We had our first medical consultation by phone on Monday, and it turned out very well. This was a new cardiologist who we haven't even met yet, but he had gone over the 85 pages of my complex medical record and provided the best description of my cardiac issues yet. (We have seen 5 different cardiologists in previous lifetimes, but none of them explained things like he did). Since this is a recent referral we were very pleased.
The upshot is twofold, first my heart is performing as it should, which he was encouraged by and therefore we were reassured by. (I have never had the usual heart disease, rather I have some congenital flaws that only showed up once I was ready to retire). This means my past surgeries have worked as they should.
Secondly, we've demonstrated at least to ourselves the value of finding specialists you are comfortable with and have confidence in. I don't know how easy that is in other healthcare jurisdictions, but we have used our GP as well as the doctors we were working with in London, to arrange referrals to four specialists here who cover the gamut of what I need. It's essential to be able to advocate for yourself (or your spouse if that's the case) to be sure you get the care you need and want, and to have a GP who will work with you seeing themselves as just part of a broader team.
It's futile to think any one individual doctor or other medical caregiver will have a complete overview of what you need. Rather you have to put the picture together yourself, and ask for what you need. Of course Mrs. F.G. is my chief medical adviser and advocate. She has an uncanny ability to connect the dots among the many medical details we deal with.
Hope you have less snow than we do, wherever you live!
We had that same squall line come through, which was pretty danged weird, as the temperature was showing six, yet there was snow coming down. We only have one basket of pansies, and I've been bringing them in at night. Maybe not needed. You don't seem to be bringing yours in, or?
ReplyDeleteWe bring them in the first couple of nights, but then they're on their own! They got snowed on this morning.
ReplyDeleteI just found your blog. We have had no snow so far this year here in Nashville, Tennessee or in Atlanta, Georgia. I read your introduction and see you started your blog to take photos. I did the same but mostly because my late husband had Alzheimer’s for years and this way I could engage him to remember where we had been. I hope your heart condition improves. I also have a new heart condition, diagnosed last January when I could not walk or breathe. It is called Afib and acute heart failure. The tests showed that it was mostly because I took the pain killer naproxen for years (to help with knee pain) - have been unable to go for follow-ups because of the virus. I’ll come back to look at your pretty pictures. Stay warm.
ReplyDeleteNo snow here, but they said maybe flurries in the northern part of the state tonight. Outside in the low 50's and comfortable...if you are in the sun.
ReplyDeleteWe had an inch or two last evening, but by sunup it was all gone. We've been getting that graple off and on this afternoon, but it doesn't amount to anything. My fella is out in the garage servicing lawn mowers this afternoon. He has high hopes!
ReplyDeleteI took my snow tires off on Monday which may explain why the snow wants to start again! Glad you got a Doc that you like.
ReplyDeleteSo you were the one who jinxed us!
DeleteWe are having days and days of sunshine. But I mostly just look at it from my living room, allowing myself to be lazy. That is an amazing amount of snow for mid-April, I think! And congratulations on finding such an exceptional doctor! :-)
ReplyDeleteYour wife is so smart and wonderful and this post felt so emotional to me. Such good news that the new cardiologist 'gets it'. Congratulations on that.
ReplyDeleteA lot of snow - we are heading towards rainy days soon but today we have sunshine and clouds. Looking forward to another non snow picture of your planters.
Joy
We were just far enough south of you to miss all that cold white nonsense. You folks have done well to advocate for yourselves and I like how you referred to your GP as being a part of the overall medical team. The way it should always be.
ReplyDeleteOur snow was just a dusting.
ReplyDeleteHere in western md we get a bit more snow than most people think of for md.
That snow is pretty, but I am thankful it is not here. So glad you liked your new cardiologist.
ReplyDeleteYou have to be your own advocate and researcher to get what you want.
ReplyDeleteWise to have an advocate with you when dealing with some of those doctors.
ReplyDeleteGlad you like this new Specialist.
Be Safe and Enjoy your next Spring Thaw.
It's about time.
It is always nice to hear when someone is pleased with a doctor, no matter what kind of practitioner he is. That is great news.
ReplyDeleteStay safe and we were as befuddled about Wednesday's weather as you were. Winter, spring, winter, spring. LOL We are also looking forward to a little better on the weekend. Come on!
That snow is pretty -- but even for those of us who like winter it's time for spring to arrive. Glad to hear your heart is working as it should, it's a very complex organ with which a lot can go wrong. You are so correct in that we all need physicians in which we have real confidence -- our lives are in their hands. And yes, we need to do our own research and be our own advocates in order to get good care. Down here in the good old U.S.A. the bean counters in the insurance companies all too often dictate what care we get -- a terrible system.
ReplyDeleteYes you have to be a good advocate and finding a Dr who is kind enough to explain everything is a blessing. Way to go Mrs FG you rock!
ReplyDeleteOur snow this Thursday night actually came from the south west. That is so rare for us to get any winter weather like that. We do get our rains from that direction.
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