Update on A&E dilemma 2

[Buffafly]

I was just trying to work out how to reach my GP with the request for a cardiology appointment when the phone rang and it was my lovely GP (what is more important, listens and is competent!) She tried to put me off the cardiology appointment by suggesting I take 180mg of diltiazem a day instead of 120 for a month to see whether that kept the rate acceptable, assuming I stay in AF 😢 As I already know that won’t work I refused to be put off (I didn’t say it was only left to me to arrange the appointment because of the hospital’s incompetence last time) so she is going to request an appointment with my cardiologist of choice, expecting a long waiting list, or if too long see if I can get a private appointment. Her opinion was that there wasn’t anything he could do but I pointed out that the first suggestion of treatment had been a pacemaker so maybe we could return to that.

So now the wait begins......

[BobD Volunteer]

Progress of sorts is better than stagnataion!

[jeanjeannie50]

At times it feels like we're banging our heads against a brick wall doesn't it!

Hope you don't have to wait too long for your appointment.

Good luck,

Jean

[Buffafly in reply to jeanjeannie50]

Thank you, I am going to send you a pm later as I have a question about your permanent AF, bit slowly busy at the moment 😀

[Finvola]

We do really have to stand our ground sometimes - I hope you don’t have too long to wait.

[sotolol]

I sent an email to my cardiologist‘a secretary asking her to forward my email on.

8 days I have a reply that my cardiologist is calling me 24 TH September. I had a query about my blood test and she answered it in the reply email. So I know my GP. will see it.

I felt well happy I got a response.

We don’t ask for much do we ?

Jo

[wilsond]

What was her thinking regarding not referring you to cardio? I'm glad you stood your ground and hope you get seen soon.Private appointments seem very easy and swift,a matter of days not weeks and months.....

Look after yourself and best wishes xx

Oh by the way, according to drugwatch.ca Flecanide was originally developed in the search for new anaesthetics in 1966... You mentioned the other day you thought it wasn't originally specifically for heart issues and bring curious I looked it up xx

[Buffafly in reply to wilsond]

I tried to find the info too as I like to be able to back up what I say but couldn’t find it again so thank you! Xx

[JaneFinn]

Thanks for the update Buffafly... lovely that she rang you, but sorry it’s all such a tortuous & slow process 😕 Hoping that it picks up speed (even if you have to go private) and you get really good attention and helpful treatment through the consultant. Xx

[Fibber222]

I see my cardio privately and he is happy for me to have echograms etc on nhs. Some will work between the two. I haven’t used this as yet but useful to know if needed.

[Buffafly in reply to Fibber222]

The cardiologist I would like to see put a list on his website showing charges for various cardiac procedures - ‘his’ charges and charges by the NHS for procedures which are often higher than his. It was interesting to see the costs, some things eg pacemaker are much less than I thought.

[Fibber222]

Oh that’s very interesting to hear but isn’t NHS free or are they charging now?

[Buffafly in reply to Fibber222]

No, it was a bit confusing but I think you can have private treatment in NHS hospitals - our local hospital had a private wing where you can be treated in comfort! - though I doubt they are allowing that at the moment, I think his charges are for the local Bupa hospital.

[Fibber222]

Yes that happened to me but I could have gone through the nhs but may have been a long wait! I went to nhs hospital for echogram after hours And my cardio it but was charged private wing rates! Confusing.

[Fibber222]

Meant to say did it