Seeing New EP on Wednesday

I received a letter in the mail over the holidays that my beloved EP, just up and resigned, leaving practice. Needless to say I was devastated. No warning or anything. He was the one that finally figured out that a pacemaker was the best treatment for me even though I am on the younger side, and I was borderline for needing one. I pace 25% of the time in the atrium with SSS but also have some NCS going on. Life has been much better paced in the year I have had it.

So, I did some research, I wanted to avoid one cardiology office, because I had dealt with one EP there when I was hospitalized and he gave me the "she's a woman" brush off. Changed all my meds (cold turkey) and sent me home (this was one month before implant when I passed out at work).

The EP I am seeing on Wednesday is part of the same hospital system, but operates out of a different hospital/office. The primary reasons I chose him are as follows:

1. He is younger, in his 40's so I hope I can stay with him a long time. I also hope that being younger he is more willing to have innovative solutions to problems.

2. He is originally from the area I currently reside in. He has family roots here, and hopefully would not be looking to move any time soon.

3. This one is totally superfluous, but it makes me feel better. He did his residency where I did my undergrad. Sometimes it is the random connection that helps.

I've not been though a doctor change like this before. Is there anything to watch out for? Is there a way I should approach things if the new guy supports a drastic change?

Just a little nervous, I like how I am feeling, and I don't want that to change because I am not a traditional patient with traditional problems.

3 Comments

Infection rates

by Artist - 2015-01-18 03:01:09

In selecting a physician, I believe that it is important to find out the specific infection rates for the surgeon and the hospital he/she uses. You can have a great technician and enter a life threatening situation if you develop a serious infection. Nothing beats first hand information. In my case I have a retired nurse friend who specialized in cardiology and had first hand experience with most of the doctors, was an OR nurse and head nurse. She steered me toward the best of the best. I also asked the classmates in my seniors exercise class and got more first hand information. Getting a doctor that looks at you and truly listens is important, but you can usually get their attention with some pointed questions about your specific concerns. Office and nursing staff are important also and hopefully the good doctors get and keep better personnel. Best wishes!

Angry Sparrow.

by MelodyMarch - 2015-01-18 10:01:33

Thanks for your kind words. I am seeing a board certified EP, I wouldn't have it any other way.

I called three offices around town, and I liked the way the staff dealt with me the best at the one I am going to be seeing. At the other two they didn't want to have me see the EP right away, even though I was upfront about telling them about my pacemaker. I said thanks for your time, and did not give them my business. They did wonder why I wasn't going to the clinic closest to my house, but then I explained what happened, and the office staff didn't seem surprised, which really tells you something.

As for the doctor I distrust, as long as I don't go to the hospital closest to my house, the chances of me seeing him are low. Plus I am having a certified/notarized letter drafted up that he is not to treat me, ever. My new EP also has privileges at that hospital so it should be okay. I know one can never say never, but my family is well informed about this dude, and they will raise holy stink if for some reason I end up at the hospital closest to my house and he treats me.

Thanks again Angry Sparrow, your opinion and experience means a lot to this relative newbie.

Does he listen

by Theknotguy - 2015-01-18 12:01:31

Agree with your outline about the doctor, doctor's office, etc.

I had the opposite. Had the cardio guy. Watched the charts and not me. Ended up in the hospital 7 times because this guy waited until he got the numbers he wanted. Unfortunately it meant I was bleeding internally. Other doctors finally kicked him out of the group. Started his own office. Needless to say, didn't go with him.

New cardio, just out of med school. Latest and greatest techniques. Main thing is, he LISTENS to me. Gotta keep on the point, no rambling, but he makes sure he understands you before he proceeds. I felt I made better progress in one year with him versus several years with the older guy.

One caveat, my younger doctor missed the syncope episodes that lead up to my big collapse. Don't think he'll make that mistake again. But I'd rather have a guy who will listen versus one who won't. They say doctors bury their mistakes anyway. I won't argue, I got really lucky.

Hope for the best for you.

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