Coumadin Clinic:
Q. Should I report medication changes?
A. Many medications interact with Coumadin-all medicine changes should be reported to the Coumadin clinic nurse.
Q. Can I walk-in for a Coumadin check?
The Coumadin clinic works by scheduled appointments only.
Q. When should I take my Coumadin?
A. Coumadin should always be taken in the evening
Q. What can I take for aches and pains?
A. Tylenol products (acetaminophen) - anti-inflammatory medications, such as Advil, Aleve, or Ibuprofen, increase Coumadin levels causing blood too become too thin.
Q. How do alcohol and tobacco affect my Coumadin?
A. Alcohol and tobacco increase your Coumadin level, putting you at unnecessary risk for bleeding.
Holter Monitor
Q. Can I do anything I want while I'm wearing the holter?
A. It is best to continue with all normal daily activity; however, you should not shower, bathe, or swim. Water will destroy the holter hook-up
Q. What if one of the electrodes comes off?
A. That can sometime happen, simply try to press the electrode in the same area it came off, this usually causes it to stay in place.
Q.
Can I take it from around my neck to sleep?
A. Yes, you can take it off at night and position the box wherever it is comfortable for you; just be sure to leave the box in the pouch.
Prescriptions:
Q. Can you write my Rx for 3 months?
A. We can and will write for 3 months at a time, but your insurance may not cover this amount. It is the patient's responsibility to check with their insurance policy.
Nuclear Stress Testing:
Q.
What is a nuclear stress test?
A. By injecting a radioactive tracer, (such as Cardiolyte, Sestamibi, or Thallous Chloride), the accuracy of a traditional stress test is increased. Images obtained through nuclear imaging assess the blood flow to the heart muscle while looking for blockages. This process is performed in partnership with an exercise portion (either treadmill or pharmacological such as Adenosine). Following the exercise portion of the exam a second set of images are obtained and compared to make a determination if the blood flow to the heart is compromised during exercise.
Q. Is the radioactive tracer harmful?
A. The radiation dose used for a nuclear stress test is very small. It will leave your body's system in 24 hours.
Q. What should I wear for my stress test?
A. Comfortable two piece clothing with athletic shoes.
Q. How long will I expect to be there?
A. Expect a maximum of 2 hours.
Q. Will I be able to drive home after my test?
A. Yes, you should have no ill-effects from your stress test and will be able to drive yourself home.
EECP
Q. What are the benefits of EECP Therapy?
A. Having no angina or less frequent / less intense angina, having more energy, enjoying a better quality of life, being able to take part in more activities with less angina or heart failure symptoms.
Q. How will I feel right after the treatment?
A. EECP therapy can be described like "passive exercise," so you may feel better after the first few days. Towards the end of the treatments you'll notice you have more energy and not as tired afterwards..
Q. How can I expect to feel improvement?
A. Each patient responds differently. Most report beginning to feel better about halfway through the seven weeks.
Q. How long will the benefits of EECP therapy last?
A. Benefits can last up to three years after a full 35 hour course is completed.
Q. Can I have therapy more than once?
A. Yes, if your symptoms return, your physician will decide if you need to repeat the EECP therapy.
Q. What if I miss an appointment?
A. The greatest benefit comes from having all your appointments on time as scheduled. Missed treatments can be made up so you still total 35 hours.
Q. Does insurance cover EECP Therapy?
A. Yes, Medicare covers EECP for the patient who meets the Medicare criteria. Most private insurance companies have coverage policies similar to Medicare.
Endovenous Laser Procedure/Varilase
Q. Is the Endovenous laser procedure painful?
A. There are several small needle pricks to administer the numbing medication. Besides this, most patients report feeling little, if any, pain during and after the procedure
Q. How quickly can I resume normal activity?
A. Patients are encouraged to walk immediately after the procedure, and most patients resume normal activity within 1-2 days following the procedure.
Q. How soon after treatment will my symptoms improve?
A. Most patients report noticeable improvement in their symptoms within 1-2 weeks following the procedure.
Q. Is there any scarring, bruising, or swelling after the procedure?
A. Some patients report slight bruising and tenderness following the procedure, but most patients report having no scarring, bruising, or swelling.
Q. How is the Endovenous Laser Procedure different from a vein stripping?
A. During a vein stripping, incisions are made in the groin and calf and a stripper tool is threaded through the diseased vein, to pull the vein out of the leg. With the endovenous laser procedure, only one small incision is made at the insertion site and the vein is then closed and left in place using a laser that emits heat. This minimally invasive approach virtually eliminates pain and bruising as well as a long recovery time associated with vein stripping.
Q. Is the Endovenous Laser Procedure covered by insurance?
A. The Endovenous Laser Procedure is covered by most health insurances for patients diagnosed with venus reflux. Compression stocking therapy may be required by some insurance companies prior to the endovenous laser procedure.