Outpatient Heart Procedure - Update Sunday June 3rd

[mrspunkysmom]

Today I had an appointment with an arrhythmia specialist. My heart has some severe scarring and the beat is irregular. SO I have to have an EP cath to see if I am vulnerable to sudden death (his words) and if so, have a defibrillator implanted. (Why do they like to scare you silly?)

Right now my emotions are vacillating from annoyed to cavalier to depressed. This scarring could have resulted from blunt force trauma such as car accident, hard fall. It could also have been a silent heart attack. I had an echo two years back and nothing was noticed so maybe the stress test picked this up. I could have had a silent heart attack this Christmas season when I had all that stress and allergies. I was on 4 different antihistamines per day. My blood pressure was up and I was tired. I wouldn't have even noticed.

Despite my weight, I've kept check on my BP and kept the cholesterol low. Right now I'm feeling frustrated.

I'll let y'all know when the procedure is scheduled.

[Scooter's Mom]

Best of luck in your procedure!

[Pinot's Mom]

Please do keep us posted...prayers and {{{hugs}}}.

[Lilith Cherry]

Best of luck Anne.. and don't worry because it isnt painful;)

[Karen]

We'll keep you in our prayers.

[mrspunkysmom]

Best of luck Anne.. and don't worry because it isnt painful;)

I'm not worried about the pain. I'm worried because their goal is to see if they can initiate a sudden death heart attack to determine whether I need a defibrillator. I just don't like the way he tried to scare me.

Thank you all for your wishes.

[krazyaboutkatz]

I hope that everything will go well. Good luck.:)

[mrspunkysmom]

the date of the procedure is May 25th at 11Am

a friend is taking me. Most everybody was involved with memorial day trips but one friend is with me. Great person.

I'll let y'all know the details later.

[pomtzu]

Wishing you good results. I don't think I'd like the idea of them trying for a heart attack. That sounds pretty darn scary to me.

[Karen]

I cannot imagine they'd try to induce a heart "attack," that doesn't sound right. Maybe he meant a heart stoppage, to see if it restarts on its own?

[phesina]

Prayers and good wishes that all goes well for you, Anne.

[Randi]

It sounds scary, but I suppose they know what they're doing. There'll be experts around you.

Try to read up on the procedure - or perhaps it's better not to, just trust them and live healthy in the meantime. :)

Best of luck! :love:

[mrspunkysmom]

Wishing you good results. I don't think I'd like the idea of them trying for a heart attack. That sounds pretty darn scary to me.

It is pretty darn scary. They are afraid that might heart might speed up and then quit causing sudden death. The scarring and electrical issues make this likely since my heart has already sped up several times. Sounds scary. I don't know why they just can't put in a pacemaker or defibrillator in without trying to kill me.

But I am trying to keep my spirits up and stay positive. :love:

[mrspunkysmom]

It is pretty darn scary. They are afraid that might heart might speed up and then quit causing sudden death. The scarring and electrical issues make this likely since my heart has already sped up several times. Sounds scary. I don't know why they just can't put in a pacemaker or defibrillator in without trying to kill me.

But I am trying to keep my spirits up and stay positive. :love:

I'm wondering if this has more to do with insurance. My heart's already erratic. Why not just put a defibrillator in? Insurance has to justify it?

I'm taking two days off before the procedure. I have things to do..

[Bengalz]

Good thoughts and best wishes for you Anne. This is clearly a frightening procedure but a necessary one. Try to stay calm (if that's possible...). Hugs, Betty

[cassiesmom]

insurance has to justify it?..

We do, but for the most part it is very straightforward. Implanted defibrillators are so small and so smart now. It is clearly a life-saving treatment.

[mrspunkysmom]

We do, but for the most part it is very straightforward. Implanted defibrillators are so small and so smart now. It is clearly a life-saving treatment.

