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richka · Apr 9, 2009, 03:00 PM

I recently had a nuclear echo test that the heart specialist said showed a dark area in or near the heart, he didn't specify exactly. I had 3 choices: 1. have a catharization where he puts a tube through a vein starting I suppose at the groin, to go up into the heart area with a camera, 2. stay on the medication I take for hypertension, 3. Do nothing.
I opted for #2 as I believe there are anomalies that often prove to be insignificant. I don't feel anything wrong with my heart and I've exercised all my life and still do.
This specialist also decided I should change my hypertension medication as he didn't like what I have been using for the past 10 years. (clonidine, terazosin, triamterene). What he prescribed (Bystolic) turned out to be $250 for 30 tablets, which is far too much for me to spend. Fortunately I checked online before ordering this medication and decided to stick with the meds I've been taking.
I have serious doubts regarding this doctor. He also billed my insurance for an EKG supposedly done during my first visit, but I definitely did not have that done. It was only about 8 minutes and all he did was say he did not like the meds I was taking and would recommend another next time (after the echo test).
Okay, my question I guess is, should I go with my instincts and cancel my next visit to this doctor? Or should I call his nurse (he does not have email or take phone calls) and tell her to ask him if he could suggest a medication more reasonable in price, preferably generic. But then it may be the same as I'm already taking.

Holistic Doctor · Apr 15, 2009, 10:32 PM

Hello, your post made me think a bit. Actually, not a bit, but quite a lot.
I read up information on Bystolic and found it carries this warning, too:

"Do not skip doses or stop taking nebivolol without first talking to your doctor. Stopping suddenly may make your condition worse or cause other serious heart problems such as severe chest pain or heart attack. You may need to use less and less before you stop the medication completely".

I mean, if price is a factor and a person may be sometimes able to afford it and sometimes not, how could they take the tablets without missing doses?

By the way, a Stress test can be either Echo or Nuclear, not both at the same time... so you should find out which one you had, exactly.

As for your comment about generic prescriptions... I entirely agree that generic drugs are usually safe and as effective as branded ones!

ISneezeFunny · Apr 15, 2009, 11:06 PM

I suggest first that you get another opinion from another doctor. I'm not sure why you went in for a stress test to begin with. Were you feeling any symptoms?

richka · Apr 16, 2009, 01:51 PM

Seems good advice. Test took 3 hours so was nuclear.

richka · Apr 16, 2009, 01:53 PM

Thanks. Had slight discomfort in chest area. BTW, I do not believe in god.

tickle · Apr 23, 2009, 03:44 PM

Ten years is a long time to be on the same medicaiton for high blood pressure. Any doctor could have seen the writing on the wall and told you that. I would suggest you find out about another high blood pressure medication, quite possible medication for high cholesterol (they usually go hand in hand). Its your funeral, or, live a longer life on the proper meds.

How old are you ? Over 65 ?

Don't you think most of us have been there before, worrying about the price, and just thinking that, gee, I would really like to be a lot healthier with the proper meds.

Tick