topic Re: Having a Vascular Screening over 60 in Wellness

Having a Vascular Screening over 60

SeaMaiden — Fri, 09 Nov 2018 18:04:42 GMT

I read that this was a good thing to do. I asked my doctor about it and she said that insurance does not cover it... I would have to drive about 20 miles to the place that does this. It costs about $200/ I thought it was something that was done like blood work or colonoscopy etc... EKG etc as you age? I guess I was wrong.

Have any of you had this done? Do you feel it is important even if you health is good as a preventative?

Re: Having a Vascular Screening over 60

Sweet Caroline 1 — Fri, 09 Nov 2018 18:27:03 GMT

Yes, SeaMaiden, I think it's a very good thing to do for your health. They can find blockage in arteries. Blockage was found in my carotid artery in my neck. I needed a dye test after that to find out the extent of the blockage. It was 80% and had to have surgery to remove the blockage. I was a stroke waiting to happen.

Re: Having a Vascular Screening over 60

Nightowlz — Fri, 09 Nov 2018 18:33:12 GMT

@Sweet Caroline 1 wrote:
Yes, SeaMaiden, I think it's a very good thing to do for your health. They can find blockage in arteries. Blockage was found in my carotid artery in my neck. I needed a dye test after that to find out the extent of the blockage. It was 80% and had to have surgery to remove the blockage. I was a stroke waiting to happen.

@Sweet Caroline 1

That's how one of my brothers is. He kept getting dizzy & fainting.

They won't do surgery because he does not have any Insurance. He's a stroke waiting to happen.

Re: Having a Vascular Screening over 60

spiderw — Fri, 09 Nov 2018 18:39:50 GMT

I periodically receive the recommended screening dates in my area through the mail. I don't know how many times I considered going for the tests and didn't. My personal opinion is that any medical test which can detect a health issue and prevent it is definitely worth the money. Because of this post I will be making an appointment for the screenings when they are available . If you decide to go, I hope all the tests result in good health.

Re: Having a Vascular Screening over 60

Trinity11 — Fri, 09 Nov 2018 18:50:31 GMT

Most insurance companies will cover screenings if a patient is symptomatic or has risk factors.

Re: Having a Vascular Screening over 60

HerRoyaLioness — Fri, 09 Nov 2018 19:04:26 GMT

@Trinity11 wrote:
Most insurance companies will cover screenings if a patient is symptomatic or has risk factors.

Or they will set up a payment plan that the patient can afford, there is also other help available if qualified. I have never heard of anyone being denied by the doctor because they didn't have insurance or their insurance wouldn't cover something and I've worked in the business for over 20 yrs.

These services can't be given for free or our health providers wouldn' be here. You wouldn't believe the number of people that don't pay for their healthcare services and we had to eat all those losses.

Re: Having a Vascular Screening over 60

SeaMaiden — Fri, 09 Nov 2018 19:44:48 GMT

@Sweet Caroline 1 wrote:
Yes, SeaMaiden, I think it's a very good thing to do for your health. They can find blockage in arteries. Blockage was found in my carotid artery in my neck. I needed a dye test after that to find out the extent of the blockage. It was 80% and had to have surgery to remove the blockage. I was a stroke waiting to happen.

@Sweet Caroline 1 How old were you at the time, may I ask? Were you someone with no other health issues at all....and it was totally out of the blue? No high cholesterol, heart issues or the like? 80% blockage seems like the doctor would be able to hear that going on with his stethoscope?

Re: Having a Vascular Screening over 60

Ruby Laine — Fri, 09 Nov 2018 20:15:42 GMT

@SeaMaiden wrote:
@Sweet Caroline 1 wrote:
Yes, SeaMaiden, I think it's a very good thing to do for your health. They can find blockage in arteries. Blockage was found in my carotid artery in my neck. I needed a dye test after that to find out the extent of the blockage. It was 80% and had to have surgery to remove the blockage. I was a stroke waiting to happen.
@Sweet Caroline 1 How old were you at the time, may I ask? Were you someone with no other health issues at all....and it was totally out of the blue? No high cholesterol, heart issues or the like? 80% blockage seems like the doctor would be able to hear that going on with his stethoscope?

For some reason, many docs don’t do this very simple check. It should be done every time he or she sees you. It’s so easy and takes seconds to do—just a stethoscope placed over the carotid.

If your doc doesn’t do it, ask him to. I’m glad you mentioned it, @SeaMaiden.

Re: Having a Vascular Screening over 60

SeaMaiden — Fri, 09 Nov 2018 20:23:21 GMT

@Ruby Laine wrote:
For some reason, many docs don’t do this very simple check. It should be done every time he or she sees you. It’s so easy and takes seconds to do—just a stethoscope placed over the carotid.

If your doc doesn’t do it, ask him to. I’m glad you mentioned it, @SeaMaiden.