Just so I'm clear, I was talking about the whole procedure. I can't get the defibrillator unless the docs can get my heart to go into sudden death. Why not just give me the thing? grrrrrr

Sorry to sound so rude, but D-Day is approaching and I'm a little worried. Especially since my insurance is about to run out and if I do need it later, I might not be able to get one.

[Alysser]

Sorry I'm a bit late on commenting on this!! I know how scary anything heart-related can be from experience, you'll be in my thoughts for sure!!:love:

[mrspunkysmom]

Thank you all for your kind thoughts. I'll post once again before I have the procedure. I'll have a friend post on my Facebook page on my status later Friday or Saturday.

[robinh]

Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers, especially during the waiting period before the test.

[mrspunkysmom]

Thank you all for your kind thoughts. A friend will be posting on Facebook for me. I don't arrive at the hospital until 11 AM and the procedure starts a little later. It will be mid to late afternoon that any results are known. Let's hope I don't get too grumpy from hunger. :D

[Catty1]

Wishing you all the very best, Anne. I am looking forward to your update - when you feel okay to do so. HUGS!

[Queen of Poop]

You're in my thoughts and prayers. :love::love::love:

[Karen]

We're thinking of you!

[mrspunkysmom]

Thank you all for your kind thoughts and well wishes here and on Facebook.

I realized today that many are not on Face book, so I thought I would post here also. A lot of this will be direct from Facebook but I will add more.

This is in reverse order

Sunday, May 27th.

Feeling pretty good. :D Realized that inactivity over the last several weeks and some MRSA infections added to the fatigue. Same with yesterday and today, which I why I got out and about. Still annoyed but that is far better than being depressed.
Made some dinner last night. I washed dishes and did some laundry. I've been checking my blood pressure and pulse. The pulse is between 60 and 70 while sitting at the computer. The BP ranges from 130/70 to 160/90. The discharge papers did say it would be erratic for a while. I think it's high right now because I'm annoyed and focusing on the negative.

I still have 24 hours before the lifting restriction is removed. So I'm going to call a friend to clean the litter boxes, take out the garbage, and move a box of papers to the living room for me to shred.

I need AA batteries for my other wrist cuff, so I'm going to rebel and drive to a nearby grocery store. The versed has completely worn off.

I'm not sure if I am nervous or angry right now. :confused:


Another rant: You can skip this if you like to read my good update from yesterday. ;)

I looked up the stats on the medications before I picked them up yesterday. Both are rarely used and hard to find. The anti-arrhythmia drug, Flecainide, is generic and has been around a while. I talked to the pharmacist and he seemed positive about it. No one know much about Xarelto, and anti-coagulant, which was only recently approved for used with cardiac ablations. Recently as in November of 2012. It is very dangerous and has a 5.1% mortality rate. It had to be ordered and until recently was only used in those undergoing hip and knee replacements. I am not happy with being a lab experiment.

I am annoyed that the doctor was not clear with me on the procedure and the aftermath during our consult. Speeding up the heart for sudden death was not the only goal. He did call it an EP study but was not clear on the procedure. I was in too much shock during the consult to think clearly. I trusted him. They also performed an ablation which is to put some scar tissue where the heart is having electrical trouble. This is to reduce the incidences of extra fast heart rate, which can reduce the heart's effectiveness as pumping blood. It can also lead to strokes but not from clotting.

He and the other heart doctors are convince that I fainted in February due to fast heart rate. Not at all. I actually felt good and not at all tight. That's because an anti-anginal drug I was on interacted with the Toprol and lowered the heart rate and BP. I had it checked later. I had been standing very still for several minutes and when I moved I fainted.

So the 90 day restriction against driving is because he is afraid I will faint again. (I have already gone more than 90 days since my one and only lifetime faint and have not fainted even with erratic heart rates.) There is also all of the risk factors. By BP really doesn't get that high, except when I'm annoyed. Regulating my diet has helped greatly. My diabetes is considered well controlled and the A1C is below 6.5 which is in the pre-diabetic range. I hope to drop it more. Diagnosing Celiac disease and removing wheat from the diet has help with the weight.

