---
title: Dealing with Doctors and My Heart Health
date: 2022-05-01T18:01:13-04:00
author: OBOS Admin
canonical_url: "https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/your-story-heart-health1"
section: "Stories & Conversations"
---
[Donate](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/donate)

[Stories & Conversations](/stories-conversations)# Dealing with Doctors and My Heart Health

TC shares her experience with doctors in the days leading up to and after her diagnosis of congestive heart failure. She credits the doctor who first saw her symptoms with saving her life.

## Transcript

**OBOS Today:** So that is a very striking the story of your, that first urgent care doctor not telling you what was going on. In hindsight, do you know why he acted that way?

**TC:** Yes, I think he did not have enough information to tell me that that's what it is in his professional experience I’m sure he knew what it was.

But he had not run any labs in blood work or anything like that, so he could not say definitively, this is what you have. So, I actually owe my life to that doctor, because had that doctor not insisted that I go to a hospital, I probably would have honestly blown him off I’m thinking this is urgent care what do they know, they treat broken bones.

I really, really almost blew him off had it not been for his insistence, along with my boyfriend at the time said, no I think we may need to do something more serious, because I did not feel good that day.

And it honestly took three days. I was in the hospital probably about three days and the on-call doctor was basically saying we're going to go ahead and let you go home today, I just want you to see one more doctor, because what they had done this got enough fluid off of my body, so I was fine.

And I was presenting as a great patient at that time, and he said, I just want you to see one more doctor. If this doctor signs off on it, then yeah, we'll go ahead and let you go home.

So, I’d actually packed my bags, and was ready to leave because that's what we thought, because I felt fine. And that's when the cardiologist came in and kind of asked few more questions about my day.

I have a brother that's two years older than me, and he actually has congestive heart failure as well and had been diagnosed years prior to that.

But, again, I did not associate that with me, because my brother was overweight and I was not. I was very active, I jog, I played golf, I walk I did all the—you know, and I was not a large size.

However, after all of the tests, and all of the things that they did, they took all of the fluid off my body, I walked in wearing a size 12 ladies dress and when I left out, I was wearing a size 8 that's how much fluid they got off of my body.

And I usually give those dress sizes because women can really relate to the dress size.

![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)Topics

- [ heart health](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/subject-area/heart-health)
- [ chronic conditions](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/subject-area/chronic-conditions)
- [ taking care of our hearts](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/themes/taking-care-of-our-hearts)
- [ advocating for our heart health](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/themes/advocating-for-your-heart-health)
- [heart disease](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/heart-disease)
- [BIPOC (black, indigenous, and people of color)](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/bipoc-black-indigenous-and-people-of-color)
- [Black / African American](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/black-african-american)
- [stories & conversations](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/stories-conversations)

![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)### *Why You Can* **Trust Us** 

- We rigorously evaluate all content
- We embrace a reproductive justice framework
- We don’t accept ads or sell products
- We reject funding from the pharmaceutical industry
- We counter misinformation and disinformation
- We address the social, political, and economic factors that affect health and sexuality

[read more](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/why-you-can-trust-us)

Share

[](javascript:void();)[](javascript:void();)[](javascript:void();)[](javascript:void();)

##### More to Explore

[Stories & ConversationsWatch

## Interacting with My Cardiologist

TC discusses her relationship with the cardiologist she was assigned after being diagnosed with congestive heart failure.

