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Heart Disease (Expert Forum)
How severe are Dad's symptoms?
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How severe are Dad's symptoms?
by Debbie W., Sep 04, 1999 12:00AM
About a month ago my Dad (75 yo) (who had CABG (5) over 20 years ago and has been in excellent health since) began having minor chest discomfort and SOB. He called his doctor who called him in a Rx of diuretics (4 pills) and he got immediate relief. About 2 weeks ago, he began to experience the same symptoms and called his MD again. His MD was out so the MD on call called him in Lasix (4 pills) and he got minimal relief. His symptoms continued to gradually worsen, i.e., tightness in his chest, abdomen, moderate SOB at rest and during minimal activity, swelling in his LE's. He made an appointment with his MD due to the SOB and his MD did a thalium scan on him and then treated him for asthma and sent him home. When Dad's symptoms continued to worsen, the MD was called again to request a referral to a cardiologist. The MD refuses, stating that Dad's thalium scan has not changed significantly since one done a year ago, and is opting instead to treat Dad himself with Lasix and potassium. We now know that these symptoms are consistent with CHF and in my research have found that there are new drugs he can be treated with which will significantly improve his quality of life. My parents are trying to change doctors in order to get a referral to a cardiologist, however their insurance is a managed care plan, so they will not be able to see a new doctor until the beginning of next month. My question is, are these symptoms severe enough for my Dad to go outside his insurance and pay out of pocket to see a cardiologist immediately, or can he wait until the beginning of next month?
Doctor's Answer
by CCF CARDIO MD - DLB, Sep 07, 1999 12:00AM
