What’s a cardiologist appointment going to entail
Hi, I’m not sure what to put this under. Next week I’m finally going to a pediatric cardiologist for the first time. I’ve only really seen my family doctor up until now, and she’s the sweetest but I really don’t have experience with any other doctors.
My family doctor thinks I have POTS and wants me to look into that. I’m not sure if that’s been communicated to the Cardio yet or not, and I’m not really sure how to bring it up? Or what else might be important to bring up? I am taking salt pills now and they’re helping so I know I should bring that up but I don’t know if anything else should be brought up as well? Besides my symptoms, like my diet or stuff like that?
I’m also wondering if they’ll want to take my blood again, or if the ones from 6 months ago would be fine? I have a massive fear of needles. So yeah that’s fun.
Would they need to schedule a different appointment to test for POTS or send me else wear? I’m not really sure how getting diagnosed works at all. I guess I’m just scared and have more questions then answers.
thank You if you answered any of this it means the world 💜
@Astraeuss This is hard to answer because healthcare functions so differently everywhere.
Here, I would expect the appointment to be mostly information gathering - so asking about your medications, symptoms, diet if it is relevant. Listening to your heart and taking blood pressure and heart rate.
Here, majority of testing isn't done at a doctors clinic. We get sent to a lab, to imaging, etc. Tilt table tests are one I have heard being done for POTS. There are also blood pressure/heart rate monitors that can be set up for 24+ hours, I'm not sure if that is something that is typically done for suspected POTS. In other countries from what I have heard some of those tests are commonly done during the appointment.
If it were me, I would expect to be sent for more bloodwork too, as pretty much all of my specialists want something done, but it's never at the appointment It's possible he will be happy with the results he already has though. I do find doctors tend to avoid requesting bloodwork from children (teens included) unless they feel it's really important.
@AffyAvo
thank you, I hope I don’t need more bloodwork :’), my doctor literally wrote things in on the blood work sheet to get me tested for, it was a full screening of stuff. I’ve definitely heard of the tilt table test but I’ve also seen people say that most doctors will just make you lay down for 10 minutes then stand up so I have no clue on that one. I haven’t heard getting hooked up to a monitor yet but that seems alright, so thank you for the heads up on that one. Also hopefully things were shared between doctors.
thank you tons
Here's some information on the tilt table test https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/tilt-table-test/about/pac-20395124
I have never had it done, but know quite a few people who have done it.
@Astraeuss
As another poster said the difference can vary greatly .... if you were referred to this doctor by your family doctor generally all your records including what your doctor suspects etc are shared so it is not as if you are starting from scratch.
A bunch of questions may be asked and they may want additional tests including blood as there are so many different things looked at in blood tests from basic to complete studies. depending on how complete your last blood test was or if a specific thing is being looked at in blood levels.
@Astraeuss
Your anxiety about seeing a cardiologist is completely normal. I really can’t give you medical advice. But I can tell you that I have POTS. I developed it after I had Covid. And it’s treatable. Good luck at the dr. Let us know how it goes!
