Building the new dream team..again!

[SjoDry]

I am a bundle of emotions after seeing my new Cardiologist today. First of all, he was great. We all deal with our share of physician-frogs..so it is especially nice when we find a great, thorough, caring doc!

He thinks I may have pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). He ordered an echo, pulmonary function tests, a pulmonary consult and may do a right heart catheterization (the only test that will confirm PAH).

I am a bit bummed. I think I had convinced myself that I was as healthy as possible and fairly stable. I had recent discussions with my husband about retirement, which did not include chronic illness and a full-time job of managing docs, appointments and medications. Perhaps I was kidding myself with my glass have full mentality. But our medical issues have a way bitch-slapping us into reality at times..

I guess the goal of establishing a new dream team and trying to figure out some sort of treatment plan will be keeping me busy for awhile. How sad that finding a good doc is one of the highlights of my medical-filled life.😳 But I knew you could all relate.

Take care Sjoggie-Mates.
SjoDry

[meirish]

Well, not what you wanted to hear but sounds like you got a good doctor. You are right...they are sure hard to come by. And, being a patient is certainly a full time patient. Takes forever to find a doctor, months to get the appointment and sometimes it can be worrisome just waiting for the appointment. And then, it takes a lot of time, energy, money and gas for these appointments.

You will have a bunch of appointments and probably not be able to do more than one a day. Take a deep breath and punt!!!!!My thoughts are with you and hope to hear good results. Take care meirish

[deeindiana]

SjoDry, I'm sorry you are dealing with all of this but it sounds like you are moving in the right direction. I can identify with the retirement discussions with the husband. It's not easy to re-group. Funny that life can turn out so differently from what we planned.
I hope all goes well with the dream team! Hang in there!
Dee

[SjoDry]

Thank you DeeIndiana!

[Judie P]

It's been a long time since I have been talking here.  I am so glad that you found a great doctor!  Adapting to a change in health is always daunting, but we find a way.  Love and hugs to you!