NEED SOME SUPPORT

Hello all. I am in need of some re-assurance. Had my visit with the cardiologist Tuesday AM (due to 'glitch' on my pre-op EKG). It was one of the worst Dr visits I have ever had! His nurse was very rude and asked me very sarcastically if I had ever taken Phen-Fen (I haven't). She tried to use the regular B/P cuff on me. HA! The first words out of the Dr's mouth were "have you tried diet and exercise". He was more focused on talking me out of the surgery than for why I was there. He asked me 3 or 4 times if I had ever had chest pain. (no, I haven't) I finally had had enough and told him that I was there for a follow-up on a routine EKG that showed abnormalities. I asked him about the abnormalities and he said they were non specific and just indicated something might be wrong. As he's shaking his head about how high a risk I am for surgery, and clucking about the Diabetes and high b/p (which was getting higher by the minute) he was rambling about the tests he could do but that it wouldn't lower any risks factors etc. Well DUH!. Then he says "you CAN'T walk, can you. Can you walk on a treadmill?". I said "yes, I can walk on a treadmill. I wouldn't be able to run, but I CAN walk!" I am livid by this time. (He is Oriental/Asian and was speaking broken English, which did not help any) So okay. He decides to do an echocardiogram and a stress test. Fine. Just let me get the h*** out of here. So I go out to schedule the test. More aggravation. Seems the Dr himself gets to do the tests. And he's going on vacation. So I can't get in till Nov 10th. Then back to see him for the results on the 17th. So I get the pleasure of seeing him at least 2 more times. He may be an excellent cardiologist but his people skills are sorely lacking! So now not only do I get to look forward to a pretty intense test, I get to worry about not having surgery by the end of the year and losing all my deductibles that I have built up, along with my flex account money that I set aside (through plan at work) to pay my share. I hate to sound like a whiner. And I AM so GLAD that Dr G is sooooooo thorough and is finding and addressing any possible problem prior to WLS. I just have not encountered that attitude from a ANYBODY, let alone a medical professional, for a long time. The day wasn't a total bust. Spent the rest of it with my mom, sis, and aunt. We went to Waverly and WALKED around uptown, in and out of the little shops. Thursday night I get to do a 2nd sleep study for the mask. I can handle that. They were very nice but professional at the lab. Thanks for listening. Sheila

I'm sorry you had to deal with that. Some doctors just are not very pleasant. Good luck! Michelle

Sheila, Call Dr G's office & talk with Jenny & explain what is going on. In the past they have worked to get their patients in to doctors faster. Especially since you had a bad experience with this cardiologist, maybe they can get you in to another one for the tests. There has to be a better one than that. I know that last year they worked with several patients to get their surgeries done before their insurance changed at the new year so maybe they can help you also. Dixie

Sheila, sorry to hear about that dr. if you use him your stress level will be up big time i would think. so maybe you should ask to see a different one... I think people are so dumb when it comes to this surgery.. If we could lose the weight with out surgery and keep it off don't these dumba** realize we would do it....they think they are god gift to everyone but they are pains i think....sorry again....if you need to talk i am here for you....lynda

Sheila..... First let me apologize for the "jack ball" you are dealing with. I work in the OR and I can't stand how "God Syndrome" some of them can get. May I make a suggestion.... Call your WLS doc tell him what is going on and get a different doc. It is rediculous (I can't spell) that you have to loose your deduct - because the insurance company sure wont let you carry them over. Also tell your WLS doc how much of a SNOT this guy was. WLS is big bucks and a doc won't want to lose a patient because of the behavior of some "jack ball". My WLS doc - is totally supportative of his patients - at the sleep office and his office they have gotten bigger chairs for the bigger patients, same with the BP cuffs, scales, patient gowns, etc. We bring in a lot of money for the WLS community and not only that you are a fine woman and deserve quality treatment. Good luck... Ok I know what conversation I will be having in the OR tomorrow... I will be lecturing my residents about treating patients respectfully. hugs honey.... Melinda

Hi Sheila,sorry you are having such a hard time,i am preop as well and am playing the waiting game also! I am afraid i would go to your Dr. and explain that you are not comfotable with the specialist and why,and ask to see another one,just because we are fat does not mean we dont feel or deserve a little respect!!My heart goes out to you if you need to talk e- mail me I am usally here.Take care and keep your chin up.Lori A.

Dear Sheila: Sorry to hear of your bad experience with the cardiologist! I'd be having some definite cardiac irregularities if I was treated that way too!! LOL I agree with some one of the previous posters who suggested contacting your WLS surgeon, and seeing if he'd refer you to someone else! Just explain what happened, and your situation with insurance ect, and hopefully he'll help you get done what you need to, so you can have your surgery before the end of the year!! Good luck, and keep us posted, DeeAnn R