I am having difficulty following instructions from someone that does not believe me when I say I don't smoke and can't be honest with me before performing a surgery.



Update for today, May 26th Saturday. Copied from original post lost in the multitude of posts. Doing good.

Had fun today. Called a friend who had a friend come pick me up so I could get the medicine for arrhythmia. I then went to my friends gyms and walked SLOWLY on the treadmill. She got me a salad from Subway and I took my medicine. Other than a little warmth, I felt okay.

Her gyms closes at 2 PM on Saturday so I walked to the Bi-LO to pick up some fresh fruit and veggies. The Bi-Lo was having a fundraiser for a local childrens' home and I found a cup with Jane on it and a hardcover Warrior's book.

One of the asst managers was very nice to me. He asked if I was okay. I had gone in yesterday to see if the pharmacy had the meds. They didn't, but he was concerned because I was walking so slow. I was just being careful since I am a clutz and didn't need to bleed out on the floor. Nice people. Hardest working Bi-lo or grocery store around.

I went back to the gym and waited on her to finish cleaning. Wendy, who needs a pancreas kidney transplant came in and we chatted for a bit. She's had difficulty getting approved for the transplant although she is not overweight. Maybe 10 pounds.

It's been a good day and I didn't go stir crazy. Going to rest shortly!

Friday May 25th in the evening. My rant after I really read the release papers.

Now for the irritating part. The doc says I can't drive for 90 days but this won't keep me from going to work. So no disability, which I didn't want, but I live rurally.

Okay, I'm single. What gives? He's worried about fainting and strokes, yet he couldn't reproduce the super fast heart rate. I will be on a mild blood thinner and an arrhythmia drug for a while. Well I haven't fainted in over 90 days and I know that was a medication that I quit taking. The former doctor prescribed it. Slowed the heart rate and BP too much.

The next irritating issue. He checked on the discharge papers that I need to enter a stop smoking program. I don't smoke; never have. Grew up with it but that's been years. I take care to avoid second hand smoke. These are fighting words. I had to declare that I was smoke free to get a discount on my insurance.

Also, he said if I could reduce some of the risk factors like diabetes, weight, and HBP, he might amend his orders. ARGHHHHHH!!!!!!

I think what he said was atrial fibrillation. And Syncope (fainting) I have to go 90 days without fainting. Already been there. EWww I'm mad.

How the hell am I supposed to look for a job if I can't drive?

[Catty1]

I saw your post in Kirsten's thread and thought YAAY! She made it!

I guess there's no one who could drive you to work? Would one of your friends be willing to be a "check-in"? You phone them before you leave for work and give them a quick call when you get there.

As for being single, I think that translates as 'living alone' - though the doc could have phrased it better - the concern being that if something DID happen to you there is no one there to dial 911.

If you do have atrial fibrillation, thank God you are getting it looked at. A 48 year old guy here in town was majorly into fitness, doing marathons, biking everywhere and he had AF. He did sit a few things out if he felt unwell. Being a man, he put off seeing a cardiologist. He finally made an appointment. Two weeks before the appointment he fell off his bicycle and was dead before he hit the ground.

I am NOT trying to scare you, really - just underscoring that the discharge instructions aren't made strict just so the doctors can power trip.

Hope you feel better soon!:love::love:

[mrspunkysmom]

I saw your post in Kirsten's thread and thought YAAY! She made it!

Thank you. Yeah, I'm doing okay.



I guess there's no one who could drive you to work? Would one of your friends be willing to be a "check-in"? You phone them before you leave for work and give them a quick call when you get there.

That might work. My boss is okay with me being out. He has a math teacher in there and this is exam time. I think they prefer continuity so insure stability. Our kids are easily upset. I teach at an alternative school so behavior and maturity is a big issue.

I am thinking of letting people take me to interviews if it is a long drive. Right now, I can tell you that my blood sugar levels are more of a danger than me fainting. I just checked it because I felt dizzy, tired, nervous, and it was 82. That is low for me. My eating schedule is off today.

