Second opinion - any recommendations 're consultants

[Heartlady1]

Hi all

As some of you know I have gone through two ops to have a CRT-D fitted. Both attempts have gone wrong due to errors by the surgeon. I now have a further date for 3rd attempt but I am told the same surgeon needs to carry out the surgery... and I have now lost confidence.

So I am looking to pay to have a private consultation at the royal brompton/harefeild hospital. I just wanted to ask if anyone had any recommendations for a good heart consultant.. . And if anyone else had good responses to going down this route.

Although I will be paying for the consultation I can't pay for the op so will need to go down the NHS route and another wait list!! But think this will deliver me a better outcome which is the important thing.

My world has been a bit rocked recently but I am coming back fighting now. 😁x

Thanks for any feedback peeps x

[laura_dropstitch Heart Star]

Why does it have to be the same surgeon again? I'm not surprised you don't have much confidence in that plan! Afraid I can't offer any practical advice on this, but hope you find a solution you are happy with. I really want you back in the CRT-D official fanclub with me! Ha! xxx

[Heartlady1 in reply to laura_dropstitch]

Hi Laura... after the first mess up I pleaded for another surgeon but they insisted he knew my body so it needed to be him. I was also told by another Dr that I needed to go to the same surgeon as he needed to rectify his own mistake!! Except he messed up again!! I am trying to contact the head surgeon but he won't return my calls....and neither will my cardiologist. I went to PALS to complain about my treatment and I feel like they are now all closing rank.

The surgeon that did the ops has been emailing but he is already talking about "if it fails" and has tried to send me off for more invasive surgery for something called Wicks which is still in trials and in it's infancy. And would then need surgery every 2 years to change batteries!!

All I need is the lead implanted and I just don't trust him to do it. So I am going privately to discuss options quickly. Wish I had done this sooner but physically and mentally I have not been able to before now. I just hope the waiting list at Harefield is not too long!

[laura_dropstitch Heart Star in reply to Heartlady1]

Gah, what a lot of stress you really don't need. I'm surprised your hospital/team has dismissed your anxieties like this when they are so easy to understand. I think anybody would feel the same in your situation. Sending lots of love and hope you get things sorted soon xxxx

[stevejb1810]

I don’t think it needs to be the same surgeon and it doesn’t even need to be the same hospital - you have a right to choose within the NHS. See your GP and insist on being referred to another centre. You should need to pay for the errors of one surgeon

[Heartlady1 in reply to stevejb1810]

Thanks.. I agree but I think the way to get on that list is to pay to discuss ( to get to see a consultant quickly) but then I will be on a NHS waiting list with everyone else... so just depends on waiting times. I wiulf rather stay with my current hospital but another surgeon as that would be eadier and potentially quicker but apparently they can say no to this. !!

[Auctioneerjim]

You should do your homework on your local cardio team ! You have a choice and if your really not happy with the surgeon then tell them so !

You Really don’t have to accept someone you have no confidence in

And I’m sure you’ll find the cardio team understanding .

[Heartlady1 in reply to Auctioneerjim]

I have and they tell me he has to do it!!

[Auctioneerjim in reply to Heartlady1]

I would make a formal complaint to the hospital management. You do not have to accept this situation which is obviously distressing you

During a recent angiogram I was not confident of the doctor performing the procedure and he was replaced halfway through! It’s your life in they’re hands. Dig your heels in

[Zena166]

As others have said ask your GP to refer you for a second opinion which you are entitled to. But I understand your need to get it sorted. I suggest you contact your local Healthwatch they maybe able to help with sorting out the complaint and trying to maybe get information from the local commissioning group to get a second option. It’s worth a try. It may help trigger some action especially as the CCG is the contractor for services. Hope you get it sorted. Zena

[Zena166]

Meant to also say when you are searching for a cardiologist look to see if they are research active. It’s a benchmark of being up to date. Trying new stuff. Being open etc. Z

[Heartlady1]

Thanks Zena.. .. as you say the issue is one of getting it done soon but I so need to feel confident for next time... and when my current surgeon is asking if I will consider being a day case if there is no bed... when they are doing a 3 hour op under General anaesthetic... is not good duty of care.