@Ruby Laine My Husband just had his physical yesterday. I asked DH to ask his NP who he uses now about having a vascular screening. She checked his carotid artery with the stethoscope and told him his sounded clear, and that he could if he wanted to go have the screening done as well. This NP was the one that caught his Aortic abdominal aneurism last year when doing her "pat down"and saved his life.

Re: Having a Vascular Screening over 60

Sweet Caroline 1 — Fri, 09 Nov 2018 21:03:01 GMT

@SeaMaiden wrote:
@Sweet Caroline 1 wrote:
Yes, SeaMaiden, I think it's a very good thing to do for your health. They can find blockage in arteries. Blockage was found in my carotid artery in my neck. I needed a dye test after that to find out the extent of the blockage. It was 80% and had to have surgery to remove the blockage. I was a stroke waiting to happen.
@Sweet Caroline 1 How old were you at the time, may I ask? Were you someone with no other health issues at all....and it was totally out of the blue? No high cholesterol, heart issues or the like? 80% blockage seems like the doctor would be able to hear that going on with his stethoscope?

It was last year, I was 61 years old and had smoked for a long time. I smoked my last cigarette when I found out. You hear about lung cancer and heart attacks with smoking but the nicotine clogs arteries.

Re: Having a Vascular Screening over 60

SeaMaiden — Fri, 09 Nov 2018 21:10:00 GMT

@Sweet Caroline 1 Thank you for your share. Hugs to you for stopping smoking!💓💓💓💓💓

I quit 30 years ago cold turkey....I was a two pack a day smoker.....and I knew it was going to kill me as I was very addicted to the menthol cigs....

Best thing I ever did! I wish I had not smoked for those 11 years as it is SO TOXIC....but all I can do now is move forward ....best to you! 👍👍👍👍👍👍🙂

Re: Having a Vascular Screening over 60

Sweet Caroline 1 — Fri, 09 Nov 2018 21:20:16 GMT

@Nightowlz wrote:
@Sweet Caroline 1 wrote:
Yes, SeaMaiden, I think it's a very good thing to do for your health. They can find blockage in arteries. Blockage was found in my carotid artery in my neck. I needed a dye test after that to find out the extent of the blockage. It was 80% and had to have surgery to remove the blockage. I was a stroke waiting to happen.
@Sweet Caroline 1

That's how one of my brothers is. He kept getting dizzy & fainting.
They won't do surgery because he does not have any Insurance. He's a stroke waiting to happen.

Nightowlz, I'm very sorry to hear this. Taking an aspirin a day helps the blood flow better through the veins. I take an adult aspirin instead of a low dose aspirin every day. The blockage keeps the brain from getting enough oxygen. His doctor should help him find a way to receive his surgery and give him some instructions on things that he can do to help himself during this time. I'll be praying for your brother, love SC

Re: Having a Vascular Screening over 60

Sweet Caroline 1 — Fri, 09 Nov 2018 21:36:39 GMT

@SeaMaiden wrote:
@Sweet Caroline 1 Thank you for your share. Hugs to you for stopping smoking!💓💓💓💓💓

I quit 30 years ago cold turkey....I was a two pack a day smoker.....and I knew it was going to kill me as I was very addicted to the menthol cigs....

Best thing I ever did! I wish I had not smoked for those 11 years as it is SO TOXIC....but all I can do now is move forward ....best to you! 👍👍👍👍👍👍🙂

I smoked menthol light cigarettes for years. Most of the time I don't think about smoking. But every now and then, I want to smoke after I eat. I have gained weight and am very sad about it. I'm trying to get some pounds off now. I work with a lady that has had two heart attacks and still smokes. It is very addictive isn't it. I send my very best to you too, love SC

Re: Having a Vascular Screening over 60

Ruby Laine — Fri, 09 Nov 2018 22:45:14 GMT

@SeaMaiden wrote:
@Ruby Laine wrote:
For some reason, many docs don’t do this very simple check. It should be done every time he or she sees you. It’s so easy and takes seconds to do—just a stethoscope placed over the carotid.

If your doc doesn’t do it, ask him to. I’m glad you mentioned it, @SeaMaiden.
@Ruby Laine My Husband just had his physical yesterday. I asked DH to ask his NP who he uses now about having a vascular screening. She checked his carotid artery with the stethoscope and told him his sounded clear, and that he could if he wanted to go have the screening done as well. This NP was the one that caught his Aortic abdominal aneurism last year when doing her "pat down"and saved his life.

Wow, how fortunate she was so thorough. And knowledgeable!

Re: Having a Vascular Screening over 60

SeaMaiden — Sat, 10 Nov 2018 00:35:35 GMT

@Sweet Caroline 1 wrote:
@SeaMaiden wrote:
@Sweet Caroline 1 Thank you for your share. Hugs to you for stopping smoking!💓💓💓💓💓

I quit 30 years ago cold turkey....I was a two pack a day smoker.....and I knew it was going to kill me as I was very addicted to the menthol cigs....

