Quote:
Originally Posted by Laurie2
Of those 3 choices, the second one finds or eliminates a potential diagnosis rather than just treating symptoms.
The test is a Doppler ultrasound. It is a non-invasive test.
If this symptom is on-going, you need a diagnosis. Others here in this thread have given the reasons.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Carl in Tampa
Your screen name makes me think you are a woman, but your behavior is like a man...................denial.
SOMETHING is causing the swelling. The ultrasound can detect Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) which can sneak up on you and be very serious.
WHY would you decline a non-invasive test?
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Carl, that was not denial. My operative words
If and
on-going were used with the intention of encouraging awareness. And, yes, I am a woman. A relatively nice lady, just trying to help a little.
Quote:
Originally Posted by blueash
Why is everyone playing amateur MD here? The OP went to a doctor who outlined options for evaluation and treatment. The OP described it as a sudden new symptom not a chronic problem and further that it self resolved apparently very quickly. And the expected get a new doctor advise when you don't know how good the history and exam were at excluding serious disease. Not every symptom requires thousands of dollars in tests whether invasive or not. A patient is not just a single symptom. A doctor looks at the entire picture and a good one does not order tests that are not going to change the suggested therapy. So watchful waiting was appropriate. Sometimes an MD is better than WebMD.
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Well, blueash, I understand what you are saying. But. . .
I remember when internet medical information consisted of not much more than anecdotal accounts from individuals and long-outdated abstracts of studies. Things have changed though because now we have sites like Mayo Clinic and others that make information accessible, helping to educate patients so that time with their doctors can be spent efficiently -- if the patient chooses to prepare questions beforehand or to learn more afterward. This is not a bad thing.
I think most of us are well-aware that today's doctors can find themselves weighed down by the demands and constraints of corporate practices and pressures from insurance companies. We grew up knowing doctors who could have stepped right out of a Norman Rockwell painting.
(Some of us might even have had a house call.) But those days are long gone. And it is sad for patients -- and for doctors who really want to practice medicine.
I go to appointments as prepared as I can be. Sometimes the appointment is for me. Sometimes I am with someone. I have found doctors to be receptive to my communication. But. . .I never act like a know-it-all.