Clues to finding the right doctor

Note to cardiologist:
Minimizing my symptoms doesn't reassure me it only convinces me of your inability to hear me and ultimately demonstrates your incompetence

I don't just measure medical competence by technical skill but also by a providers ability to hear what you are saying and respond appropriately. If I wasn't concerned about the ongoing severe dizziness I wouldn't keep bringing it up. The cardiologists response "don't worry you aren't in danger of dying" and then he changed the subject to talk about the weather.

End of visit, I staggered out of the office realizing I got one answer. I didn't get the answer about the dizziness or follow up about that but I did get an answer that this is not the right doctor for me. Quality of life is in issue when you can't stay upright.

I realized as well the doctor was nearly my fathers age, that suave humorous response and minimizing everything is something dad would have liked. He died of congestive heart failure--its not something that works with me--this is good to know. I'm going to make a list of what I'm looking for in a cardiologist and communication skill will be on the top

4 Comments

You are correct.

by Duke999 - 2014-04-02 11:04:22

My EP behave the same way. I said behave because it's a behavior and not necessarily their knowledge. I feel for you. I hope you can find a better doctor. Hang in there.
I wish you well.

Duke

Communication...

by Grateful Heart - 2014-04-02 11:04:26

Is so important in any relationship, and of great importance in your medical care. If you are not being heard it is time to move on...BTDT. You must be your own advocate.

Maybe ask a trusted Doctor for a recommendation. If that doesn't work, use trial and error.

Grateful Heart

changing doctors

by judyblue - 2014-04-06 09:04:55

i have an appointment with a new cardiologist. Thanks to a great nurse, I was able to get all my records and notes from the other doc. When reading the notes from my last visit I read "patient is doing well" and under "anxiety and depression" he put "denies". Well the reality of that visit was I was in contiual pain, just got my gynocologist to prescribe anti depressants, my blood pressure was very high due to extreme anxiety, and have not been sleeping. BUT, MY PACEMAKER WAS DOING GREAT! so I realized I am not a patient with a pacemaker, I am simply a pacemaker. I hope my new doc sees a 51 year old trying to get her life back and struggling to deal with all that this has delivered.
good luck to you, i will give my own update later in the week.
judy

Thank you

by divergent1 - 2014-04-07 02:04:10

I so appreciate the comments here they give me ideas about how to approach this It really does matter to not feel alone and this website helps with that incredibly.

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