was told years ago of me having cardio myapathy,possible mild heart attack recent test show possible chronic pulmonary arterial hypertension,and also mildly abnormal septal motion versus hypokinesis of the septum what ever that means?I have been battling periods of high pulse,blood pressure going way down to dangerous levels while in Hosp 2 yrs.in a row while being monitored at night,during the day mu pulse goes up and down climbed 14 steps 146BPM.at times get out of breath,alot of severe fatique,dizzyness,black outs,loss of balance,and still get Chest pains,my VA Dr.never even mentioned anything another Stress test laying down Via injection part of bowel went up uners sternum and blocked part of test?said low probility for Hemodymically,blodd presure did drop some during test after injection also,Confused if i should be alarmed and seek a Doctor outside VA to go over all of this??
Q: Heart Questions
James,
Thanks for your question and sorry that you're having so many problems. I'm also concerned that you're really not clear of the extent of your problems and what they mean for the future.
You have a number of issues, some that are potentially serious. It's difficult for me to give accurate answers to any of them because more information is needed to adequately respond. I am going to focus on your situation with your physician and how best to approach him/her to get the needed answers. Your physician is your ally and partner in your health care. You need to sit down with your doctor and and ask the important questions about your diagnoses, their management, and their impact on your future health. I suggest you schedule an appointment and indicate the purpose is to discuss all your questions with the doctor. Then, before your appointment, I would send the doctor a written list of questions or topics that you want to cover during this meeting. It may be best to schedule this at the end of his day, so that he is not presssed for time (you can suggest this when you make the appointment).
Remember, that the purpose of this meeting is to reinforce your relationship with your doctor and obtain information. Avoid any confrontational approach, and acknoledging the doctor's efforts in your care would be a good idea.
I am optimistic and hopeful that your physician wil respond favorably. He should recognize your concern and the need for information. A meaningful dialogue should follow.
However, if the outcome is unfavorable, you should inform your doctor right then that you are still uncomfortable with your understanding of your health situation. If his response is still inadequate, then you must give thought to obtaining another opinion from a physician outside of your present health system. This does not mean that you will change doctors, but just obtain another physician's prospective of your problems. Be sure that second doctor has all of the needed information.
Good physicians rarely object to second opinions. You might find that the care you're presently receiving is perfect, and that no changes are needed.
I hope this has been useful.
Martin Cane, M.D.
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