Feeling so unloved.....

I have been chasing a follow up appointment with my consultant, since End of April, when I was last in hospital. The GP wrote to the Consultant over 2 weeks ago, and still no Joy.

After a bloodtest I was urgently told by the doctors surgery my Aminophylline levels were too high, which is not unsurprising as I am on a high dose, 1200mg. They tried to contact the Consultant, but yesterday they still had not got back to them.

What is even more galling is I have been in and out of critical care 8 times since last October, and had the unedvidlble honour of being told I was there highest frequent flyer, to which I replied, I expect an invite to your christmas party!

Any Ideas what I could do next to escalate this, as the sickness and chest pains are worst today?

[Skee-skee]

That is really poor isn't it! I know lots of consultants like to see their frequent customers soon after they get out of hospital. Are you normally reviewed every few months?

If the GP has had no joy had you thought of talking to PALs (patient advice and Liaison service) in your local hospital. It doesn't necessarily mean a complaint, but they could always give you advice or maybe even speed up the process?

Another option would be ringing the consultant's secretary and seeing if she can do anything?

Where abouts do you live in Herts (I checked where you live as there is no PALs in Scotland)? I used to live in Bucks near Amersham, I now live in Aberdeen.

Take care. Hope you get some luck getting an appointment soon.

Bryony

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Thanks for the reply Bryony.

Already tried the secretary route, she said she had nothing about me, went away for a minute, and then came back and said she will contact outpatients.

As for frequent checkups, normally yes within 6 week of leaving hospital, but this is the first time since april I have not had to visit hospital within the month. Problem I have had to stay pretty much housebound just to keep a poor level of control.

Did not have a great experience with PALS in the past, but not a bad idea, and will give it ago again, I am also seeing the GP on Monday, with a bit of luck she may phone rather then just rely on a letter.

Wish me luck......

[angievere]

I would definitely ring the consultant's secretary and have a good whinge in your best pitiful voice... I dont rely on the GP - I just go straight to secretary. Has always worked for me, but I think I've got it down to a fine art!! Good luck and I hope you get things sorted.