Waiting for a appointment What to do next ?

[Mrsbeevintage]

Hi guys, me again,I could do with some advice. After 4 years of tiredness, chest pains and constant severe hot flushes (13 years after menopause) .

I was finally sent for a ct scan which printed the cardio nurse to phone me 2 days after test to go straight to the doctors to start immediate treatment.

The initial diagnosis is a CAD score of 3 with possible Severe obstructive disease in the Ostrium and proximal LAD .

I was put on

Lipitor 40mg

Bisopral fumarate 5mg

Ramipril 5mg

Aspirin 75mgand GT spray when needed

I was told I would need a angiogramme with wire pressure test to see where to go next with my treat ment and the appointment would come through in about 6 weeks ...

Now obviosly due to the current crisis with the NHS i have not able to get an appointment as yet ,I spoke to the cardio nurse and as much as it is needed they cannot fit me in .I understand the reasons and am happy to wait but in the meantime the pains in my chest and my fingers turning blue are getting worse.

I am travelling into work and back everyday and it is taking it's toll I have just had 3 days off and work are now asking if I'm going to be ok to come in next week !! I don't know I have been trying to do the best by everyone .I teach at a uni so I am timetables to students ,I do understand they need commitment but I can't give it to them .

What I'm asking is ..is it better to go to the doctor and get signed off until I get the hospital appointment? Is this even something a doctor would do ?

At least then the uni could get someone in to cover me ...

I just don't know what to do ,it is making me anxious and really worried about my future .I want to just stop and stay in bed with the covers over my head .

[Lynne1a]

Hi Lynne here you must get signed off & keep pushing for Hospital place. I put my health on hold for 8 months as house needed doing relatives needed seeing to & I kept saying once I’ve done all this will see. To myself, big mistake my health issues just got worse and took a bigger toll on my heart. I used to be a school bursar they will get someone in YOU are more important so please get signed off get your doctor to push for an appointment rest rest rest & look after yourself. Lynne xx

[Mrsbeevintage Heart Star in reply to Lynne1a]

Thanks Lynn xxx

[MichaelJH Heart Star]

I have gone onto reduced hours and tend to travel outside the main rush. Could this be an option? Companies have different policies on long term sick pay - some will only pay ten days before putting you on SSP whilst others pay full salary for quite a long time.

[Mrsbeevintage Heart Star in reply to MichaelJH]

I am lucky enough to work for a very good employer who will pay my wages for a while . It's more about letting everyone down. But I am unwell and I need to take care of myself.

[MKB38]

Your health is paramount. Get yourself signed off. With all this going on you can't be performing your job as well as you'd like anyway. So by the uni appointing a cover for you you are probably doing the students a favour. Put yourself first for once. Get yourself better and return to work with renewed enthusiasm. Take care. Xx

[Mrsbeevintage Heart Star in reply to MKB38]

You are so right x

[Rosie1066]

Six weeks on and I am still waiting for an appointment to see a cardiologist.

[Mrsbeevintage Heart Star in reply to Rosie1066]

I'm still waiting too Rosie 8 weeks on I'm starting to feel like they forgot about me

[Rosie1066 in reply to Mrsbeevintage]

Got my appointment though on Friday. Hope you get yours soon.

[Mrsbeevintage Heart Star in reply to Rosie1066]

That's great ...let me know how you get on x

[Rosie1066 in reply to Mrsbeevintage]

Got the appointment but it’s not quite what I was expecting- it’s only for having a 24 hour heart rate monitor fitted. Suppose results will determine any further action.

[Mrsbeevintage Heart Star in reply to Rosie1066]

It's hard osntbit ,I'm sure they are doing whats right for you but I think we all just want and fear the big fix me now appointment .hope it goes well x

[Rosie1066 in reply to Mrsbeevintage]

I’ve had a replacement aortic Vale but fear it’s giving problems. Don’t really fancy having the operation again but will do if necessary.

[laura_dropstitch Heart Star]

Definitely think you should get your GP to sign you off for a while, it's vital you take care of yourself and this option offers best solution to your employers/students too. Hope you feel better soon x

[Mrsbeevintage Heart Star]

Thanks I have an appointment today although its not my usual doctor. its been a tough weekend and I feel so guilty but I think it's the only way x

[Philippa_BHF]

Hi Mrsbeevintage,

I am so sorry you are having such a bad time and the advice from the others is great. However if the pains in your chest are getting worse( and the blueness to your fingertips) I would advise you get to A&E to be checked out. At the very least, see your GP about those symptoms . Are you using the GTN spray at all and is it being effective? I know the anxiety you are feeling is probably making things worse,and I really hope you get that appointment/reassurance soon. Please ring the nurses on the heart helpline if you need any further advice. The number is 0300-330-3311. There is someone to talk to Monday-Friday 9-5.

I hope I've helped.

Take care,

Philippa

[Mrsbeevintage Heart Star]

Thankyou for your advice it's very useful

[Mrsbeevintage Heart Star]

Hi all I saw my doctor today and have now been signed off for 8 weeks and I've been given GNT in pill form for a month to see how I get on.

Now I can relax and wait for my hospital appointment.

[laura_dropstitch Heart Star in reply to Mrsbeevintage]

Really glad to hear it. Keep us posted on how you're feeling and remember to be kind to yourself - rest is paramount but there's nothing to say you can't enjoy your time off too. Perfect opportunity to catch up on a boxset or two, or bust out the hand embroidery. You could even start writing poetry! A poem a day posted here would be lovely

[Mrsbeevintage Heart Star in reply to laura_dropstitch]

Now there's a thought😊