Still waiting for over 3 weeks for urgent appointment

[Norfolk_spaniel]

3 weeks ago, after several hours in A&E, I was told that I need an urgent appointment with my cardiologist. At that time, I was also just about to complete an urgent 7 day holter test. I rang my cardiologist's secretary on the next working day to request an emergency appointment as instructed to do by A&E doctor. The secretary said she would pass the message to the cardiologist. A week ago, my GP also wrote to the cardiologist stressing the urgency. I have heard absolutely nothing and am now very low and depressed. I am tired, breathless, unable to exercise and unable to do much. This could be due to long covid but my GP is unable to refer me to the long covid clinic until she can rule out a heart problem. Where do I go to from here? I want my life back. I am now thinking about seeing a counsellor to help with the depression cause by this situation.

[Jalia]

If you can then I would pay for a private initial appointment. It shouldn't have to be this way but it seems like it has come to that. I would pester your cardiologist secretary otherwise.

Good luck

[Norfolk_spaniel in reply to Jalia]

Thanks for the reply. I had considered paying but the nearest private cardiology services are 50 miles away. My cardiologist doesn't do private work so I assume that if I decided to go private then I would have to repeat the 7 day holter.

[Singwell in reply to Norfolk_spaniel]

There's no guarantee you'll get a 7 day holter test from the private appointment anyway. I'd ask before booking. It will, unfortunately, be extra. That said it will be worthwhile finding a good cardiologist to get the ball rolling and set your mind at rest. I'm so sorry about the depression too! Hang in, you don't have to stay in that place. It sounds like the sense if helplessness is making you depressed- totally understandable.

[Jajarunner in reply to Norfolk_spaniel]

They will share the results I think. When I had to go private during Covid that's what happened. And keep pestering the NHS.!!Good luck

[Hidden]

We know that it shouldn’t be the case but given the current climate, one man’s definition of urgent is likely to be someone else’s mañana which is as much help as a chocolate teapot!

I’m not sure if this will help, but if you are able to keep things in perspective (often easier said than done I know) then it might help you to get through the dilemma. Generally, I would always suggest that anyone in your situation should consider a private consultation but given your logistics, this might make your situation more complex and even cause a degree of conflict which is unlikely to be helpful particularly when completed tests are involved. Although you are clearly experiencing a very difficult situation, assuming your AF is controlled with medication and if appropriate, you are taking an anticoagulant, it is unlikely that your AF is “life threatening” and although you are feeling desperate, you are unlikely to expire anytime soon. To put this into perspective, like you when I was first diagnosed, I too was climbing the walls, thinking that my days were numbered. My then INR nurse could see how distressed I was and arranged for my GP, who was AF savvy, to speak to me. When he came into the room, he said “now John, what on earth is the matter with you, your hearts not going to stop!” His face was a picture when I replied saying “you may know that, but that is not something that anyone has told me. Of course things were different in 2014, no Covid and easier access to GP’s

I think if I were you, I would write to the Consultant via his secretary, acknowledging that whilst you understand the difficulties of the current situation explain how desperate you are feeling at the moment, incorporate the issues relating to Long Covid and how that is making a difficult situation worse and if it’s appropriate, ie you are prepared to fund it, make it clear that you are prepared to seek private treatment to help get you over this immediate dilemma which is creating so much distress.

Of course I don’t know if this would work for you, but given what I now know about AF, you are unlikely to expire anytime soon but on the basis that I’m not medically trained, I cannot offer any guarantees!!!

I hope you soon get the help and support you need and deserve……

[Desanthony]

Ring your cardiologist's secretary again. I always wait 2 weeks and then politely enquire. You would be surprised how often things go astray, are not entered on the system etc so a polite telephone call asking where you are as regards your appointment quite often shows this up and the appointment made.

[DevonHubby1]

Wife was in a similar situation with no QoL. Chased up GPs urgent referral to cardiology and was told its a 6 months wait in my area. Arranged a private consult which took nearly 2 weeks but now things are moving with a change in beta blockers, echo booked for next week and a 24 hour recorder once she's settled on the new meds.I appreciate your travel logistics but possibly when you talk to the private consultant secretary you can ask how much can be done at your local hospital.

[secondtry]

Assuming you have transport and funds a private consultancy appointment with a cardiologist is I suggest your best bet.

If you are interested reading about Long Covid recovery protocols covid19criticalcare.com/tre...

[Golfer60UK]

Good morning Norfolk Spaniel, my advice keep chasing every day, find your local Government representative and ask him/her to chase for you as so important.

Don't give up !!!!

My cardiologist is in Bristol and she is brilliant, both NHS and private

Best of luck

dave

[Cat04]

York cardiology will do holter monitors by post together with follow up appt by phone

live.vcita.com/site/yorkcar...

[Snowgirl65]

Your depression will probably disappear once you get some answers. I'm like a pit bull when I'm given the run-around -- be persistent and nag the cardiologist until they see you. It's ridiculous what you're going through.

[jd2004]

I found myself in a similar situation last year due to the effects of Covid although not as serious. It is very worrying and uncomfortable. I paid to see a private cardiologist and although helpful and knowledgeable, what he prescribed did not help at all. As a result I called NHS on Queen’s jubilee day and was advised to go to A and E. I waited five hours without actually seeing a cardiologist but who communicated to a nurse that I should tweak the medication. Shortly after that I did get an NHS appointment and from there, fingers crossed, things have been ok. I was put back on original meds! I think Covid was a major culprit in all of this, from feeling unwell to not accessing NHS help. Long story but here’s what I’d do:

Email the secretary or cardiologist. That way you have a record of communication.

Likewise keep a log of calls, GP visits and also symptoms.

When you get to see cardiologist ask to be reviewed on a regular basis. I find this a comfort although my symptoms subsided with meds but I never say it’s gone. I just say it’s being managed. I’m now seen every six months with an annual echocardiogram.

You can also complain in writing to your local heath board if necessary.

[jd2004]

sorry should also say present yourself at A and E again if it’s really bad

[Norfolk_spaniel in reply to jd2004]

I had thought of that. Last time I was sent there by 111 but it was a Sunday and a bank holiday weekend. The A&E doctor said "I could admit you but you would just languish on a ward until Tuesday". This time I'll go in the week when the consultants are around.

[netie54]

It’s all sounds very frustrating for you but it does seem to be the norm I’m afraid.

You would see a consultant quicker if you could have a private appointment ?