I am getting ready to go out just for a short trip. I am driving.



As for being single, I think that translates as 'living alone' - though the doc could have phrased it better - the concern being that if something DID happen to you there is no one there to dial 911.

He wasn't stressed out over me being single. I was. Family is elsewhere and we are rural here. No public transportation.

FYI, neither the doctor's office or the hospital has called to see how I am doing since I was discharged. My really horrible former GP was more attentive.



If you do have atrial fibrillation, thank God you are getting it looked at. A 48 year old guy here in town was majorly into fitness, doing marathons, biking everywhere and he had AF. He did sit a few things out if he felt unwell. Being a man, he put off seeing a cardiologist. He finally made an appointment. Two weeks before the appointment he fell off his bicycle and was dead before he hit the ground.

That's why I went ahead and scheduled the procedure. I'm mad at the doctor for not being honest, but I've known for years that I had a problem. The problem is that the doctors kept checking cholesterol levels and artery blockage and my numbers are good. When tested years ago for electrical issues, none showed up.

I think most of this damage happened recently when I was suffering from allergies, taking loads of antihistamines so my BP soared, and my doctors were messing with my thyroid levels (which probably set off the allergies). I found out that damage can occur if you ahve an accident or from blunt force trauma to the chest. The heart bruises and develops scar tissue.




I am NOT trying to scare you, really - just underscoring that the discharge instructions aren't made strict just so the doctors can power trip.

Hope you feel better soon!:love::love:

I know you aren't. Thank you so much for responding!

Oh I do believe he is on a power trip. He's an A$$, but did respond "if you do drive, I don't want to know about it." Covering his bases? It's been more than 90 days since my one and only fainting spell in my life. And Candace, I am a very careful person. If my doctor changes some meds, I take the first dose at work. When I had the female surgery 12 years back, I was allowed to drive at 3 weeks; I waited another week.

I'm so careful that I will probably not take the blood thinner. It's too new and sounds very dangerous. I also get kidney stones and I don't need to bleed to death from even a small stone. I probably shouldn't take any blood thinner and I'm allergic to Ibuprofen so I can't take aspirin either.

Thanks again for responding.

[Karen]

Are there devices now that you can use to check blood sugar without jabbing yourself? If so, maybe you should keep one with you as a matter of course, and but some simple hard candies to keep on hand incase you find your blood sugar dipping too low. Do you have a blood pressure cuff you can use at home? We actually have two, I think, as Paul has to regularly report his BP to one of his doctors as of course everything is all linked, and when they are changing his medication for one thing, he meeds to make sure his BP doesn't end up being affected in either direction too much.

[mrspunkysmom]

Are there devices now that you can use to check blood sugar without jabbing yourself? If so, maybe you should keep one with you as a matter of course, and but some simple hard candies to keep on hand incase you find your blood sugar dipping too low. Do you have a blood pressure cuff you can use at home? We actually have two, I think, as Paul has to regularly report his BP to one of his doctors as of course everything is all linked, and when they are changing his medication for one thing, he meeds to make sure his BP doesn't end up being affected in either direction too much.

don't know about the blood sugar test jabbing thing (embarrassed to admit I didn't think of that.) I keep good snacks with me. I got off schedule and in an attempt to limit my fat intake, I didn't eat any protein this morning. Dumb mistake. I have two wrist cuffs that do pretty good.

One thing I will admit: I can now take my pulse again on my wrist. It's been several months since I've been able to feel my pulse.

I've had metabolic issues since my 20s but it wasn't severe enough to be caught back then and I used diet until it didn't work anymore.


Thanks Karen

[kaycountrygal]

Hi, I just read the entire thread. I'm so glad you got through the procedure. Dont overdo and Good Luck in the future.

[mrspunkysmom]

Hi, I just read the entire thread. I'm so glad you got through the procedure. Dont overdo and Good Luck in the future.

