What to expect?

Posted by sah on May 28, 1999 at 09:07:39
Hi,
I posted recently under Ouch!  I have made an appointment with a cardiologist in my area.  It has been 8 years (I'm 21) since I have seen a doctor for MVP and I really do not remember what went on the last time.  It would really help if you could tell me what to expect when I go.  I am a little nervous, and don't want to be.  If you could just clue me in a little I am sure it would help.  Thanks a bunch, and have a great day!  :o)

Posted by CCF CARDIO MD - CRC on May 28, 1999 at 11:05:27
Dear sah,
It should be no big deal.  You will be seen by a nurse who will check your blood pressure and ask you a few questions and then the doctor will come and talk to you and examin you.  He may order some tests such as an EKG or an echocardiogram.  I always find the hardest part about going to the doctor finding something good to read in the waiting room.
I hope you find this information useful.  Information provided in the heart forum is for general purposes only.  Only your physician can provide specific diagnoses and therapies.  Please feel free to write back with additional questions.
If you would like to make an appointment at the Cleveland Clinic Heart Center, please call 1-800-CCF-CARE or inquire online by using the Heart Center website at www.ccf.org/heartcenter.  The Heart Center website contains a directory of the cardiology staff that can be used to select the physician best suited to address your cardiac problem.
Posted by sah on May 29, 1999 at 01:38:10
It is even harder when the waiting room is way out of date and the magazines match the wallpaper.  Just a little humor.  The last time I saw a cardiologist was my senior year for a athletic physical put on by a local hospital.  The guy that I saw there kept listening to my heart for a good half hour.  He said it was the worst he had heard in a very long time.  That did not sit well with my parents or me.  However, I continued to swim thoughout my senior year without trouble.  It was not until this past year that I started having symptoms.  Go figure?  So now I have finnaly caved in to my body and have agreed to see a cardiologist.  I just hate cold stethoscopes (and bad waiting rooms)!  I am also a little weary about the tests that you mention.  Money is not something that I have alot of being a college student and all.  Just have to balance the budget I suppose.  Thanks for the humor and the info, see ya around!

Posted by CCF CARDIO MD - CRC on May 29, 1999 at 08:50:10
Best wishes.  I hope it all turns out to be nothing.  And just think you can finish reading that article you started in that waiting room in high school.
CRC

Posted by sah on May 29, 1999 at 23:51:33
I hope that that the pain that I got in the middle of the night is nothing also.  All I can say is that it really hurt and spooked me out of a sound sleep, yikes.  Takes a hurricane to wake me!!  It is going to be a little difficult to finish that article from high school, I am switching doctors!!  I just hope this waiting room is at least out of the 70's, would be even better if it were in the late 80's.  Oh, wanted to ask you, is 8 years between echo's bad?  How often should someone with MVP have them or see their Dr.?  Thanks for the answers, and the humor.  Humor is what makes life worth living!  Have a good day Dr. CRC!   :o)

Posted by CCF CARDIO MD - CRC on June 01, 1999 at 10:11:13
For "benign" MVP 8 years is OK.  If there is regurgitation then more frequent is probably in order.
I hope you find this information useful.  Information provided in the heart forum is for general purposes only.  Only your physician can provide specific diagnoses and therapies.  Please feel free to write back with additional questions.
If you would like to make an appointment at the Cleveland Clinic Heart Center, please call 1-800-CCF-CARE or inquire online by using the Heart Center website at www.ccf.org/heartcenter.  The Heart Center website contains a directory of the cardiology staff that can be used to select the physician best suited to address your cardiac problem.