Next checkup

I have a checkup soon with my cardiologist and the nurse practitioner at the device clinic. I read about everyone here getting copies of their "download". I asked the NP for mine at one device check and she declined it. She also changes my settings without talking to the doctor. Do any of you get your settings changed my a Nurse practitioner? The few times I've seen her is because I've called with a problem and asked to see the doctor but I'm always denied that ability and have to see her. Nothing against her education but.....I want to see the doctor who did the implant and or the cardiologist who referred me to him. I just don't understand why they won't let me.

So I just want to hear from some of you. Do I ask for copies of my download? When I ask her why I feel a stinging sensation at the pacemaker site. She answers with "that can't happen" and dismisses my feelings. When I tell her about interference she tells me "that can't happen" and continues to dismiss my feelings. When I tell her about my heart racing, she tries to claim that it is because it was stopping a syncope episode. which I know it wasn't --- I now when it is stopping me from fainting. I am used to getting the answers I need from my doctors whether I want to hear it or not. I just can't figure out how to get them to listen to me.

Any help you can give would be greatly appreciated!!!

8 Comments

np's

by Tracey_E - 2013-09-12 10:09:04

My dr's np is every bit as good as he his, and she's quick to grab him if she has a question. Sounds like yours isn't quite as good!

Np's can write prescriptions so they can change settings.

If you have a problem with her, try to be adamant about seeing only the doc when you make an appointment. If the person on the phone won't give you the appointment, maybe ask for the office manager. Or it might be time to change practices. A great dr is no good to you if you can't get to him.

The stinging could be the nerves knitting back together.

If something interfered with the pm, it would go into test mode and it would clearly show up on the report. Odds or this happening are very small. I have gotten near questionable things on purpose, like the magnetic cover on my ipad, just to see if it would show up in the report. Nothing ever has in 19 years.

report

by Tracey_E - 2013-09-12 10:09:25

I'm pretty sure you legally have a right to a copy of the report. If she refuses, again, I'd go to the office manager. I get mine all the time, usually I don't even have to ask because they know I like to have it.

Agreed!!!!

by Casper - 2013-09-12 10:09:45

I agree with Tracey you do have the right for a copy of your report. I remember Electric Frank (RIP) would say, if they refuse, have them state it in writing.

Press on and don't except no for an answer.

As Tracey said, insist that it be made with the doctor this time.

Good luck!

Casper

NP

by rnff2 - 2013-09-12 10:09:56

I see the device clinic nurse and she makes most of my changes. I do know she speaks with both the implanting cardiologist and my cardiologists sometimes before, during and/or after she sees me, but she and I discuss my symptoms and setting and do what we think may help. I think she is actually better than the doctors when it comes to the setting changes because its what she does all day, everyday. Not to mention she spends alot of time with me on the phone and in the clinic. She also gives me copies of my reports, in fact they offer them to me, I don't have to ask. I think I have gotten spoiled by my "team" of doctor/nurses. But then again shouldn't it be that way?

If it were me I would tell the receptionist when making the appointment that you only want to see the doctor and insist on it. If it doesn't happen ask to talk with the office manager. Tell them you have some serious concerns and need to have them addressed by the doctor not by the
NP because she just dismisses all of your concerns. If you see the NP insist that she discuss your concerns and/or tell her to bring the doctor in and that your not leaving until your concerns are addressed.

Good luck.

I Agree Too!

by Many Blessings - 2013-09-12 11:09:48

My PM tech changes my settings without asking my cardio doc, but she meets with him afterwards to let him know what "WE" did. I say what "we" did, because she always (God love her) lets me in on the decision making as far as any setting changes go. I get to make the decision on what we try or don't try. She makes suggestions, sometimes strong ones, sometimes not. I think this is normal protocol for most of us out here.

I can get a copy of my report every time if I want to, and I think it's important for you do that too, especially if they make any changes. That way, if your PM tech isn't available for some reason, or you're out of town and have a problem, you can have access to where your settings have been set at, and what has worked or not worked for you in the past.

I'm so very sorry you're in this situation. I would be so uncomfortable not having any control over the situation. I'm with the others, I think they have to give you a copy of your report, but I'm not positive on that. I'd call the company that makes your PM to see what they say. Check on your card or in your instruction booklet for the number. You can always call them with any concerns you have regarding interference or any other uncomfortable problems you're having. I'd also make an appointment with your EP or cardio doc and let them know what's going on. They may not even know there's an issue.

Good luck!

Pacemaker

by SMITTY - 2013-09-12 11:09:57


Hi Betts 1963,

I am told by my doctor my medical records are my property and I can have copies. They do have the right to charge me a reasonable feel for making me a copy (I have never been charged for one) You may have to remind the NP that know those records are rightfully yours..

If you continue to run into that brick wall your only recourse may be to change doctors. If you have to do that do it in writing to the doctor with a copy to the hospital administrator.

Don't forget you are the customer and without you and other customer they don't stay in business.

Smitty

NP

by Grateful Heart - 2013-09-12 11:09:58

My NP interrogates my device but the Cardio said no one is allowed to touch me regarding any adjustments. If I need an adjustment (which I do), I have to go back to the EP who is 50+ miles, one way. I just haven't been able to get there in the past few months due to another surgery.

You should be able to get a print out of your report. It's not a good feeling when your Doctor's or Nurses won't listen to you, BTDT, Good Luck.

Grateful Heart

My NP is great at the adjustments

by SaraTB - 2013-09-13 01:09:27

My NP does all the adjustments - I actually think she's better at it than my EP, and she's been great about taking time to listen to what I'm saying, and discussing 'tweaking' options. My EP knows how skilled she is.
She also understands that I want a print out of the settings, but tends to forget until I remind her. Never been an issue about it: even if they say "oh it won't make any sense to you", insist on it anyway: I travel to the UK every year, and make it clear I want a copy in case of emergency, so I can show any hospital what the settings are. (I don't anticipate this would happen, but you never know). You could always use travel as a reason.

You know you're wired when...

Your favorite poem is “Ode to a Cardiac Node”.

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