Thank you, Kay. I won't overdo it. Promise. I have goals.

[mrspunkysmom]

Had a good day today, although I may have overdone it. And I didn't do much. This just could be the let-down after the high of surviving the procedure.

Walked slowly (1.5 mph pace) on the treadmill for 12 minutes. Did a little shopping and bought some baked chicken since I didn't feel like cooking.

Took a nap earlier. No one involved in the surgery has called to check on me. My GP's office did. The NP called when I wasn't home. She returned my return call. I found out my heart rate that caused me to faint was 48 which is good if you are an athlete but not good if you are not, like me. These are good people.

Time for bed. I'll update more tomorrow. The boss said to take all the time I need BTW.

[Catty1]

Have a good sleep - sweet dreams!

Glad your boss is being nice (for a change). ;) :)

[mrspunkysmom]

Have a good sleep - sweet dreams!

Glad your boss is being nice (for a change). ;) :)

Oh naps are annoying because they mess up the sleep cycle. So I am up right now. ARGH!

[mrspunkysmom]

And another update! 9:53 PM I'm allergic to the blood thinner. The outrageously, drop a small fortune on the medicine, blood thinner. Developed subcutaneous hives aka mild anaphylactic shock. No fear. I have an EPI pen but didn't have to use it. Called the doctor's emergency line and spoke to the on call doctor.

Take a benadryl and he said they'll get back to me on other courses of action since my stroke is NOT that much higher than the lowest risk for A-FIB.

I'm allergic to aspirin too. i knew I was screwed years ago when I had a reaction to Ibuprofen.

[Alysser]

I am glad you got through the procedure fine! I don't have much time to read the entire thread, but I will attempt to tomorrow!! :) GOOD luck!

[Catty1]

OH man - I hope you can get SOME kind of refund on that medication!

Glad you are ok for now.

[Karen]

And another update! 9:53 PM I'm allergic to the blood thinner. The outrageously, drop a small fortune on the medicine, blood thinner. Developed subcutaneous hives aka mild anaphylactic shock. No fear. I have an EPI pen but didn't have to use it. Called the doctor's emergency line and spoke to the on call doctor.

Take a benadryl and he said they'll get back to me on other courses of action since my stroke is NOT that much higher than the lowest risk for A-FIB.

I'm allergic to aspirin too. i knew I was screwed years ago when I had a reaction to Ibuprofen.

So sorry to hear that. At least you didn't need to use the Epi pen, as many folks don't realize that also means you then have to immediately get to a hospital, so they can monitor heart rate and blood pressure, as the adrenaline in the dpi pen does save your life, but it's nothing to be taken casually!

And ooooooh how I hate hives! You so WANT to itch, know you shouldn't, but MAN is it maddening!

[mrspunkysmom]

So sorry to hear that. At least you didn't need to use the Epi pen, as many folks don't realize that also means you then have to immediately get to a hospital, so they can monitor heart rate and blood pressure, as the adrenaline in the dpi pen does save your life, but it's nothing to be taken casually!

And ooooooh how I hate hives! You so WANT to itch, know you shouldn't, but MAN is it maddening!

I'm thankful, too. I was on the phone, talking with a friend, monitoring my reaction to the drug, when I realized it was not an adjustment phase, but an allergic reaction. I thought about waiting to call the next day, but my friend said I should let them know immediately.

I knew you had to go to the hospital if the epi pen is used, but I thought it was to monitor the allergic reaction and get the right medicine. I didn't realize it was also for the effect epinephrine has on the body. Thanks for the info.

Subcutaneous hives usually don't cause an itch, at least not for me. Think of this as a mild case of shock. Airways (nasal passages) are constricted, lips swollen, eyes swollen, and skin is tight, tingly, and a little warm. After 3 benadryl, they are still somewhat swollen, but the drug is a 24 hour drug, so I will probably react for 36 hours.

Time to go back to sleep. The 3rd Benadryl is kicking in.

