05-25-2017, 04:39 PM
I have been struggling since December, when I had two back to back angioplasties. This was made more difficult because I have only one working kidney and the dye used for the angioplasties has a bad effect on its condition.
Now, it's become more and more difficult to breathe and I become exhausted at the slightest exertion. I thought that this was caused by problems with my lungs, but after both a pulmonary function test and another two hour test of both my lungs and my heart, the specialists said my lungs were surprisingly good, since I've had both COPD and asthma due to years of second hand smoke from my chain smoking father. It was clear that my breathing problems were due to my heart.
My cardiologist, a highly thought of specialist, has told me that there's nothing more he can do and suggested getting a second opinion.
On Monday, I was in to see my primary care doctor, who put it to me in more blunt language. He said that my heart is dying.
I know that, for years, I have seen what a wide range of knowledge my forum friends have displayed, so I figured it was worth mentioning in the small chance that someone might have a useful thought for me.
At this point, I'm not optimistic, in fact I am down right depressed.
One thing my primary doctor told me was particularly bothersome. For the first time in years, he mentioned cholesterol. When I had the last two angioplasties, two of my arteries were stented, but I was told that one major artery was totally blocked.
With that in mind, I asked why I had this problem, since I had been taking two medications, Welchol and Zetia for years. I thought that this, along with losing 70 pounds, was keeping my cholesterol under control. His answer floored me. He said that those drugs were "cosmetic!"
When I got home I looked them up and found articles referring to their manufacturer being sued for falsifying results of their studies, which have caused doctors to prescribe the use of these drugs when patients like myself cannot tolerate statins.
I wonder if there's nothing else to be done, do I have grounds for a case? With everything that's going on with politics regarding healthcare, I wonder if I would need money that I do not have to cover my care?
I have been reluctant to post about this, but I figured that among my forum friends, I might get some helpful feedback, as I often have, over the years.
I know that some of you have faced serious medical issues, so it pains me to complain about mine. But as they say, "what are friends for?"
Thanks for any ideas you may have!
GeneL
BTW, it's probably too late for me to put together another MrSoCal luncheon. I sure enjoyed the time I spent with those of you that were able to attend the last one. Also, it doesn't look good for those margaritas in Dana Point harbor, if you haven't made it here by now. I would have loved to see any of you that received my offer.
Now, it's become more and more difficult to breathe and I become exhausted at the slightest exertion. I thought that this was caused by problems with my lungs, but after both a pulmonary function test and another two hour test of both my lungs and my heart, the specialists said my lungs were surprisingly good, since I've had both COPD and asthma due to years of second hand smoke from my chain smoking father. It was clear that my breathing problems were due to my heart.
My cardiologist, a highly thought of specialist, has told me that there's nothing more he can do and suggested getting a second opinion.
On Monday, I was in to see my primary care doctor, who put it to me in more blunt language. He said that my heart is dying.
I know that, for years, I have seen what a wide range of knowledge my forum friends have displayed, so I figured it was worth mentioning in the small chance that someone might have a useful thought for me.
At this point, I'm not optimistic, in fact I am down right depressed.
One thing my primary doctor told me was particularly bothersome. For the first time in years, he mentioned cholesterol. When I had the last two angioplasties, two of my arteries were stented, but I was told that one major artery was totally blocked.
With that in mind, I asked why I had this problem, since I had been taking two medications, Welchol and Zetia for years. I thought that this, along with losing 70 pounds, was keeping my cholesterol under control. His answer floored me. He said that those drugs were "cosmetic!"
When I got home I looked them up and found articles referring to their manufacturer being sued for falsifying results of their studies, which have caused doctors to prescribe the use of these drugs when patients like myself cannot tolerate statins.
I wonder if there's nothing else to be done, do I have grounds for a case? With everything that's going on with politics regarding healthcare, I wonder if I would need money that I do not have to cover my care?
I have been reluctant to post about this, but I figured that among my forum friends, I might get some helpful feedback, as I often have, over the years.
I know that some of you have faced serious medical issues, so it pains me to complain about mine. But as they say, "what are friends for?"
Thanks for any ideas you may have!
GeneL
BTW, it's probably too late for me to put together another MrSoCal luncheon. I sure enjoyed the time I spent with those of you that were able to attend the last one. Also, it doesn't look good for those margaritas in Dana Point harbor, if you haven't made it here by now. I would have loved to see any of you that received my offer.
