Update - Email just received from Sal Carmosino!

OK... The Cardiologist was great!  Unfortunately my primary doctor's office sent this guy nothing from my previous visits there and the reports from the hospital....I wasn't too happy about that....and if I ever go back to him..I will certainly let him know about it.

So, I had to go in there cold.  Fortunately, I keep everything and I had all of the ER reports from the 3 times I was there.

So, he saw the reports...examined me thoroughly and concluded that the pain did not come from the aneurysm. Also he said the ER's diagnosis was premature. What I have is an enlarged Aortic blood vessel, that if not treated will turn into an aneurysm...so in effect, it's a pre-aneurysm. I was elated at that news.....

He also said that my previous BP medication Diovan 160mg was not enough to lower my BP. Even if I doubled it , he said it still wouldn't be enough. He then set me up for more testing next week...a Stress Test, an Echocardiogram and possibly an Angiogram to check for possible artery blockage.

This is the information and the plan I was looking for. He said since the pain is not related to the heart, we have to find the source.  I know I'm still not out of the woods yet, but at least we're on the right path to find an answer....and take care of it which makes me feel better. The nodule is barely a dot and will still be looked at in 6 months...not 3. He was annoyed that the ER took two CT Scans in three weeks which is excessive radiation.

My test is scheduled for next Tuesday and then again Mon Jan 31. I like that he s getting right to it instead of waiting. He also gave me an electronic BP monitor to use at home for 10 days. He wants me to chart the readings and bring them back to him.....my kind of guy.

His monitor shows my BP good so far....so I'm not sure about this Diovan not being enough...but that will be his call. But I was very impressed with him and everyone was right.....I needed Cardiologist....he was so professional and no guessing about what he wants to do to find the answer....I asked about the location of the problem area. He said it was in the upper chest. the Scan didn't check the stomach area. So he pressed and pushed and determined that the stomach wasn't a problem area.

But this was only a preliminary exam since I was seeing him for the first time. He concluded that we can make a final determination after all the testing is done...and he will prescribe a different medication.  Overall, I felt very good leaving there and I cant wait for the tests so we can get going on a treatment. I know all of our classmates are interested in my status and I do appreciate the support.

 

New subject:  Carolyn and I are going to the memorial service for Fred Ciampi's son tomorrow in Watertown, MA.  I was wondering if any of our classmates would be going. I hope so.....Strong as he seems, Fred needs the support from everyone especially losing a son so young at age 38.....

Sal