[mrspunkysmom]

Just an update on the medicine issue.

I'm now on Warfarin, 4mg per day. I had to research why diabetics have a greater risk for stroke before I took the med tonight. Still it's scary because I have all the risk factors for NOT taking Warfarin, such as frequent falls and stumbles leading to bruising, Celiac disease, diabetes (have to check my blood every day) infrequent kidney stones, frequent kidney infections, infrequent gallstones, hypothyroidism (drug interferes with thyroxine absorption, I believe). I have to drink cranberry juice which is high in Vitamin K. I can't have lettuce so I have to use other greens which are high in Vitamin K. The pharmacist even called the doctor to verify that he wanted me on Warfarin because of some of the issues I face.

So I took one-half of the 4mg tablet. It is not coated, I'm making an appt with my Internist to act as my liaison with the arrhythmia specialist. While my stroke risk is higher than the average population, it isn't that high. Depending on the calculator you use, it's anywhere from 4 to 15%, both of which are reasonable risks considering the probability that I will fall or trip on any day is at least 50%. I am a real clutz.

Given a choice between my thyroid and stroke risk, I'll choose Thyroid every time. I know what will happen there. The stroke risk is still a probability. My diabetes is well controlled as is the BP and both are improving! I'm also losing weight! I am hoping they will let me keep the INR at a low rate but still not too low.

[mrspunkysmom]

Talked with a former chiropractor yesterday. He thought I looked a lot better than when he last saw me. :love: That made me feel good. :D

I actually feel better now. It's hard to believe that an erratic heart could make you feel that tired. He did not mention if my heart was enlarged. I don't and haven't eaten an excessive amount of fatty foods. I prefer lite meals. It's a shame it couldn't be caught earlier. I knew I had palpitations but the heart behaved during every test but this years. :p

But back to feeling better. The chest isn't tight any more. The medicine is also making a difference. I don't feel like I'm carrying a 1000 lb weight around. :D

Just need to get over the cumadin/warfarin issues and the allergy to Xarelto. Wish I could sell those pills without getting charged with distributing drugs without a license. I'm also still showing symptoms since the Xarelto is a time-released med. I'm lucky the allergist put me on a good antihistamine or it could have been worse. :)

I called the LifeWatch people this morning and actually spoke with someone that wasn't reading from a script. We have a real conversation. He'll look into my concerns, is sending me a car charger, and reset the machine to indicate which electrode was faulty. He also took down my complaints about the ineffective gel-glue that is supposed to stay 3 days, but only lasts a few hours. I could tell the other techs were reading from a script.

I'll have to tell you about the other techs and my need to take a shower without the cops busting down my door because the machine doesn't register my heartbeat. I am sure my file is flagged and labeled as "crazy woman" at this point. :D

[Karen]

It sure makes a difference when you are talking to a real thinking human being, doesn't it? Glad you are feeling better!

[Catty1]

Glad you are feeling better, and that others notice?

Hey, join the crazy lady club! :D I'd rather be crazy and alive than the alternative (sane and dead????? :p).

So...you can't get a refund on those meds? DANG!

[mrspunkysmom]

Glad you are feeling better, and that others notice?

Hey, join the crazy lady club! :D I'd rather be crazy and alive than the alternative (sane and dead????? :p).

So...you can't get a refund on those meds? DANG!

No, no refund. I thought of advertising on Craig's list for a split second until reality set in and I realized that I would probably get arrested. :eek:

I'll figure something out. ;)

[mrspunkysmom]

My BP is 122/63 and pulse is 63. :love: Earlier the BP was 110/58 and the pulse was 51. Woo-Hooo. The BP hasn't been that low in years. :D

My chest hurts a bit, which is why I was checking it. hmmmm. Just stress? A bit tired and sleepy, too, but yesterday was a long day. Slow but steady progress. :D

Lost a day. Thought it was Wednesday. :eek: I'll blame it on the three day weekend. :D

Still the BP is lower. YEAH!!!!! :d :d :love:

[Catty1]

Right on! :D

[mrspunkysmom]

Right on! :D

Thank you. I've gotten used to Facebook and I keep trying to "like" comments that I LIKE.

