How long do these test results TAKE!!!

[Stitchdw]

4 WEEKS ago after having a heart attack then being told further tests are necessary even after the ct,mri n echo im still waiting for my adenosine stress test n results from nuclear medicine Injection! Although they have already told me about the aneurysm on my aortic root and that ive a mild lsvd I would of thought it would be pretty important to at least letme know if things are serious. Ive a family to support n work getting on my case. Any suggestions why the wait?

[MichaelJH Heart Star]

Unfortunately the NHS is severely overloaded. This means that delays can be quite, even very, long if they think you are safe. Between an angiogram showing up to 85% stenosis it was a further year before I had a bypass. If they think you are on imminent danger they would not have let you go home - a friend was admitted after a stress test was stopped and was transferred, and had surgery at Papworth.

What is the position regarding work?

[Stitchdw in reply to MichaelJH]

Hi jimmyq

Work situation Stat Sick Pay. Ive chased the cardiologist sec very slow!

[jimmyq in reply to Stitchdw]

Statutory Sick Pay is crap but you have been through a major, traumatic event and you need to look after yourself and be looked after.

[MichaelJH Heart Star in reply to jimmyq]

I need to get back to work as on 0.4 SSP. My p/t job topped up my meagre pension as it payed better than f/t on minimum wage. But then jeopardising your health is not an option IMHO!

[jimmyq in reply to MichaelJH]

I had to retire but I have claimed 3 of my pensions early and we are just managing financially. We have to watch the pennies but I will not get stressed about it. I know I need to relax. With the improvements to my health I am considering going back to work part time, my old boss says to phone when I feel up to it.

[jimmyq]

You could phone the department at the hospital and ask them if they can speed things up. Your GP might be able to help with this too.

Your employer should not be putting you under pressure. You need support at this time, not earache. Are you in a trade union? If so, get them on the case.

[MichaelJH Heart Star in reply to jimmyq]

Good point! Definitely worth ringing up. I find that the consultant's secretary is usually the best conduit.

[sandybrown]

I am very sorry to read your post. NHS, no money no staff, we pay NI with out ant questions asked!!!!

When I am sick I need help, like you, way we have to wait in a big Q?

Then there is employer, we work to give them 100%, when we need the employer's support they are not there?

[SussexDad]

Check with your employer if they have any additional benefits or support in place, it might not be private medical but there are other support services, EAP’s whilst not helping directly can give you advice on finances and people to talk to, counselling etc. These are sometimes hidden away.

Keep being a pest, explain that you would be happy to take a cancellation. The angiogram I had was straight after admission, I had an embolism which caused a med sized heart attack at 44. The procedure isn’t as bad as it would seem. Best described as an experience but no pain.

[Qualipop]

Phone, phone and phone your consultant's secretary and get you GP To phone too. I've been waiting 3 months after a heart attack, for a pressure angiogram to find out just how bad a supposed 75% blockage is. I go in on Friday. Meanwhile I had to ring 999, blue light to spend 8 hours in A&E with sever e chest pain on Sunday. Turned out to be tablet side effects that I've been struggling to get GP to change for 2 months. I've had no check up, no follow up, no rehab, no advice- absolutely nothing. Just discharged with a technical report I didn't understand and a bag of tablets. All I needed was 5 minutes with a cardiologist to explain things but, having seen A&E this weekend with corridors 3 deep with trolleys, rough sleepers having had their heads kicked in, druggies high as a kite, old ladies with dementia wandering aimlessly and nurses in tears with it all, it does not surprise me. The system is at breaking point. I can't get a GP appointment for 5 weeks let alone cardiology.

[Stitchdw]

Disgusting

[Milkfairy Heart Star]

I suggest you contact PALS.

I had no follow up Neurology appointment sent after an outpatient visit.

After phoning and leaving lots of messages on the secretary's phone I contacted PALS it took a couple of emails and then I got 2 phone calls on the same day offering me an appointment.

[Jinky07]

If you are in a Union they also have the facility to give you some financial help at times like these.