OT - Follow up Cardiologist for 2nd Opinion

[socrates2k1]

Well, I visited with my PCP last week, and explained to him about what I had been told by my Cardiologist.
That I have a Congenital Heart Defect, Coronary Artery Anomaly, whereby the RCA (Right Coronary Artery) travels in a path between the heart and aorta, so with each heart beat, the RCA is temporarily pinched.

I also explained to him (PCP), that my Cardiologist immediately sent me to visit with a Heart Surgeon.
The Surgeon, looked at my CTA and performed a physical exam, he stated that since he could see no ischemia (significant blood flow stoppage), other than what had been seen during the Heart Stress Test, and follow up, Heart Cath., he saw no need for surgery.

My PCP, stated that he trusted this Heart Surgeon (with his own Father's life), and that the Surgeon had basically turned down business, so if he (meaning the Surgeon) suggested no surgery was needed, then I probably didn't need it, at least, as this time.  He also asked, if I would like him to send me for a "2nd Opinion", and I agreed.

Now, I go to see this 2nd Cardiac Surgeon, on Wednesday, and it makes me a little leery, taking into account what my PCP had told me.  Surgeons make money, by performing surgery, so how will I know if he does suggest surgery, if he is just wanting to make money, or if I truly need the surgery?  After all, my PCP trusts the 1st Surgeon, and his suggestion of not having surgery.

Any thoughts?

-- Socrates2k1 (aka Stan)

[figuerpa]

I think that it is never a bad decision to get a second opinion. It will be up to you what you do with that opinion.

As strongly as your doctor was about trusting the surgeon, and what you stated about they want money and if it was needed the surgeon would have done it if he were only in it for the money.

I am glad you opted for a second opinion though, it will give you that second look that most people want to make sure it is the right decision and it will give you a peace of mind knowing htat you didn't just go on the opinion of just one doctor.

Keep us informed of what the second Cardiologist has to say.

Hugs,
Paula

[supermum_ms]

Morning Stan,

Forgive me if this is a dumb question but it just popped into my pea brain, So if you've got a congenital heart defect, isn't this capable of causing neurological vascular lesions?  

I tried to satisfy my insatiable curiosity (lol I think i may need to join googleanonanon) but i've only managed to generate more questions. If you look at this site, i think you'll see why you might have some additional questions to be asking.

http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/avms/detail_avms.htm

Anyhooo, i think its a good idea to get a second opinion, i would be!

Cheers..........JJ

[beema36]

I think your pcp gave you good advice. If you trust your pcp I would trust what he says. Getting a 2nd opinion won't hurt just don't let yourself get stressed. In my opinion the hearr surgeons in this area are the greatest.

[SarahL2491]

I agree with  Sllowe, wait til after you have the 2nd opinion to ponder them.  You seem to have a very good grasp on what you are looking at and isn't that why we have 2nd opinions!  Heck, with neurologists, how many 2nd, 3rd, etc., opions have we all sought? LOL

No sense worrying until you have it.  Good that he started you on low dose but doubt they would have started something that lowers your heart beat at a high dose, better to start low and titrate up as needed.  

We'll be here cheering for you!

[socrates2k1]

Sounds good to me, thank you both very much, for your quick replies.

My Cardiologist did put me on an Rx for Metoprolol, an extremely low dose, 25mg (which has a maximum of 300mg).  This slows my heart rate, but also allows my heart to rest between beats.  It has lowered my heart rate to about 65 ppm (down from about 76 ppm).  I can't imagine what 150mg, (which is what my Wife, currently takes, for her heart rate, w/o which is around 114 ppm, resting) would do to mine, so I'm blessed he started me out on such a low dose.

I will definitely let you all know what the 2nd Opinion suggestion is.

Take care and may God bless, you and yours.

-- Socrates2k1 (aka Stan)

[jensequitur]

As far as I can tell, surgeons generally don't recommend something unless they think it'll help.  But yeah, wait and see - good luck!

[sllowe]

Hey Stan,

I love how you understand the interworkings of your two issues. It's outstanding. And, not something that everyone could grasp. Cudos.

You can look at it this way.......
He's going to give you a 2nd opinion.......
No sense worrying about what that opinion is until you get it. Deal?