Could this be a good sign?

HI everyone. I can only imagine each of you must be just aching to hear some good news about my situation. I hope this is.

I told myself yesterday I was only going to try one last time with the docs at the current place. This was before I went back to see my internist there--which was yesterday. Well, she has ordered additional lab work to look at muscle enzyme (for damage) and also a CT scan with contrast--which is about as close to venogram I can get without getting one.

I showed her my gallium scan result and she didn't promptly blow it off. She was still mesmerized by my high clot result but was still clueless. I did tell her, however, that I've learned through my medical travels that up to 30% of pacemaker recipients develop slow growing clots that are clinically silent. She never knew this. Ironically, I found this fact in an article called "Superior vena cava syndrome: an increasingly frequent complication of cardiac procedures." This article was written by a couple of docs, one out of Mayo (BTW I went to Mayo back in 1998 but didn't have a very good experience there. In fact, it was downright nasty. But I haven't excluded considering it again.)

Anyhow, I don't want to be sick, but I sure hope this gives me something of an answer. RSD has also come up as a possibility.

Thanks again,
Dodi

4 Comments

Hi Dodi

by Gellia2 - 2007-07-26 03:07:18

Glad you are getting some results and you aren't giving up. SVC Syndrome can be self limiting (meaning it can resolve itself - mine did), and may be why your drs keep blowing you off, but in some people the vessel needs a stent placed into it. I do hope yours goes away on its own but having a dr willing to listen to you gets you more than half way home!
Hang in there!
We are all still here for you.
Gellia

RSD/Pacemaker

by Pook - 2007-07-26 06:07:01

Hi Dodo - I have missed the initial log, I apologize for coming into this conversation so late. What was your indication(s) for a pacemaker implant? My device was implanted and two days post implant developed constant pain, swelling, skin discoloration, etc. which was later diagnosis as CRPS/RSD.

I hope it's a good sign.

by Stepford_Wife - 2007-07-26 07:07:59

Hi Dodi.

Finally something positive. I hope that's it, and they can start treatment to ease your pain.
Keep us posted, we need to hear that your problem has been resolved.
Stay strong, take care.

~ Dominique ~

Exciting News!

by tcrabtree85 - 2007-07-26 10:07:34

Hi Dodi,
I'm so excited to hear that this doctor is listening to you. Please continue to keep us updated. I hope my experience coming up in August will be ok at Mayo you make me a little nervous.. Though I have a bitter side to me sometimes so they will just have to deal with me. Take care of yourself.
Tammy

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