![Tannie](data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACAAAAAgCAIAAAD8GO2jAAAACXBIWXMAAA7EAAAOxAGVKw4bAAAFx0lEQVRIiV1WTY/kSBF9Eenq7tlZ0IK4gMSB//97OHJCaEewYqenuuzM+HiPg929I1JWqsrleh8R4ciwv3/ZJZGq7qyOzLVyRcy55lprzrVmrlkxO6dqoZYxjWVqEyFIoJzykhdHyYte8pa3bMP/LQGAJF27AAnSiSR9PPP9svfdvvtNEoBNAs5/C7oW33eKJCkSpPTBIbvgDCaD8fyqcz8RdXJtJzIuwe/Av63+uMSGaDrR5YCZmSA7b5jeTZgEETII23faL73sJru7uurc2cUusY1tookOuNnJIZkBsPOOHDARBGgSNp3Wr0iQbHZ3VVdVZWVWRWWwEpXOhtogNwzA7YQ20swgA4GSjDQCDRHbFZZ39O7uPqGjMjKjIipDGdZpKoBucsMwG2anA3cAINGQSyaipRaoTeR70C/tVVWVmRG5ImbE7JiocKaJcJmby4bbsPOjkYCJpgG5aGwjURS5kZRE9onfXafwiBVrxjpiHR3TKjb1MGGYwYePAdvM3E0yOiBspoJcbSxUoVrNjU1JbJ75rMzMzFgRc61jziPnzpjeaSAHgGF2c/kATge4HJDAAF3tXehUlaq37pbUV9W8ByfWWnPNY85HHrtybkw33DYXbuZuGo4rDYDRIMOAXHK2MVGBDGZt7Cb1m/yIfEc/5uPYHznfkPOJPYZRNzjA4docei8kMxMBhwZoanSil3IpcqsqSR9FmZmn/Dn343jsxz2Pu+eUuN1G44XDcLuZeJb8eG8MDjhkamdZJ2opD0VsXUXqAz1jRaw15zH3fX/sj3scryMnjM/9RJNuA/0Mnq/01TMA+FU/BAtM1EIeirlVFsX37EZErDXXOo5j3/f72+M19q+33MdA8ocazucndYF9cUhmZ3ugiXaWUMflIPctM0RlXdGPWGutOY/j2N/2t2+Pr/H2y0vdb7eR+KmfbsxP6hQbJEhzAoar+RBssNCJmqpdcd8qkuJJcOpfax5z7vNx3++/vv0a93/+WF9enj+H/61efugKVqlL7LMBmNlJdqKrCx3qpdyV9y1iScrKiBVrXRlex+PYX/f7z2//+fb65a+FHz8/4vZLxU+d0Z1n+yObdDcTKdb7lepUL/Su+rpFrDNEccVnrrWOOR/z+GW/f73/A7/iX4k/CvnpS8VfuqIrz0bLLprJTORF2ae5UC/1jv73FmtJjMxY15prHmve5/Hzccc34GcUsG9Yv0fmrIyurJNjpAFmLvLi6zwvMcRDzC3WJJmVa81T/lrrWOt1ThwPvF5lfv+G+BMy51nOVVkVNQYANyPZlV3BTjLJFFOaELY1D4qZteIkmHOtI9Z/IrAOfL0I/rtjJbIiK95fmhg+IJq5xLPNdJ3yiyogYdjmPCRm1RWeWDNij3hkIurjBJ9ANKIqsyIzMm55G+Ziu18hqorq6M5mSS1A/uHgJJhzrjUj9iwk0R+NAAAmka2oyorMFbG5Qbq5maTuqlxV0Z1kE5INOLY5d5LVPeNysDIeWWhBT98TLCFo2R2ZK2Mbm5vU5e6S2JUVVVFdvOTfMHybxy4pu1bkXGtFzMzXJmTwF7wYpgDgMw7D4ljVURm5bsMN5DaGO6Rmn5lvZpMC4E8Yf9jW3Cll98w8EzCz3i6CZ3z+M/ILjPiEw38MbdFcmc+xNoepxXEe/eQ5hkR3UaS57Anj8zbn6YCrakVExqwGBQxsz/j0O2AAC8+6+y20BRWVK31zmYo9hpsBejfRLIKCwW+AbWsdkoqM6ohamasbBOAYNzx9Agbwgq3DLTSylVVZCGvThuH0c7ZQi93s8xA2l28G3zImpaKiOqqza5IQYA6/4SbAgQ2j4UwgqezKYlo5htHo13xEoa+JE4LDDK4tc0lIqppVzO74jWBg3CAADit4J1hSsau6zAbMZXJzd8AIaxllAmQGMwBbVwloqltNNhXnCA2DO9wxNuiabBuiPsZVkGgzg0lu5oQLLrngwEXwP47iyZPjxByDAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC)

TC discusses her relationship with the cardiologist she was assigned after being diagnosed with congestive heart failure.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/your-story-heart-health3)

[ResourcesRead

## Diagnosing Heart Disease

Simple explanations of common tests, imaging, and diagnostic procedures surrounding heart disease.

![Magdaline john Go AN Dn8 Am U0 unsplash scaled jpg](data:image/png;base64,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)

Simple explanations of common tests, imaging, and diagnostic procedures surrounding heart disease.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/diagnosing-heart-disease)

[Stories & ConversationsWatch

## Being Invalidated by Doctors

SD discusses her struggle with doctors who refused to recognize her menstrual pain while using an IUD.

