Re “It’s Up to You, the Doctor Told Me”

Dateline Dayton — Results from my stress test.

Prior to leaving the hospital and after completing my stress test, the results had to be reviewed by a doctor.

Sara came back and told me the doctor wanted me to start taking one baby aspirin each day. She said I should take it easy until I hear from my doctor. She had my attention from “take a baby aspirin.” Was there a problem? Or is this standard procedure?

On Wednesday evening my doctor’s office called, and the nurse told me he wanted me to see a cardiologist. Again I was reminded to take a baby aspirin each day. Something was abnormal she said. If I experienced chest pain, I was to get to the emergency room and not to drive myself. Would I do something like that?

It Was Getting Worse

If the statement made on Monday, upon leaving the hospital, didn’t already have me all shook up, this phone call only added to my concern and speculation as to the potential problem.

The nurse told me she would make the appointment. I would hear from the cardiologist’s office as to the time and location.

Sure enough the cardiologist’s office called on Thursday afternoon, telling me I had an appointment on Wednesday at 9, and convenient, too — at his office in the hospital, just down the street.

I didn’t want to wait until Wednesday to find out what the problem might be. I called my family doctor for an appointment. No luck. Earliest date would be next week. I felt that even if it was on Monday, I could hold together until Wednesday.

I began to speculate, telling Pauline that I would not consider a heart transplant. Maybe it was a leaky valve, or possibly I needed bypass surgery. Then again, I might only need a pill.

On Wednesday, Pauline and I were on our way to my appointment. The office had sent me all the paperwork, so I was able to complete it prior to arriving. The doctor even complimented on the fact that I had typed the forms, suggesting I should be entitled to a discount. But he didn’t think corporate would approve of the idea.

It appears I have a blockage in one of the four main arteries. The doctor wants to do a cardiac catheterization, telling me a decision isn’t needed now. The other option was to take pills. Those were not his first choice and definitely not mine either, especially when he talked about side effects. He also told us that a stent would probably be required.

Actually, I considered this good news. It could have been much worse. I told the doctor, “Let’s get it scheduled.” With that he pulled out his scheduler, telling us he could do it next Tuesday or Wednesday. Since Tuesday night is Pauline’s stitch-and-bitch group get-together, I chose Wednesday. I try never to interfere with her session, although I don’t think she would have much to say.

I’m scheduled for 2 p.m. at the main hospital, although I won’t know the exact time until Tuesday.

Next week –The procedure

Mr. Hennessey may be contacted at pmhenn@sbcglobal.net