OT: need some help with medical lingo ... Options

[SirAndy]

i got a glimps of some results during the tests today. they won't tell me the final diagnosis until some time next week. so, i've been trying to look up things in the meantime.

yeah, did the google search thing, got tons of results, lots of important looking "words" i don't understand but nothing that really tells me what that stuff actually means ...


1. Lateral T-Wave flattening (in regards to my EKG). I found a whole bunch of diagrams that show me a flat T-Wave, great, but what does it mean? is that dangerous? what's causing it? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/confused24.gif)

2. Right Basilar Atelectasis (in regards to my chest x-ray). again found thousands of results, seems like a lot of people have it, but why the hell can't anybody describe this is normal english (or german) words? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/confused24.gif)


help! medical translator needed ...
(IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) Andy

[dekman]

1.) T wave flattening- a non-specific change usually means nothing. Seen as we get older. If I noted a change in your EKG from last year, I would do a treadmill to make sure nothing new was going on. 2.) Base atelectasis- a lobe of your lung was not inflated when the x-ray was taken. Usually means nothing. A deep breath usually opens it up. If it stays atelectaic (closed down)on a repeat film, then I would get a CT of the chest to see why. I'm sure you Doc will explain. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beer.gif)