Tiramisu Posted August 13, 2014 Share Posted August 13, 2014 I have been blessed to have amazing doctors for myself and kids. But I just went to see one who ticked me off a bit. My gp sent me to a cardiologist I had seen previously. I wasn't in the best emotional state when I saw him years ago because I was coming out of a GI crisis and my dd had just had her back surgery, so he probably had some ideas about me before he even walked in the room. I debated about whether to put xanax down on my list of medications because I was afraid he would jump to conclusions. I have xanax prescribed by my gp because my heart rate is so high and I have a history of specialists freaking out when they take my pulse and wanting me to go to the ER, and my doctor thinks it will help control it a little. It doesn't really work. Even so, I take half of the smallest dose when I go to the doctor, when I fly (I was on a plane that went on fire and have a phobia), and very occasionally to sleep as per my gp's recent advice. That doesn't amount to much, and I have gone years without taking it. But I decide to be honest and write down xanax...and suddenly I'm classified as a crazy lady. Never mind that I've had constant, unrelenting tachycardia since before my 12 yo was born, and that my gp thinks a real cause needs to be looked into again. Finally, after firmly insisting that I know what anxiety is because I've felt it before and know I don't have it on a regular basis--certainly not for 12 years straight--he reluctantly concedes I could have something called Inappropriate Sinus Tachycardia, which actually fits my symptoms pretty well. These are the things he did that really got to me: First, he tells me I'm on a buzz. We'll, yes, doctors make me nervous and when I'm nervous, I talk fast. Then he tapped the side of his head, indicating that it's all in my head. Finally, before leaving, I mention a tilt table test, which is the reason my gp wanted me to see him, and he said that I am tilted. He also tried to explain maximum heart rate to me, something I learned when I was in high school. The end result is that I am scheduled for a 24 hr holter monitor and a stress test, and I'm left feeling like a loser. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kewb Posted August 13, 2014 Share Posted August 13, 2014 Is it possible to see a different doctor? I would not want to be wasting my time convincing the doc to take me seriously. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tiramisu Posted August 13, 2014 Author Share Posted August 13, 2014 Is it possible to see a different doctor? I would not want to be wasting my time convincing the doc to take me seriously. It is possible and I think you're right. It's a waste of my time. Not quite sure the best way to switch, and I don't want to go from the frying pan into the fire, so I may have to take my time and look around a bit. I think I it might be better to go to an electrophysiologist who deals with heart rhythm disorders specifically. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spryte Posted August 13, 2014 Share Posted August 13, 2014 Please see a different doc. There are more specialists, and there is no reason to waste your time and your energy on a doctor who doesn't listen. :grouphug: You'll get a better diagnosis and treatment plan from a doctor who is listening compassionately to your symptoms. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mama mills Posted August 13, 2014 Share Posted August 13, 2014 I would also be sure to tell your GP about the way he acted and ask to see someone who actually cares about their patients. I would not trust anything that doctor says. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
I talk to the trees Posted August 13, 2014 Share Posted August 13, 2014 Time to find a new cardiologist. And you might want to send a letter to the head of the practice letting them know exactly why you are leaving. Tapping the side of his head to show that he thought you had a screw loose? Unacceptable and downright rude. If he had seen you many times throughout the years and you had exhibited signs of over-reacting to symptoms, then he may have had a basis for a judgement, but even then, he shouldn't have behaved in that manner. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Night Elf Posted August 13, 2014 Share Posted August 13, 2014 I'd tell my GP about how upset I was and ask him to recommend a new doctor. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OneStepAtATime Posted August 13, 2014 Share Posted August 13, 2014 Hugs, Tiramisu. BTDT. Definitely tell your GP about his lousy attitude and definitely get a different doctor. You want someone that is actually going to seek answers not drag their feet thinking you are a loon. Doctors can be great but as everyone here knows, I am sure, they can also be arrogant a**holes that refuse to believe their patients have a clue. So sorry! I hate that with a passion. Really, truly hate that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tiramisu Posted August 13, 2014 Author Share Posted August 13, 2014 Time to find a new cardiologist. And you might want to send a letter to the head of the practice letting them know exactly why you are leaving. Tapping the side of his head to show that he thought you had a screw loose? Unacceptable and downright rude. If he had seen you many times throughout the years and you had exhibited signs of over-reacting to symptoms, then he may have had a basis for a judgement, but even then, he shouldn't have behaved in that manner. Yes. In terms of symptoms, I told him I'm tired and that I've been tired forever, and that I don't think anything is seriously wrong with my heart. But if after all I've been doing to be healthy, like exercising regularly, actually feeling better and the tachycardia is still there, I would like to know why so I it could possibly be addressed and I might feel less fatigued all the time. I was honestly not worried about my actual heart at all until my weird ecg last week. I think my tachycardia is benign because I've gone through the cardio routine before, but it could still be the cause of my fatigue. Personally, I think I think I'm being very reasonable. :D My mom is a therapist and I called her after the appointment and asked her, do you think I'm anxious. And she said, no, but you you are tired and thus feel overwhelmed sometimes. True. I asked a good friend the same thing recently and she laughed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mom2samlibby Posted August 13, 2014 Share Posted August 13, 2014 I'm starting to think the same about doctors. I had blood work done in July and early August. Between the two tests, 5 items came back flagged as abnormal. When the doctor's nurses would call with the results, they would say everything was fine. ARGH! Obviously, I'm not fine, or I wouldn't have been in the doctor's office looking for help. Did they do blood work on you? The tachycardia is a symptom of B12 deficiencies. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Liz CA Posted August 13, 2014 Share Posted August 13, 2014 When you mentioned the tilt table test, he told you you are tilted???? At this point, the consultation would have been over. "Thank you very much for your time but I don't think we communicate well enough to proceed with any kind of medical procedure." I hope you have a choice among several cardiologists where you live. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greta Posted August 13, 2014 Share Posted August 13, 2014 So he was not merely dismissive and unconcerned about your health, but also outright insulting. I would not set foot in his office again, and furthermore I would let both him and whoever manages his practice know exactly why. I would also tell the GP who referred you to him, because he needs to know as well. I'm so sorry you had to put up with that. To think he charged you good money to sit there and be insulted by him. Ugggh. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kroe1 Posted August 13, 2014 Share Posted August 13, 2014 Telling me I am "tilted" would have certainly hit a nerve. But, after working in an ER for over twenty years, I have learned that sometimes the best doctors have the worst bedside manner and vice versa. If he was willing to offer the tests your GP thought you needed, then I might not change. Starting all over with new doctors is a real pain and time consuming event, in my opinion. Also, if he was a round, old jolly type who put his glasses down on his nose and gave me a twinkling smile when he said I was tilted, I might make a few extra appointments because of his warped sense of humor. That would be cute. But, I gather from your post he was more the crotchety, condescending type, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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