Life's distractions tend to gather traction and take me in unforeseen directions. By August's end I had been through a carotid ultrasound, an echocardiogram, a nuclear stress test, a cardiac catheterization, two levels of cardiac MRI and numerous blood tests. I expected logical explanations and recommendations that would empower me to make choices about my health care. Instead, I found myself spending so much time doing research in an effort to understand that I began to feel I should bill the cardiologist for my time. My stress level, like my LDL level, was about to leave earth's orbit.
So I started over, with an internist who respects me and my rights as a consumer of medical services. (I hire a doctor to advise me and treat me, not to make my health care decisions for me.) Since I'm the one who has to live with the consequences, I want to make the decisions. Besides, I have 60 years of experience with this body so I know it better than anyone else. I know what is "normal" for this body and what is not.
This year will definitely be a health care year. I will be seeing a different cardiologist as well as other specialists. And my internist will act as the hub to help me coordinate my care. I certainly didn't choose to have health problems but I do have the power to choose how I will address them.
Be well.
Copyright 2011
