dr. Fouad on Tuesday. It was scheduled for 12:30 and didn't get seen until 2. Apparently her nurse didn't let her know I was there. She took down my history and then off I went for the tilt table. Didn't pass out, mind you I was on my meds so that is probably why. Went back to the dr. after the tilt and she ordered a blood volume and hemodynamic. My diastolic dropped more than it should but my systolic was fine. My heart rate increased significantly. Confirmed POTS and venous pooling. Was going to take me off Toprol and put me on Inderal but after the blood volume she decided to keep me on the Toprol b/c she thought the Toprol was helping with my blood volume b/c it was within normal limits. Ordered Qsart and got a call that I have small fiber neuropathy. The nurse called and I asked exactly what it meant and she said she would have the dr. call me and that was on Thursday. Still haven't heart. Dr. Fouad orderd Cardiac Rehab and support stockings and to return in 2 to 4 months. Since I live in Missouri I'll be heading back in 4 probably. Didn't get the HRV b/c the tech wasn't in so will probably do that next time. Overall I was very pleased with my experience. Dr. Fouad was very knowledgable and answered all my questions. You can tell she doesn't work b/c she has to, it's b/c she wants to. Since wearing the stockings I've been having gastro problems. Just yesterday and today. I don't know if that's why but my stomach just does not feel good today. Now i"m scared thinking there's something else going on. I really wish she would have taken me off the Toprol but she's the specialist. Apparently they are combining the neurology lab and cardiology lab this week so that'll be better next time. Also I asked about the difference between seeing the neurologist and the cardiologist and the tech said that neurology testing takes you off your meds. Would that be better I wonder?

[Ernie]

Hi,

I am glad you had a satisfiying visit.

When you want a diagnosis you stop your meds.

When you want to see if the present treatment is working you keep your meds.

[delphicdragon]

Your stomach might be upset because of the compression stockings. I personally can not have anything tight around my stomach or I get pain along with bloating and gas. It's just easier to wear loose clothing. Have you thought of pulling the stockings down a bit, so they rest on your hips? I find if I do that, my stomach is happier.

Sara

[mkoven]

they kept me on my meds at cleveland, but i still showed pots and hypotension, with pooling. i haven't been back for followup. it was somewhat helpful, but a mixed experience.

[casey311]

They are just knee high stockings. Since I was in Ohio we ate a lot of fast food last week so I wonder if that has something to do with it too. I think once you start having health problems it's easy to worry over every little thing.

[gwensvilla]

how do they do the blood volume test... and what is the henodynamic test?? Gwen

[casey311]

I laid down and they did an IV line and took blood and then injected me with isotope and took more blood. Then they had me lay real still so they could take pictures and they had me sit up for about 10 minutes and took more pictures. I believe the second part was the hemodynamic part and that was to see how the blood flow was going in and out of my heart. I don't have my pamphlets with me so someone might be able to explain it better. Sorry.