Lost in the system

[Luludean]

I had Mitral valve surgery at Papworth 2000, successful, then developed AF 8 years ago.

For years I have been seen at least once a year at Papworth. For many of those years I went privately in order to see the same consultant.

I was also seen once a year in Addenbrookes. There they would run heart tests and I would get results from the consultant a few days later.

I have seen no consultant anywhere for two years ,in spite of phoning for an appointment. My GP has also written to the hospital.

June 4 this year , I had the tests in Addenbrookes. I still do not have the results. I begged for an appointment and was given Nov 21st. This is distressing because I fly to NZ Dec5th, I need the go ahead from a specialist otherwise my health insurance is invalid. They cannot bring appointment forward.

Now I am getting more anxious every day , that is not good, I am going into a hermit huddle.

[Vanna-C]

I had a similar situation, and found the only way was to keep asking for an appointment (on a daily basis), and also to explain to the receptionist every time why I needed an urgent appointment. If you get them on your side they are more willing to help!

[Luludean in reply to Vanna-C]

I have tried that , was told that they only have one cardiology clinic a month . I did eventually speak to cardiologist's secretary , she said she would peak to him.... Heard nothing.

My GP wrote to Addenbrookes, expedited letter ...... No reply.

I now have vile episode of Diverticulitis, put on Metradazinole and woke with AF episode this morning. I am usually resilient but I am now scared!

Week ends not good .

Thank you for your reply.

[Petrified]

If you've been seen previously and have a Consultant's name, try phoning his secretary and explain your problem. The medical secretaries have direct contact with the Consultants and if you get them onside they can sort things out for you quite quickly.

[Luludean in reply to Petrified]

I just sent a reply to vanna-c,

It really replies to your message too, I just hope it got posted because I am being told there is a problem with my reply.

This is not helping my worries.

[KMRobbo]

Keep ringing- you are more important than the consultant or his secretary/ assistant. A personal appearance if you can find out when he / she is available

[Luludean in reply to KMRobbo]

Thank you KMRobbo,

I will try again on Monday, it is really stressful this sort of thing , replies to my post have encouraged me this week end.