Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) Support Group
Deep-vein thrombosis, also known as deep-venous thrombosis or DVT, is the formation of a blood clot ("thrombus") in a deep vein. It can be caused by something preventing blood from circulating or clotting normally. Join the support group if you are coping with DVT and find others who are going through the same challenges.
Me again!! ;-)
After my doctor told me I was FVL hetero positive, I requested a hematology referral. My plan was to schedule out a few months, to get an opinion on coming off of Coumadin at my 6m point in August. But they called today with my appt, and it is in less than 2wks. I know this is dumb, but I don't want to go! One, because after spending my ENTIRE tax return on medical bills and hitting my high deductible already, I just need a doctor break. Two, because if I have to stay on Coumadin, I don't want to know yet. Is this dumb?? Yeah, probably. It isn't as though it is a huge deal, being a lifer, but it has changed my life quite a bit. I am starting to feel better about things emotionally, and just kinda want to cross that bridge in August, yk? Tell me if I am being ridiculous. Also, is there a reason to see a hemo now? Will there be a benefit?
Another thing...are all hematologists oncologists too? This office is a hemo/oncology group, but the specific dr has a lot of career highlights that are cancer related. I see nothing on the website about treating blood disorder, only cancer. Is this normal? I was hoping to see someone that had a special interest in clotting disorders, etc.
After my doctor told me I was FVL hetero positive, I requested a hematology referral. My plan was to schedule out a few months, to get an opinion on coming off of Coumadin at my 6m point in August. But they called today with my appt, and it is in less than 2wks. I know this is dumb, but I don't want to go! One, because after spending my ENTIRE tax return on medical bills and hitting my high deductible already, I just need a doctor break. Two, because if I have to stay on Coumadin, I don't want to know yet. Is this dumb?? Yeah, probably. It isn't as though it is a huge deal, being a lifer, but it has changed my life quite a bit. I am starting to feel better about things emotionally, and just kinda want to cross that bridge in August, yk? Tell me if I am being ridiculous. Also, is there a reason to see a hemo now? Will there be a benefit?
Another thing...are all hematologists oncologists too? This office is a hemo/oncology group, but the specific dr has a lot of career highlights that are cancer related. I see nothing on the website about treating blood disorder, only cancer. Is this normal? I was hoping to see someone that had a special interest in clotting disorders, etc.
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Look at what my best friend did with my picture!
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We all have 24 hours in a day. How we spend these hours is important. Watching a little bit of a video about how sitting affects us made me aware of how much sitting and laying down I do. Gonna have to work on that.Your turn. Tell me another truth.
I have to say that I was so impressed with the cancer center and the quality of the experience. They were so focused on the patient.
My Hema had me check my INR bi-weekly and I saw him or the nurse practitioner once a month. The office visits probably weren't needed, but it was nice to have someone proactively concerned about monitoring my progress. I also had plenty of opportunity to ask my questions.
Based on my positive experience, I would encourage you to make the connection with the Hema and then discuss a plan for future visits that will meet your budget. This way, they can be an ally if something comes up, so you can easily follow-up with a phone call to nurse rather than opting for an emergency room visit. It may save you money in the long run.
Good luck deciding how to proceed. Others may have a different perspective.
While I do like my hema, I've only seen him twice for the results of my blood tests (had 'em done twice). He's a nice guy, but my primary doc is much more available for my day-to-day care. Of course, if you find a hema that you love, then stick with him. It can be so critical to have at least one doc on your side.
Seriously, I think all of us can understand wanting a doctor break. Can you call back and ask if there is any chance they can reschedule for July or something? No reason that appointment is set in stone. I can't imagine anything drastic changing between now and then, so it doesn't seem like it would matter if you see him now or then.
So, a hematologist is not also an oncologist? (I feel so stoopid, ha!) Is a hematologist the "specialist" for a dvt? Even without a thrombophilia?
I may just keep the appointment. I am just so done with doctors at this point, but my gp is a nice dude for bronchitis and such, but he has been pretty clueless with the dvt.
There could be benefits in keeping the appointment because it gives you a chance to get a game plan together with a provider on testing and give you more insight into your situation. But if you'd rather wait, then just reschedule.
I only saw my hema a couple of times too, just for a consultation on my case and for testing interpretation. But I work with my Internist on warfarin management.
I totally get the fact that you want a "doctor break".
I cancelled two appointments the past couple of weeks. One was with a famous breast cancer doctor in NY City. My OB/GYN found a lump in my breast over a year ago. She told me to make an appt. with this famous doctor who was a breast specialist. Apparently I have a benign lump that does not appear on an ultrasound or a mammography but she wants me to come in every 6 months for a checkup. I am dealing with too much already. The DVT, selling my apartment, buying a house in another state. I am overwhelmed.
I am just trying to take one day at a time.
So, I understand completely where you are coming from.
I also will have to find all new doctors in the new town that I will be moving to.
As if there wasn't enough to worry about, I need major dental work and cannot even deal with that at the moment.
Thanks for all the info, I think I will just suck it up and go.
I will also have to find a doctor who will determine whether or not I have to be on Coumadin for the rest of my life which I believe will be the case. With regard to the lump, I found a doctor that does 3D mammograms. I don't think my world renown doctor in NY City even has that in her arsenal of goodies. I have convinced myself that it is better to wait a few weeks anyway.