Question:
Doctor "thinks" he saw something from my stress test

So far, I am very dissatisfied with the cariologist I have been seeing for clearance for band surgery. He was rude to me on my first visit, his nurse scheduled a nuclear stress test and she KNEW it would take two days to complete but never bothered to tell me that so I wasn't able to plan ahead with my job and ended up having to call off work the next day to complete the stress test. I had the test on Nov. 30th and they just called me on Dec. 18th to tell me the doctor says there "maybe" a blockage but he's not sure. Now they want me to have an angiogram and possibly an angioplasty if there is a blockage. I feel great and do not have high cholesterol. At my nutrition class, I was one of the "thinner" people there too. At this point, I don't know what to do. I am going to request a second opinion from another doctor. It seems to me that the doctor just doesn't like me because I created a big fuss over the testing schedule mishap. I have passed all the other tests with flying colors. I only have two nutrition classes and then I will be able to submit my paperwork to BCBS. Has anyone had this type of problem?    — jackmom1484 (posted on December 22, 2009)

December 22, 2009
I know this can be very frustrating. I had a blockage in 2008. I had angioplasty in Dec. of 08. I am booked for my RNY surgery this Monday Dec.28th. So don't worry about not getting approved for surgery if you do have to get angioplasty. I too am considered a lightweight. I am under 185 lbs.
   — cuppaloopy

December 22, 2009
Sounds like it would be a good idea to change cardiologist if possible. I don't have heart problems, but I had similar problems with the first bariatric surgeon I was referred to and his surgical coordinator. Both were terribly inefficient and unpleasant. I requested a different surgeon within the same bariatric group, and the difference was night and day. Hang in there!
   — Janell C.

December 22, 2009
Hi I am a family practice physician who has practiced for 20 years. All stress tests are screening tests that cannot give a definite answer. They are designed to be a less invasive test to tell you if you need the more invasive angiogram. So I don't think the cardiologist is off base in what they are reccomending since it isn't a good idea to go into the physical stress of bariatric surgery with a significant blockage. The weird thing is you can easily have vessels blocked 80% or more and feel great. All of that said you need to feel comfortable with the cardiologist (or any doctor) who is going to do a procedure on you, so I would definately seek a second opinion. I expect the second opinion will be that you should have a cath but mainly so you can find a cardiologist you are comfortable. By the way I had a stress test that was questionable and an angiogram that showed minimal blockages that didn't require angioplasty. I underwent RNY 3-9-09 and have lost from pre-op weight of 354 to current weight of 190 with 10 pounds to go to goal. It really is safer to go into surgery with the heart issues addressed ahead of time. Good luck with your decisions and your weight loss journey.
   — hapkidodoc

December 23, 2009
I had major blockage of the heart and felt fine. I was working out at the gym everyday. so you can't rely on how you feel to know if there is a blockage. Get a second opinion, but realize that just because you feel fine does not mean you don't have a problem.
   — trible

December 25, 2009
I think Kevin's advice is excellent. I feel strongly that no one should stay with a doctor with whom she's not comfortable or whose office staff is less than competent or courteous. The behavior of the staff reflects the message of the doctor. A rude doctor is unacceptable. Get that second opinion. I just saw a cardiologist in Durham for clearance and he's terrific. There's one out there for you, too.
   — Gail T.