Best thing I ever did! I wish I had not smoked for those 11 years as it is SO TOXIC....but all I can do now is move forward ....best to you! 👍👍👍👍👍👍🙂

I smoked menthol light cigarettes for years. Most of the time I don't think about smoking. But every now and then, I want to smoke after I eat. I have gained weight and am very sad about it. I'm trying to get some pounds off now. I work with a lady that has had two heart attacks and still smokes. It is very addictive isn't it. I send my very best to you too, love SC

@Sweet Caroline 1 Do not feel bad about putting on a few pounds. I put on 20 pounds the first year I quit.... and after I got the cigs out of my life and thoughts. THEN I focused on ME and I lost the weight.

You will lose the pounds...do not beat yourself up over them for now....work on the goal of being healthy....breath deep and invision pink health lungs!.....and when you are ready to work on the pounds then do. Not before.

Re: Having a Vascular Screening over 60

HLP — Sat, 10 Nov 2018 13:41:16 GMT

@Trinity11 wrote:
Most insurance companies will cover screenings if a patient is symptomatic or has risk factors.

Indeed your insurance should pay for this. I have a screening every 6 months. My first was because of a dizzy spell. I was 90 % blocked. I was operated on and it was opened up. That was 9 years ago, since then it has clogged again, this past July 30th, I had a stent put in, I'm prone to this I guess. I am 84 years old, and it was a "piece of cake". The sc reening is nothing,just lay there. There is a commercial on my tv, YOUR FIRST INDICATION OF A STROKE IS A STROKE, unless you have a screening. By all means even if you have to pay, this is a very important test.My Mom had her's operated on when she was 82, she lived to be 98.

Re: Having a Vascular Screening over 60

SeaMaiden — Sat, 10 Nov 2018 15:51:46 GMT

Thankyou HLP. I am going to set up testing for both myself and DH.

Re: Having a Vascular Screening over 60

Bibione — Sun, 11 Nov 2018 19:24:28 GMT

I need to get a screening myself.Last year I had some kind of pressure on my chest for 6 hours on a airplane.Once we landed,it stopped immediately..At that time I was experiencing severe anxiety due to my mom having the housekeeper from hell.The night before I flew back from Italy she texted me that she quit.

So I thought I just had agitation about my mom.Had a check up at my doctor and I seemed to be fine.

Then when I flew back from Italy last August, ( it takes me a total of 20 hours between my 2 houses),during the last half an hour I had pain in my chest.I knew I would be home soon so I just waited.Again, the pain stopped when we landed.

I feel somethng is wrong because I didn't have anything to worry about in August.

I heard some hospitals offer screenings for 60 to 150 dollars.

Re: Having a Vascular Screening over 60

SeaMaiden — Mon, 12 Nov 2018 01:17:27 GMT

@Bibione wrote:
I need to get a screening myself.Last year I had some kind of pressure on my chest for 6 hours on a airplane.Once we landed,it stopped immediately..At that time I was experiencing severe anxiety due to my mom having the housekeeper from hell.The night before I flew back from Italy she texted me that she quit.
So I thought I just had agitation about my mom.Had a check up at my doctor and I seemed to be fine.
Then when I flew back from Italy last August, ( it takes me a total of 20 hours between my 2 houses),during the last half an hour I had pain in my chest.I knew I would be home soon so I just waited.Again, the pain stopped when we landed.
I feel somethng is wrong because I didn't have anything to worry about in August.
I heard some hospitals offer screenings for 60 to 150 dollars.

@Bibione. We are getting ours done through Life Line. They offer several packages to chose from based on your health history. Our package is $149.00 each. They make it convenient by having the screenings locally in different locations with several dates and times.

Re: Having a Vascular Screening over 60

Yahooey — Mon, 12 Nov 2018 02:23:32 GMT

My nephew looked fit, muscular, exercises - age 39 in 2015. He was biking while wearing a heart monitor and something didn't feel right. Called someone to pick him and the bike up and straight to the hospital. He had stents put in then and there.

Freaked my brother out since we both thought my nephew looked the epitome of good health. DB was 54, not overweight but didn't exercise with a poor diet. He told me the stress test was really hard and he needed stents put a short time after.

My mom and dad both had stents put in years ago (they are now in their 90s). Now, I'm freaking out - I was healing after my meniscus tore a few months ago and no way in heck can I do the stress test. I could lose some pounds but do exercise and try to eat right but not always succeeding. I was 55 and went to see the cardiologist.

Doc told me that I can lie down and breath when prompted and this test is not covered by insurance but it is more accurate than the stress test. You have to be blocked a very high percentage for iit to register. My test shows a smaller percentage of blockage which allows the patient to change their diet etc. Happy to say that my heart was fine and it was the best $200 I ever spent.

If my nephew didn't have heart problems, my brother probably woudn't have gotten tested and a heart attack waiting to happen. My nephew had another stent put in last year which prompted my brother to get tested again, he had an angiogram but no stent was necessary.

I encourage everyone to get tested especially women. They say women go for their yearly mammograms but neglects their heart.

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