Don’t believe the ‘waiting time’!

[Buffafly]

Long story short I recently had an AF episode which didn’t seem quite like my normal and my Kardia recording was different from then on so after an ecg at the Health Centre was sent to A&E and referred to cardiology. I then received a message through the NHS app offering me a ftf appt on 30th October. The message included a standard waiting time but also said that this could differ either way depending on circumstances. So I was reassured that my case wasn’t deemed urgent and prepared to push myself a bit more. This morning I had a call from Cardiology, ‘You have an appointment for October but our doctors would like to see you a bit sooner, can you come tomorrow?’ Now having a tiny panic but it does go to show that waiting times can be flexible. If you are really physically suffering it’s worth keeping your GP etc up to date before you rush to book a private appointment.

[jeanjeannie50]

Hi Buff, I can understand how this sudden appointment has made you a little anxious. I think we all would be but you could get there tomorrow and then they say we had a last minute cancelled appointment and because you'd recently been seen your name popped into their head.

Please let us know how you get on and I hope all goes well.

Jean xx

[Buffafly in reply to jeanjeannie50]

I’m sure they did but wish they’d just said that x

[SuziElley]

So glad they’re seeing you sooner rather than later! I’ve experienced the same with long Covid. My GP referred me to the Somerset programme six weeks ago. Having been told there would be a couple of months before an initial appointment with their GP, I’ve already had that, well over an hour, and now have appointments set up for to different referrals, both within a month, and am just waiting for another two referrals to come through. If they think you need seeing soon then it seems they follow up on this.

Do let me know how you get on 🤗

[Buffafly in reply to SuziElley]

My daughter had the same with coeliac appointments, all arrived much sooner than predicted.

[ainslie]

it’s fairly likely they just got a cancellation and being a bit more efficient than they sometimes are, sounds good to me

[Luludean]

Sounds good Buffafly !!!!! Tomorrow will soon be over and done with , you will have been reassured and spared a ludicrously long wait.

Hope you see an approachable cardiologist !

Cardiology are using this term «  not deemed urgent «  a lot! L

[baba]

Glad you got an earlier appointment. Best wishes

[10gingercats]

I always put myself on the cancellation list and sometimes even go to the hospital if I feel worse and ask if I can be seen sooner, Works more often that not.There is nothing to lose.

[Teresa156]

It’s good you got an appointment so quickly and yes, it’s likely they had a cancellation - keep telling yourself that 😊 at least you won’t be worrying that much longer.

I hope they manage to get to the bottom of it all tomorrow too for you.

[ninks01]

Can only assume the first ftf appointment date is an automatic response generated by some algorithm built into nhs system...........bit scary

[KelliEAnniE]

hope everything goes well for you best of luck

[kkatz]

Hope all goes well for you.

[Cavalierrubie]

“Tomorrow” sounds like a cancellation to me. Who knows how they work. I think we all would panic, but it will be so good to get it over, and done with and not keep worrying. I am having a CT Angiogram on Tuesday. That only came a couple days ago. I had been to AE as well, so l wonder if it’s anything to do with going there and the dr putting it forward for you? Hope it all goes ok. Xxx

[Buffafly in reply to Cavalierrubie]

I’m sure it is a cancellation but as I’ve only been referred a week ago there must be dozens of other people before me. My appointment is in fact on Monday because I couldn’t take today’s one. Luckily I’ve got ‘the big cheese’ on Monday! I think you are right that the A&E dr flagged something up. Good luck with the angiogram 🍀

[Cavalierrubie in reply to Buffafly]

Thank you Buff. Let us know how it all goes.🥰

[Ppiman]

The system is fitting in patients on an ad hoc basis as well as using the appointment system. The pressure on doctors is intense. You’re lucky. I’m seeing mine later this morning, but my MRI has come for next week - the wrong way round, but there we are.

Steve

Steve

[Qualipop]

Hope all goes well with the early appointment. I understand the anxiety but they probably just had a cancellation

[Tapanac]

I’m not sure if this was meant for him as I was intending to go for a private appointment, but Thank you I spoke with my GP this morning (still no reply from consultant or secretary) and he said quite alright to stop flecainide as it won’t help the afib so not worth taking another chemical if not necessary. He said to keep on with the bisoprolol though

Thank you for replying

Pat x

[Buffafly in reply to Tapanac]

Hi Pat, I think you might have put this reply in the wrong thread ☺️

[Meg24rd]

husband was told 1-2yrs waiting for spinal surgery, then got phone call offering one within a week, turns out there was a cancellation, this is possibly what is happening for you

[jeanjeannie50]

Have you had your appointment yet? Any news?

Jean

[Buffafly in reply to jeanjeannie50]

It’s not until Monday because I couldn’t do today, works out well because I see top man on Monday 🎩 Thanks for asking x