I like your comment! :D

[mrspunkysmom]

Sorry I didn't check in earlier, folks. Been sick with a virus, food poisoning, or both. and YECH for a few hours! And a sinus infection brought about by that allergic reaction because the sinuses are stuffy. Sleeping a lot. don't worry. This is just life, but I really didn't need it now. I'm going to take it easy for a few days, but I so need to do some cleaning, as in putting away garbage and picking up empty water bottles.

This is the one step backwards. Don't worry. More sleep and easy food, I'll be as good as new.

I think it was a virus. I had a headache Friday evening that wouldn't go. I thought I might have done too much Friday. It was a good day.

I have lots to tell you, but for right now this is enough. I will say that my Internist is fantastic!

[mrspunkysmom]

Sorry about posting late. I was too sick with that danged virus to think straight.

I went to see my Internist Friday. I got to see one of his partners. I wrote a long letter the night before explaining why I needed his help with my ongoing heart problems. I hadn't had a chance to let him know about the procedure. I was too tired to think that far ahead. The arrhythmia specialist hasn't told me anything about the procedure. I have not been told what the actual diagnosis is. What I know was from listening in to their conversations while I was doped up. My discharge papers said syncope. Duh. Fainting? I looked up the medication and found out it was prescribed for arrhythmia and atrial fibrillation. I kept hearing the word ablation. And none of this was discussed before the EP study / ablation. I found out there was not pooling or clotting in the lower chambers from my friend on Tuesday. She has enough problems so I didn't want to stress her out by grilling her.

When I picked up the heart monitor on Tuesday, I was able to get some info from the nurse/tech. I really had to press my point on why I needed some medications. I'm just told to take this medicine and do such or don't do such. I really felt left out of my own health decisions.

I later found out another co-worker had an ablation a few years back and was given two weeks sick leave. I was given three days. My bosses gave me more. I was exhausted and needed it.

So I didn't expect to see my doctor but he was there and I gave him the letter. (He was getting ready to go on vacation or something.) I asked him to be my advocate. I got to see his partner and got some meds for the sinus infection so my nose doesn't start bleeding.

He called me about two hours later (not expected) and said that before he left for his trip, he was going to put some things in place. My need for a doctor that would speak to me was immediate, especially concerning my heart. He's referred me to another cardiology group. He is also setting me up with a nurse that is a diabetic specialist to help me understand my diabetes. My former GP just gave me medicine and said not to use it as an excuse to eat more sugar. His partner will be following through so that the group calls me for an appt hopefully next week. Hopefully there will be a change in blood thinners.

Hope this wasn't confusing but it is late and I was trying to keep it short. Shorter than that 2 page narrative I wrote. :D

[Karen]

Hopefully the new group will clear things up for you - it is good that your doctor happened to be there, and could help!

[mrspunkysmom]

Hopefully the new group will clear things up for you - it is good that your doctor happened to be there, and could help!

Yes it is. It just made my day when he called. :D

[Catty1]

What a great doc - to look into all that before he leaves on vacation!:) Looks like you'll be getting some more answers in the future!

[phesina]

God bless your doctor for stepping up to the plate to fill you in on what's going on before he leaves on his vacation.

[mrspunkysmom]

Well Crap, I think my insurance ended last Thursday. The district does not pay insurance for new people not employed on the first workday of a month, but I thought our premiums were paid through the last month of work :PPPPPPP

He stated in a recent email to my private email address that he had turned in my resignation letter and notice of termination. So I'm covered. Just need to get COBRA. The district was supposed to notify me. I work in a special center and got overlooked?

[mrspunkysmom]

Thank you Catty1 and Phesina for those kind thoughts. I already have an appt with a diabetic consultant next Wednesday. I hope the new cardiologist calls tomorrow.