getting a cardio appointment

[NLGA]

Hi All

I was booked for cardioversion in august but as I wasn’t in persistent AF they couldn’t do it

I had a letter a week later to see a cardiologist doctor next February I personally think that due to a mixup with them thinking I had cardioversion

I then had a 24 hear monitor the first week of September

No results yet

My GP had chased but I fear I am not getting any help on what medication I should be on amd there is no review of my current meds

It’s like I have been lost in the system

The cardio department never answer the phone the cardio nurse never returns calls

I am not sure what more I can do other than what I have

Anyone lost like this that got help somehow

[jeanjeannie50]

Are you actually registered with the cardio nurse's Cardiololgist/EP? If not, she's not obliged to reply to your calls. If you are then another call saying that you have left messages for her, with no response and if you do not hear back, you will be forced to discuss the situation with PALS (Patient Advice and Liaison Service). They will soon get you a response. She may be inundated with work, so please say it kindly.

Jean

[NLGA in reply to jeanjeannie50]

hi

I had a 6 and 5 day stay in Hospital of which the last 3 days in Cardio I was booked for a heart monitor which I had in early September . I have had a echo and a BNP all booked via hospital letters so I thought I must be under the guidance of the hospital but maybe I’m not .

I have a hospital discharge letter from July

So I thought all that would mean I have a person or system booking me yet now I am in limbo

[jeanjeannie50 in reply to NLGA]

I think it's being under the care of a named cardiologist/EP, didn't you see one when in hospital?

[NLGA in reply to jeanjeannie50]

yes I did but I’m told the cardio secretary is for a group rather than individual and it’s the cardio secretary that doesn’t return calls , my appointment in February is with the doctor I saw in hospital

I find it strange to be left in Amiodarone ( can’t think of spelling) with no reviews

[jeanjeannie50 in reply to NLGA]

Sorry, I thought you were talking about the AF nurse.

[Autumn_Leaves]

You could also ring your GP and ask them to contact Cardiology on your behalf. I also second the suggestion of contacting PALS. In my experience they are very busy but they will get back to you.

[NLGA in reply to Autumn_Leaves]

I have he’s sent two emails

[Autumn_Leaves]

That’s not very good if they won’t respond to the GP either. That just leaves PALS in that case. I hope they can help you.

[NLGA in reply to Autumn_Leaves]

trying that now

[Hidden]

exactly the same! Saw cardiologist privately who changed medication which has settled A F and ectopic beats. MV leak only moderate now discharged back to care of GP🤫 who for 2 years said I had a hip bursa

I paid again to see orthopaedics and have severe osteoarthritis! At cost my hip replacement is next week. I have had face to face once in 3 years !!!!!! My pension pot is now almost gone. Worrying !

[NLGA in reply to Hidden]

hi Bobyalan like you I am thinking the private route . I don’t mind waiting to see the cardio doctor in February but I would just like a medication review as I’m still breathless as times

[Hidden in reply to NLGA]

best £250 I ever spent. Good luck

[colourblue]

Sorry to hear about your situation. You should at least be getting a medication review every six months, suggest you get in touch with your health centre. Best wishes, hope you get some help soon.

[NLGA in reply to colourblue]

tried that the GP has chased twice no reply he’s now sending me for a blood test to check if the amiodrone is doing me any damage as he doesn’t know what to say not being a cardio doctor

[Dippy22]

When my AF kicked off badly a month ago (for the first time) I was specifically told by the cardio nurse the name of the cardiologist I’d been assigned. If you haven’t had that then I suggest you chase hard. I found PALS very good when chasing for a spine op that was well overdue. They have ways of beating the system! Good luck. x

[Qualipop in reply to Dippy22]

I agree, I contacted PALS after a very unsatisfactory visit to Urgent care. They replied to me after 2 days and within 5 days I'd had a call from the manager of Urgent care.

[NLGA]

well I tried the cardio Norse again left the 20th message still no reply yet it clearly says they will call back in 24 hours . Tried cardio now the answer phone doesn’t allow you to leave a message . So tried PALS no answer but there is a email contact so just maybe I have a chance .

[Dippy22 in reply to NLGA]

I emailed PALS with ALL the data they required in order to carry out an investigation. That worked well.

[2learn]

Complain to PALS

[NLGA]

pals responded told it be about a 3 weeks delay in cardio response time , that’s cool but as I explained this is now 3 months since I saw anyone 5 months since I was out on tne medication for a cardioversion I never had

That’s an improvement just getting a form of response from someone

[Dippy22 in reply to NLGA]

Keep plugging away at them! The more data they have to work with the better. x

[Karendeena]

Hi NLGA yes, do what I did If you can afford it, pay to see an Epiphysiologist

[NLGA in reply to Karendeena]

new to me I will have a google , thanks

[Karendeena in reply to NLGA]

What do you need to know? I did a lot of research before I went to see an EP