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Should I seek a second opinion
I have now had a consultation with my Cardiologist to discuss the brief but very worrying Angiogram discharge report which said I had :-
Severe ostial to mid vessel LAD desease (widow maker) with RFR and FFR wire. I was given the impression i would be having stents fitted (told to take four Clopidrel and four Asprinthe previous evening) following Cardiac MRI, CT and Strees Echo results over the previous two years,
i am 80 yrs old next year and am a little concerned as my cardiologist told me No stents were fitted, because the problems found were too severe for them and as I have no serious Angina pains, I would stay on medication until then when I would have bye pass surgery. He said was the decision at the weekly Surgeon/Stent meeting and I am to keeep him aware of my Angina situation for the foreseeable future.
i am considering a second opinion as a result of an aquintance having been midignosed by the same team. Is this a wise course or should there be another suggested course for me considering my age.
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Mayo Doctors told me to always obtain a second opinion, and if the two treatments are different, get a third. I did and the third opinion was less invasive. Anesthesia can be more dangerous at old age. Many doctors who specialize in one procedure may not always inform you of another method that would be better for you and safer. Good luck
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5 ReactionsIf you were about to get the roof recovered on your house, would you just call one person up and ask them to do it? Or would you ask for two, maybe three quotes, meet them, get a feel for them, and then decide with some hard info?
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4 ReactionsAbsolutely get a second opinion, and even a third. Do some Googling to find the best cardiologists,
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3 ReactionsWishing you good luck with this.
@winproc, I am sorry your procedure didn’t go the way you thought it would. A second opinion may end up making you feel more comfortable with your current doctors assessment or offer an alternative diagnosis, even a different treatment option.
This article may help walk you through your decision. https://health.usnews.com/health-care/patient-advice/articles/when-to-get-a-second-opinion
How are you feeling?
GET A SECOND OPINION!
Go somewhere that has good equipment also. I was told i had 2 moderate+ leaky valves. Nope i did not just not good echo equipment. Turns out mild pulmonary hypertension. So, 4 years later off
6 meds and started a new one. I feel better than i have in 4 years!
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1 ReactionMany Thanks for your advice and concern.
I have read the link articles which you advised me of and am assembling all the results of previous tests which I have been having prior to making an appointment with a cardiologist at a different hospital.
He has been recommended by an aquaintance who has recently had a bad experience with the surgeons linked to my current consultant.
I also had a Stress Echo two years ago when I was told there was a marker and damage from a previous heart attack.
My present guy says I have not shown any signs of this.
I am not having any strong angina pains, am told I am " to far gone now for stents" and to "come back when you have them for bye pass surgery".
I am 80 next year and fear will have other health problems which, when due for bye pass surgery, may well be either too old or unfit.
Apart from lack of sleep, which I have had since shifts and stress of my 30 years Police service,
I am keeping as active as possible with walks and work in the garden area.
Best Regards,
Winston
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@winproc You are getting good input from members and it sounds like you are doing everything you can to live you best life. You’ve got this, you have the rest of your life to live!
I hope you return to report progress and how you are doing.