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If I feel there might be a problem I ask for an appoinment which is usually granted.Also if you do not get echos frequently eg yearly you can perhaps request one.Then you would no doubt be seen by the cardio. to discuss the echo .
Echocardiogram yearly!!! I haven't had an echo since 2021 and when l asked for one as my condition has worsened ( l also have heart failure) l was refused and told it wasn't necessary.
I have had an annual private follow-up appointment with may cardiologist for many years. I find it very helpful to reduce anxiety and always have a list of Q's for him. If you find the trust is there try it and if not maybe change your cardiologist next year.
I do the same only mine are 4 months apart at the moment since my ablation in March 2024. I am fortunate to be able to pay but it's worth the money to see a good EP and know that my heart is being looked after. Like you I go with my questions
I live in Ireland and have private healthcare. I went private and saw a cardiologist within 2 weeks and on a Saturday!
Within 6 months I’d had consultation, echo, 24 hour holter, heart mri, follow up consultation, medications (some of the most effective arrhythmia control drugs can only be prescribed by a cardiologist or EP) and im now booked in for annual checkups and 24 hour holter.
I know none of us should have to use private in an ideal world - but am very glad I had access to it when I needed it!
I live in Australia and see my cardiologist every 3-6 months and my EP whenever is needed, sometimes as frequently as my cardiologist when my heart is playing up. I have an echo every visit, and have had numerous tests including 2 x CTCAs, 3 MRIs, an angiogram, so many holters I’ve lost count, 2 stress test echoes and a 30 day monitor. I’ve been seeing my cardio for 5 years now.
I see my GP probably on average 6 times a year.
I often read posts on here and feel very sad for some people. It seems obvious that many need more regular care or testing and it seems so difficult to get that service.
My GP referred me to NHS cardiology back in July where the wait time was 22 weeks. There are private hospitals out there where you can find a cardiologist or a cardiologist that specialises in EP. Most have the names of consultants, their qualifications and which hospitals they work with.
I went down that route myself very recently because I developed persistent AF and atrial tachycardia so I couldn't wait six months. It was worth every last penny.
Have had afib diagnosis for 2 years. I have read books, research articles, listened to podcasts. Following this site has been invaluable, it has certain put flesh on the bones of this subject and I do thank all posters and responders. I have found it to be very difficult to see a GP since Covid response/fiasco. I could not get a referral to Cardiologist. The cardio nurse suggested that my pulse would need to be less than 40bpm in order to be seen. My wife wanted me to take her to Southeast Asia for a long trip while my health is relatively good. My af burden was increasing so I paid to see a private consultant with a view of taking flecainide as PiP. He insisted on certain tests to rule out heart disease. I had an eckogram an angiogram and a cardiac MRI. The tests showed that I had experience 2 past MIs unbeknown to me. So no flecainide.I am in Thailand right now. Only one episode over the last week, despite the jet lag and the heat. I use PiP bisoprol as needed.
Had a similar experience with my Ca prostate. GP would not refer me on to Urology, long waiting lists etc. He actually said that I had a suspicious nodule plus a UTI. I decided to pay. I saw the Urologist the next day. The various self funded investigations confirmed Cancer. I am now on active surveillance. They keep sending me the wrong information re PSA results etc. I have reached the conclusion that you have to be your own advocate re the NHS. Apogies if this seems like a long winded rant. I am merely recounting my own experience.
I and my husband see EP privately once a year. All tests and procedures are done under the NHS.
PS - when we first moved to this area we received a letter saying that waiting time for cardiology was 58 weeks. Once in the system the care has been timely and adequate but for peace of mind and ability to actually talk to a knowledgeable person who we know reads our notes, we continue with the private consult for my husband. I haven’t seen anyone, thankfully no need, since 2020 but I am monitored through pacemaker App and speak to cardiac physiologist via phone every few months.
My first ‘appt’ was during covid so was a phone call
Follow up was a phone call.
Because episodes have recently increased I had to go to dr because cardiology discharged me! You would think we would still be on the system but hey ho.
So dr was end Nov. I’m still waiting for a 7 day halter ecg to try and catch an episode which I know won’t happen til day 8 lol. Then it will be on the list to see an invisible cardiologist.
Unless you can pay…you could see a private consultant who will give you some answers but tests etc will be chargeable unless you go back into the nhs system but you may jump the ‘see a consultant’ list so May be a tad quicker.
I think it depends on your personal symptoms , stresses , anxiety .would it make you feel better if you went private ? If so..then do it.
As I’ve written here before, when the lowest dose of Bisoprolol proved too much for me to take daily and the pharmacist told me to stop taking it after three days and a doctor agreed, I was not offered anything else so we found the AF Association online and through them found an EP who we saw privately. He didn’t think I had it at first but he introduced me to having a smartphone and a Kardia and after I’d sent him a reading of my heart in AF, he sent a prescription for Flecainide to my surgery for me. We didn’t receive his bill for ages but it was certainly worth it.
SO far I've been waiting 14 months for two cardiology referrals. The acute care dept referred me in Oct 2023 while I was in hospital for 4 days then my GP referred me gain in January last year. GP has since sent 2 expedite letters- not heard a word.
I'm in Canada and see a Cardiologist at least once a year (ECG, holter, etc). I can call the office for an appointment anytime.I have 4 other specialists I can call for an appointment usually within 2 weeks.
I can generally see my GP within 2 days normally.
There is a tendency to go private, for those who aren't as lucky or don't have regular medical connections...or don't want to wait.
Money always gets immediate attention.
I'm an 80yo male with HF, AFib, painful legs and feet caused by nerve compression and/or tibial artery stenosis. Can't walk or jog but can ride stationary bike and lift light weights.
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