I went in today to have all of my tests done and I must say that I was thoroughly unimpressed with the entire office. I will not be seeing this cardiologist again for any kind of follow up care.

First Unknown Test

When I got there, they took me back for one test where I had to lay perfectly still and this miniature ct scan looking machine moved all around me. I kept asking the tech what the test was and the only answer I got was a heart test. Gee, thanks. Pretty sure I could have figured that one out on my own!

Dealing with an Idiot

Then the guy came in to start my IV for the nuclear meds. I asked if he could use my PICC line to which he responded that no one should be doing anything with it other than the hospital. I said well, I infuse my own meds every night. He said do you know you have to flush this thing? Yes, moron, I’ve had it for seven weeks and it still works so I obviously know how to flush it.

At this point I’m thinking I didn’t want him to use it! He asked me what medicine I used and I replied Rocephin, to which he said what’s that? I was floored – it’s not like that’s some alternative medication! Then he asked why I was on it and I said I have Lyme disease. He laughed! Laughed! And then asked me if I had been playing with deer?!

I was absolutely furious but being that he was about to put a needle in my arm, I kept my mouth shut. Then it was back to the waiting room. Next was the ECHO. It was a little difficult with lying on my side with the PICC line but other than that, it was uneventful.

Nuclear Stress Test

Back to the waiting room again to wait on the nuclear stress test. When I finally went back for it, she hooked up all of the monitors and I started walking on the treadmill. Every minute or so the speed and incline would adjust. By the four minute mark, my heart rate was at 200. They inserted the nuclear medicine and I continued to walk, completely out of breath. (Remember, I have been under doctor’s orders to do NO physical activity since last November).

Several minutes later, she told me it was going to increase again and I told her I would be running at that point and didn’t think I could do it. I felt like I was going to pass out and my heart was about to come out of my chest. She agreed to stop the test.

After a recovery time where she she said my rate was not recovering as it should, I was sent back to the waiting room. The next and final test was doing the ct like scan again. I tried again without luck to find out what this test was!

The Results

Then back to the waiting room where I was the last patient left. I had literally spent all day in the doctor’s office. Finally, he called me back and let me know that my tests looked good as far as heart function. But there is an abnormal rhythm and I had over 700 PVCs and 600 PACs during my holter monitor. But he said he wasn’t concerned. He also said it was still showing tachycardia but he also wasn’t concerned about that either. Basically, he blamed the entire thing on my thyroid and said the Lyme wasn’t responsible and my heart was fine.

Knowing my heart was fine, despite the abnormal tests, was reassuring, but it seemed odd to just write off all of these abnormal results. He did say I need to follow up with the Lyme doctor because the pain I had been describing in my chest was not heart related.

So I will go back and get her take on it. And right now, I’m really missing my old cardiologist!

After getting to wait for over an hour, I was finally taken back to an exam room. She came in and did an EKG, then went to find the doctor. He came in and after he introduced himself basically didn’t look up again as he sat typing on his laptop.

I finally asked what the deal was and he said that my EKG showed an abnormal rhythm. I asked about the tachycardia and he said my heart rate was fast, but the concern was with my rhythm which he just said was “off”.

He wants me to wear a holter monitor (which I have on now) and come back for other tests including an ECHO and a nuclear stress test next week. So, I, of course, agreed.

I asked if this could be Lyme related and he said that it can attack the heart just as it does other organs but most people will recover after the Lyme is under control, if that is the cause. That was somewhat comforting I guess in that it was less likely that the damage would be permanent.

When the nurse came in to put the holter monitor on, I asked her if they had the adhesive pads for sensitive skin. She looked at me like I was crazy but I know they make them because I’ve used them! She said no and proceeded to attach all of the leads. While she was doing that, I explained I was allergic to adhesive and I hoped that I wouldn’t react in the 48 hours I have to wear it. She then took tape and attached it over every single lead. Huge pieces of tape – triple the size of the actual lead!

I stood there in pure amazement at her utter stupidity. I told her again I was allergic to adhesive and she said well just take it off later if it bothers you. Wow.

I walked to the front to check out. When I got there, they had me sign a waiver and consent for the nuclear test and also informed me I was committed to the appointment. If I cancel, I owe them $325. I also had instructions to be fasting and to bring food with me for when they allow me to eat as I would be spending the majority of the day with them.

I went to the bathroom and promptly removed the tape and then headed home. Looks like it’s going to be an interesting week next week!