Heart Failure Support Group

Heart failure is a condition that can result from any structural or functional cardiac disorder that impairs the ability of the heart to fill with or pump a sufficient amount of blood throughout the body. It is often undiagnosed due to a lack of a universally agreed definition and difficulties in diagnosis, particularly when the condition is considered "mild."

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Heart, Blood & Circulation
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Pacemaker-ef 20%

ATOWifeofJason
ATOWifeofJason
My mom went to a follow up today and the doctor says wow your ef is down to 20%...bam she leaves with a referral to a doctor that puts in pacemakers. I am upset because the last echo showed 40-45%. We have no idea where he got this information. How long did they know this and not inform us? Now he's like you are in danger of having an episode that could be fatal. The nurse is supposed to call me and explain how long they have had this knowledge since I went into the clinic with her 10 minutes after her appointment for some answers. I am so upset. I'm trying to keep my emotions under control but I am mad. How would you respond ro this information?
RoboPop
RoboPop
I would insist on another echo to confirm the EF. It only takes a few minutes as you probably know, and they can read the results as they test, if they so choose. Typically though, a technician performs the test and sends the data to the Cardiologist to interpret at his leisure.

The device would be either an ICD or CRT-D. Both have pacemaker function but the defibrillation function is what would be important in this situation. Good luck, hope you get the answers you need
ATOWifeofJason
ATOWifeofJason
Well I found out today that they cardiologist has had this info since January. Now they can't or won't explain why we weren't contacted months ago about her decrease in ef. We are supposed to have a meeting this week with the doctor to find out who dropped the ball. But we are awaiting to see if he is going to charge her his usual $200 fee since she doesn't have insurance. I'm amazed.
papeaches
papeaches
You are completely justified in feeling angered. I agree with RoboPop that you should get another echo to confirm the EF. I notice you said your mom doesn't have insurance. I don't know if they told you about the cost of a pacemaker, but mine was close to $100,000.00 that didn't include the doctors and hospitals fees. It was just for the device and the leads. She will also have to stay overnight in the hospital. Now Obama passed a tax on medical devices so you can factor that into the cost. You may want to try and get some medical assistance for her.
I hope you get some answers when you go to the appointment. Best wishes to your mom.
RoboPop
RoboPop
Just my opinion, but seems to me no matter who they point the fickle finger at, the doctor is the one responsible for your mother's care and ultimately it is his responsibility for the breakdown of communication in a critical situation.
ATOWifeofJason
ATOWifeofJason
Yeah...it it cover their ass time. There is a scramble at his office right now. She us on disability...we were lucky snd got her approved the first time. She is 100% charity at the hospital and the office only wants $25 a month for payment. This whole thng was just wrong. How much damage has walking around like this done? Has this decreased her life expectancy? Big questions that we deserve answers too. And I intend to get them.