JenniferInOhio Posted October 11, 2005 Report Share Posted October 11, 2005 Okay, so I went to my appt. with the nurse since I was having left sided sharp pain in my chest on Sunday and Monday. Of course, today I'm fine. First of all, the nurse at the cardiologist's office is not familiar with POTS, so I have to explain it to her...next she kept asking if I was short of breath with the chest pain. Well, how do I explain to her that I get short of breath because of my tachycardia, but I don't think the shortness of breath has anything to do with the chest pain? So, she goes and talks to the electrophysiologist there (not my regular cardiologist...who I've only seen for 5 minutes total...yes, isn't that sad?). He said it was not cardiac related...he did not even see me. No pulse taken, no ekg...just bp and listened to my heart. They sent me on my way.What a waste. And with gas prices this high, it was REALLY a wasted because I had to travel 30 minutes to get there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mom4cem Posted October 11, 2005 Report Share Posted October 11, 2005 Sorry about your ordeal. It really stinks. Surprised they did not even do an ekg, just to cover their tush. Luckily for me my cardio, though not well versed in dysautonomia, if I have any chest pain or heart issue going on, will tell me to come in or call him. He tells me to avoid the er unless it is an emergency but I should call him first. He worries that since they don't know the things I have gone through, tachy, b/p, etc. that they might dose me up with stuff I can' take and come out worse than before.Did you leave a message for your cardio? I don't know if you have a good relationship with him but I would let him know that you were there with pain that has been bothering you for a few days and no one spent anytime even doing vitals for you. I guess they are still not offering basic bedside manner in medical school yet. Whenever there is a budget crisis those classes are the first to go.. Hope you are feeling better. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dizzy Dame Posted October 11, 2005 Report Share Posted October 11, 2005 Hi Jennifer,I don't mean to sound like a loud-mouth, but you shouldn't have to put up with that kind of treatment !If you're not satisifed, go see a different doctor until someone gives you an answer. When I was getting diagnosed with POTS, I had to see TONS of doctors before I found one who'd listen to me. Now I've learned to become a "revolving door" if necessary. I hope you get the answers you need Good luck, Lauren Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
taylortotmom Posted October 11, 2005 Report Share Posted October 11, 2005 I'm really sorry about your experience. I wonder if a 30 year old man would have been sent on his way so quickly? Just a thought. Now about your chest pain. I had very similiar sxs and called the nurse that works with my cardio. Fortunately they are very skilled in dealing with young women with dysautonomia. She explained that based on my description it sounded like it was related to my MVP (mine occurred during attemping to walk for exercise) and to drink before, during, and after any workout. The sxs really scared me but she reassured me- she gave me some techical info about betas or something firing off in my heart but anyway, it made sense at the time. If you ever have doubts that concern you about sxs don't let people brush you off. They might act irritated but I would approach if by saying, "I know you are busy but this has really been bothering me. Can you help put my mind at rest just by running an ekg just to be sure? " Remember the honey- you can always kill more flies with honey than vinegar. Always thank them for their time (people like to know that we don't just abuse their or our own time). It may seem superficial but nieceness goes along way. I even used this approach with an er doc who woke up the wrong side of bed (everyday). I immediately told him "Happy Memorial Day". Then proceded to tell him I was no there for pain meds but my leg had really been bothering me and felt like I needed to check it out, I ended up getting an ultrasound on my leg and a follow-up with my cardio. Not all expereices turn out this well, but I can tell you it sure does not hurt to lay it on thick sometimes (but be sincere).Carmen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
melly4 Posted October 12, 2005 Report Share Posted October 12, 2005 I'm sorry about your experience. My son and I have both been there. I hope you didn't pay the jerk!! Don't give up. There are some docs that will listen and learn, even those without much dysautonomia experience.Melly Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
goldicedance Posted October 12, 2005 Report Share Posted October 12, 2005 Shame on those doctors! I wouldn't put up with a doctor who didn't do an EKG and perhaps even a chest xray when someone is complaining about chest pain. Perhaps it's time to hit the road and find a new cardiologist.Lois Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aprilmarie52 Posted October 13, 2005 Report Share Posted October 13, 2005 sorry that your doctor didnt help you. I wouldnt give up. You deserve answers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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