![SD](data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACAAAAAgCAIAAAD8GO2jAAAACXBIWXMAAA7EAAAOxAGVKw4bAAAEkUlEQVRIiZ2WzY7kuBGEv0ix5/2vfgLf/Ug2DOzFntnurpJEMjN8oNTdsx4Y8BJEFUtFRWRGBn/0t7/+BXCVqyoz58wxc4w5xux99j7HmKPPOXLOmTMr05VUiYISFSrJUkkGr08EWAQA5ldNIElr8PkECV0Pfn7b/4VjAozXLIM/4D67CClQSKELX/p5zkfMN99HQA37SwdbWBBgaZMs/XGA7IX5NTkbySBj+c6w4bJZBHJ9Qb/etoSCCCpQINu+g/bFYRsJLGMhsCUBzVXXzIvDccmFWHosYUIROLCRAbsMF5uQWdgWWnS2UXPlVZ+yXLiw47OekqQIRejOYCXhKwnKvlJd6sAFLwk3PgjuDGQbIySFFHdThGrjLoHtwmEC6lboqweFQa1qypfJVJaNSxgIqOUcXT4ibIddhQqlJd/F8hWT5YW9PNCcaT5sYeqKT4aliEIqrRqUTZgoKlGYWPkskxrLfFpY4FY517+x/FuWifUOIPmSyiisKqnQ9oFey0r3QpD4NKKRWs15qWE2dM284rocvpaXkYkNJZIVa0+o5VFfPOG1XPC14lvOIWSIaxeAlfHdvaJhFYHr89LTlG3jOxFTCyYCGdRyTqG46q5Q2DKfHB/ZB/eTAqOCNGVXlavsElVU6HaQkFuOCQqxEZIKB7qLt3y+4HxvV7f5yy7XrFoEOHFJDlkivIRtcyQikFUQkqXQUh6oG8sX4r2xV2XVvAbpTDvlkkoilkSS1MaYuoCDa0OzZBF4aY2zKl1ZVWvgysq5+v1tTzlXhUOEL4LeU2JDJbOcoUvsDZVR2eXMzKycNWeunjPnnNfPyuGaIoWv8IsIidZHCm3SpnurEygsF1puWZrMmWMhjnkfetnH7HP2yu6aXASOUARRklo/S1KgFrJwYNnhkrbbji7XOkzH7GP2MUcfvc/eRx+jz3lW9qoBuSq8BbGWp9rRLbxJKVVQcoVLldImhX1nsAhGH/Ps4+jjPMfRxzHGMeaReS4CybEIYu1i7Tgt2OQmZZChlDPUYBM/E8wxZh/j6P04+372o4+9j73PY14EU3KEt9AHwX5YYoMWTNUMzWCIJjYIF64vBKP3T4LnMZ5n38+59zzSp5kKb+EttEVsQtH2E0GIJr/IL8GLaKLJGxbF7cpPgrPvZ9/3/tz74zEeb+N51gPvcBJJwBYR8RKxqT0OBBtswYv8Ii+mTd6cN8H8xD/HcZ773p/v/fHjfDv7K/M7+a/rFrFdvTbOALXH/pnB6i9UU21kkKpJTdfyZh+9n0ff93P//Xh/P185/s3+G/0+yzZ4gW/QoEFAtLddgpAbNLlRTdnIzRme1KBGzZ6zz/Psx3m8Hc/3/Z3HD97//sd7VkLCARt8W6m0113CgTbcoOHm2sitpqorh+eZ48zj6K/HmY8nb688/gnzl7fBT6b9uhd9f0oQeDPNbnar2rIiJ2NwnHUcyd55Hry+8/23/4X7i9b+8SBQs78VL0Ubbt3bSJEwizE5D57f+WF+/z/BAVq+K/FI7ROKL1v+EnTACU/+FDrQbq2+tvuUuTgmPP8cOvAfFESvNFeRbJ0AAAAASUVORK5CYII=)

SD discusses her struggle with doctors who refused to recognize her menstrual pain while using an IUD.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-being-invalidated-by-doctors)

[Stories & ConversationsWatch

## Searching for Doctors Who Will Not Dismiss My Symptoms

CK discusses her experience with doctors as she sought answers for a heart problem to no avail.

![Claire](data:image/png;base64,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)

CK discusses her experience with doctors as she sought answers for a heart problem to no avail.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-searching-for-doctors-who-will-not-dismiss-my-symptoms)

[ResourcesRead

## Eight Facts About Heart Disease in Women

This article explains why women are especially vulnerable to death from heart disease.

![A Black doctor in a white coat and her hair styled in twists listens to a Latina woman's heart beat in a doctor's office](data:image/png;base64,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)

This article explains why women are especially vulnerable to death from heart disease.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/eight-facts-about-heart-disease-in-women)

[ResourcesRead

## Heart Health and Pregnancy

A heart-healthy pregnancy is possible, even for people with a personal or family history of heart disease.

![cdc-c8fnD1rKGCk](data:image/png;base64,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)

A heart-healthy pregnancy is possible, even for people with a personal or family history of heart disease.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/heart-health-and-pregnancy)

[ResourcesRead

## Questions to Ask Your Doctor After A Heart Failure Diagnosis

This article provides guidance on questions to ask your doctor about some of the most common concerns of people diagnosed with heart failure.

![pexels-cedric-fauntleroy-4266938](data:image/png;base64,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)

This article provides guidance on questions to ask your doctor about some of the most common concerns of people diagnosed with heart failure.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/questions-to-ask-your-doctor-after-a-heart-failure-diagnosis)

[ResourcesRead

## The Social Determinants of Health in Breast Cancer Care

A survey of community-based, organizational, and clinical barriers to care demonstrates that life stressors impact treatment and health outcomes, something holistic practitioners have known for a very long time.

![African American mother covering face while sitting by unpaid bills, children playing behind her at home.](data:image/png;base64,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)

A survey of community-based, organizational, and clinical barriers to care demonstrates that life stressors impact treatment and health outcomes, something holistic practitioners have known for a very long time.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/social-determinants-breast-cancer-care)