Meeting with a Cardiologist for the first time tomorrow, any advice?

[robynne]

Hi there,
I am meeting with an actual cardiologist for the first time tomorrow. I have very bad orthostatic intolerance. I have also had tachycardia, hypotension, and fainting. Any advice for what to say/show the doctor to get them to give me a tilt table test? I know if I can do a tilt table test I can get a diagnosis and try something like beta blockers that may help.

[Dr. Diana]

Hi Robynne, I know that you and I just had a consult (I enjoyed speaking to you, BTW!), but for others who may be wondering, if you “fail” a poor man’s tilt table test, that would be ‘helpful’. I could pass a poor man’s tilt table, but HOLY COW, I couldn’t pass the ‘real’ one! As I mentioned, I begged my neuro for a letter for them, suggesting that they test me for autonomic dysfunction and include a TTT. I had the letter in hand, but it turned out, I didn’t really need it after all. Oh, perhaps you could stand up AND FAINT in front of the doctor. Perhaps that would help? 😉 It’s amazing the hoops we have to jump through to get tested! Jeez Louise! Let us know? 😉

[Author]

Posts