shanying418 Posted July 27, 2010 Report Share Posted July 27, 2010 Hi everyone, I just came back from my new cardio doc's appointment. The doctor I saw was nice. I think she definitely communicates better than my old cardiologist. She told me that POTS is difficult to diagnose and treat because of its relation with nerve system. And that my best bet to understand POTS will be reading it online (that's when I laughed and she replied "so you've already did that") She also want to do another two tests (some kind of stress test which they look at the muscles when and after the exercise) before starting me on an exercise plan.However, this is the bummer I guess. My new cardiologist said that she'll consult an electrophysiologist and see if there's any other tests that she should perform. She said that though she would not have done anything different from my cardiologist so far, she thinks my old cardiologist, being a arrhythmia specialist, will know better than she does. She also says that there are a million of reasons that cause fatigue and fatigue is not the primary symptoms of POTS (dizziness and fainting are--which I have both)Now, I'm left with this situation---do I go to the doc. who communicates better or the doc. who knows more about POTS but made me feel like I need to justify everything I said?! Anyone has suggestion? What should I value more? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
firewatcher Posted July 27, 2010 Report Share Posted July 27, 2010 Personally, I'd go for the second doc. She is at least looking and asking questions if she doesn't know the answer. Your other doc sounds like he's just managing and pacifying you. This is someone that you must TRUST WITH YOUR LIFE! If you can't talk to them and have a good dialog, then do you really trust them if you can't speak at all? Did you ask if she wants you as a patient? I have asked this of both the cardiologists that I have seen. One said: "I'm willing to try as long as you are willing to be a guinea pig and keep reading." The other doc said: "Certainly, the goal is to keep you stable and I am happy to consult with your other docs and Vanderbilt if anything strange comes up." I've chosen the second doc, I'm tired of being a lab animal. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KristinL Posted July 27, 2010 Report Share Posted July 27, 2010 I agree I would go to the second doc...it seems like she is willing to listen and seek out answers to your questions. I like that she is honest that she may not know it all but is willing to ask others (professinals) for your benefit Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shanying418 Posted July 27, 2010 Author Report Share Posted July 27, 2010 Did you ask if she wants you as a patient? I have asked this of both the cardiologists that I have seen. One said: "I'm willing to try as long as you are willing to be a guinea pig and keep reading." The other doc said: "Certainly, the goal is to keep you stable and I am happy to consult with your other docs and Vanderbilt if anything strange comes up." I've chosen the second doc, I'm tired of being a lab animal.I never asked any of them if they want me as their patient... Never thought of asking. My new cardio doc. asked me why did my PCP send me to her and after listening to my response she said that she is willing to talk to me from a communication stand of point. Maybe I'm being too honest when I told her my old cardio doc. didn't even really tell me what POTS is. He basically explained POTS in two sentences--"so your test is abnormal and you have POTS....etc." I never had any doc. who offers to consult other docs in the other hospitals. But that being said, I think they won't tell me if they do anyways. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brye Posted July 28, 2010 Report Share Posted July 28, 2010 Is there a 3rd option. Perhaps an EP who communicates? Between the 1st 2nd I would go with the 2nd if she's willing to help. My EP doctors have been the most helpful option for me. The cardiologists I have seen were very quick to diagnose but very hesitant to treat.Brye Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shanying418 Posted July 28, 2010 Author Report Share Posted July 28, 2010 Is there a 3rd option. Perhaps an EP who communicates? Between the 1st 2nd I would go with the 2nd if she's willing to help. My EP doctors have been the most helpful option for me. The cardiologists I have seen were very quick to diagnose but very hesitant to treat.BryeHi Brye,I don't know if there's that 3rd option... Don't know any EP doctors. I guess my 3rd option will be going to one of the doc. on the dinet list but maybe you can give me more info in regard to EP doc? I thought EP doc. are under cardiology. Yes, I agree, if I end up choosing, I think I'm leaning toward the 2nd doc. I just talked to my PCP's nurse this afternoon and is waiting to hear from either my PCP or the nurse about what to do next...Plz keep me in your thoughts. Hope my PCP make the right decision. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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