[Zena166]

That’s wrong on so many levels. Go the complaints route. Healthwatch will be able to signpost you. The Freeman Hospital here in Newcastle has an excellent reputation if you feel you can travel ( I am biased of course!). Hope you sort it soon. Not sure if this article is helpful but the Mail ( I know!) published a list of 10 arrhythmia cardiologists as voted by their peers. It may give you insight into where some of the best are based? google.co.uk/amp/www.dailym...

[Heartlady1]

Wow Zena... thank you sooo much.. this has been fabulously helpful. Timothy Betts is aware of me as I know he has been consulted by my surgeon who has asked for his help. There are 3 surgeons on this list that are at John Radcliffe and I will now definitely go down this route. I think I will organise to see them privately for a second opinion and take it from there. You don't know how much this has helped me ... I will be forever grateful xxxxx

[Heartlady1]

Hi all... latest update. I have smooth talked and charmed my way to getting a new surgeon to perform my next op. 🎉🎉 and as I am a special case ( Laura's words😂) they are considering making me a case study ... so I may have a plethora of surgeons at my op..

Now I feel very pampered 😍. May have to put the date back ... I was due back at the end of this month. But definitely happy to wait to hopefully get it right.

So now I may need your help.... what should I call my device this time!!!!

" Lucky" springs to mind 😂 all suggestions gratefully received x

[laura_dropstitch Heart Star in reply to Heartlady1]

Ooh, I hadn't seen this! Great news! Toot toot!

I think you should go for a tough name, like Brunhilda or Freya or...Thor! Thor! God of thunder and lightning! Yes, Thor definitely gets my vote, if (for some inexplicable reason) you don't go with Colin. Actually, what is the name of Thor's hammer? It's pretty spectacular, I'm sure.

Just looked it up, it's Mjölnir. (Mee-yoll-neer?) And it had an accidentally short handle, but that didn't stop it being awesome. This all seems very appropriate to me! You can say it quite ferociously and feel very tough. Mjölnir is surely the ultimate protection that will never let you down.

(Can you tell my gym-time audiobook at the moment is about Norse mythology?! Ha!)

[Zena166]

Yeahhhhhhhh Really pleased for you. It must be such a relief. Glad you found the list helpful. Oooooohh I think you should call it Colin. That’s a solid sounding name and will be a fab talking point when you mention Colin your constant companion!! Glad you’re sorted. Keep us posted. Zena x

[Heartlady1 in reply to Zena166]

Ha ha .... Colin ok it's on the list 😂😂

[Heartlady1]

Hi Zena and Laura..so firstly I now have my new date 2nd August. So am planning a few fun things to do in July

.... including having a week off first week of July to go boating in Henley with my son.. and jersey boys at the theatre and perhaps a trip to the Cotswolds too 😎.

I have now found out too that Dr Betts ( off your list Zena) has said he wants to carry out my op....ably helped By Dr Gamble. So I am extremely happy. Best news ever.. top 10 surgeon is fab! Thank you thank you thank you Zena.

So to the name.... I am leaning towards Thor... as it's easier to say than the hammer name 😂😂😂

And Colin sounds like the men that used to contact me on those pesky dating sites.. . Mind you if England carry on winning... it may be called Harry!!! 😁😁😁

[Zena166]

That’s great news. You sound so much better/relieved/relaxed. I’m so pleased you found suitable surgeons. Woohoo. I wouldn’t get too excited just yet about England continuing to win! But Harry’s another solid choice! Great news really delighted for you. Enjoy July. Sounds as though it will be busy! Take care and keep us posted. Zena xx

[Heartlady1 in reply to Zena166]

Aw thanks Zena and yes I definitely have got my Mo Jo back with this great news. Did you notice the names of my surgeons (Bets and Gamble) I think I need Paddy Power as the anaesthetist and I will have a full set ha ha ha