I had a run of AF at the end of July, treated in hospital A and E. Put on Flecainide and continue to take Bisoprolol. My GP has referred me

[MaryR]

to Haematologist to start Warfarin but there is a local waiting list of 18 weeks. I see my consultant cardiologist in 8 weeks. Should I be on Warfarin or similar now?

[Beancounter Volunteer]

Hi Mary

An 18 week wait to start with an anti-coag clinic?, that's ridiculous, ring your GP and tell him/her, and ask for a direct referral to the anti-coagulation clinic you should be seen within days

If they think you should be on warfarin, then that sort of wait is completely unacceptable. You do not usually need to see a Haematologist at all.

Stay well

Ian

[BobD Volunteer]

I agree Mary. If your Chads2 score says you should be on warfarin then an 18 week wait is criminal. Somebody needs their a--e kicked! Doesn't your doctor's surgery use a coagucheck machine? It really doesn't need much effort to sort out. Surely in 2013 this is unacceptable.

BobD

[MaryR in reply to BobD]

Thanks. I have contacted my Consultant today and am waiting for him to telephone me. I did suspect that this length of wait was highly unusual, but trusted the GP knew what he was doing. This is just one more problem that I have had since July, necessitating a private consultation with a Cardiologist to check out my medication (which was started by the hospital and. incidentally was initially inappropriate). I feel sorry for people who have no-one to fight their corner.

[MaryR]

Thanks. I have contacted my Consultant today and am waiting for him to telephone me. I did suspect that this length of wait was highly unusual, but trusted the GP knew what he was doing. This is just one more problem that I have had since July, necessitating a private consultation with a Cardiologist to check out my medication (which was started by the hospital and. incidentally was initially inappropriate). I feel sorry for people who have no-one to fight their corner.

[dedeottie]

I had a similar experience to you. A consultant recommended warfarin. I had had 3 TIAs while waiting for a diagnosis. He referred me back to my doctor for warfarin prescription. Believe it or not my doctor was initially reluctant to put me on warfarin as I was otherwise fit and healthy! I had to fight every step of the way just to get what the consultant had recommended. I was mentally exhausted by the time they gave in. I have since moved to south Wales where I have received fantastic treatment which just goes to show that not all doctors are the same. Generally I have found that you have to take control of your own health to get good results. This is not easy when you are feeling jaded anyway.It has also been a nightmare getting past difficult reception staff. Good luck with everything. Once you get the right treatment you will feel much more in control and will be able to get on with enjoying life.

[MaryR]

Thanks dedeottie. I agree, my GP asked me how the Consultant thought I was to go on Warfarin! He said he was unable to initiate it and it had to be done at the hospital. My stress levels are way up and I'm currently very close to making a complaint and maybe even changing GP. Thank goodness I now have a first class Cardiologist! Take care.

[Dodie117 in reply to MaryR]

I too had difficulty getting warfarin. Everyone said I should be on it but was taking forever. Eventually I went to a&e whilst having an attack. The doctor there put me on warfarin and booked me into the anticoagulation clinic 2days later. This is the only time I have gone to the hospital whilst having an attack - I normally just sit it out. They were great and really glad I went. Marie

[MaryR in reply to Dodie117]

Thanks Marie. It's comforting to know that it's not just me having this kind of problem - BUT, it shouldn't be happening at all. Us AFers have enough anxiety to start with. Take care. Mary