Fat Feet

[kaypeeoh]

I see four doctors. Two neurologists--one for MS and one for PD, A cardiologist and a primary care doctor. All have their own schedules which don't coincide with mine so I see doctors every three months. A couple days ago I saw the cardiologist. He listened to my heart then ran an EKG then said okay but then noticed my ankles are swollen. He called in a nurse and they both started looking for ways I could have an ultrasound today. . They created an opening for 7PM. So at 7PM I showed up in baggy shorts and flip-flops. The nurse rolled my shorts up and jammed something in. Then ''ultrasounded" my groin, both thighs, knees and ankles. When she was done she left with the films. An hour later she was back and said I could go. Not one word about the ultrasound results. I assume I'll see the cardio guy for that someday soon. The swelling is edema which I've had since living in Colorado 6 years ago. None of the doctors had anything to say about it. I assumed it's another sign of PD?

This reminds me of a heart scan I had in Colorado. After the scan the doc said something is serious and I need surgery now. He was on the phone looking for an anesthesiologist. While he was doing that his nurse told me the scan showed a 100% obstruction of the LAD. Commonly known as the widow maker. The best they could get was for surgery first thing in the morning, I wasn't allowed to leave. They wheeled me to a bed. Obviously no dinner and in the morning the obstruction was scraped out and a stent was put in.

[Boscoejean]

I think a patient should be able to ask a medical professional if they know any of the results of any ultrasound or other diagnostic test. If they don't then they don't but if they do why should you have to wait for a doctor to get around to discussing this with you? What would happen if when you see any of these doctors or specialists you would indicate that you would like to be informed of the results as soon as they are determined?

[LAJ12345]

in New Zealand you are allowed to ask for a copy of all information they hold on you and they have to provide it within a time period. Can you ask for a full copy of your medical file?

[ForViolet in reply to LAJ12345]

Same in the USA about getting a copy, but I had one done last week and have an appointment with a nurse this week to discuss results. I had to ask. Weird. Years ago I could talk with the tech about what we were seeing while it was done but not anymore.

Of course I'll get a copy this week. My ankles are better when I walk/swim daily but I've been remiss.

[LAJ12345 in reply to ForViolet]

I suppose they want a second opinion if something weird shows rather than cause unnecessary worry. Plus they need someone trained to counsel you if it’s bad news. Also if you start quizzing the radiographer it might hold up the next appointment.

[ForViolet in reply to LAJ12345]

And also here the tech, as we call them, isn’t trained in differential diagnosis. I did have my Certification in Radiology but that was long ago.