Cardiologists

[Sodsocks]

Is anyone having a long wait to see a cardiologist? I have had atrial fibrillation since 2011 which has been well controlled. Since summer I have had some additional problems and went to my gp. This was at the start of October and there are no appointmemts until at least the end of march with the cardiologists. In fact the recommendation is to go to a & E. Can this be right???

[Jamzy28]

I have been waiting to see a cardiologist for 5 months I have the same thing

[Sodsocks in reply to Jamzy28]

Where do you live is it just the north or all over the country

We have this problem. When I was first diagnosed in 2011 things moved fast and I was looked after straight away. Hope you are keeping ok

[Jamzy28]

I live in Shrewsbury it horrible I have been under a cardiologist all my life because I was born with a hole in the heart my heart all was racing it makes me feel sick and tired all the time.

[stevejb1810]

Waits for cardiology are typically 3-6 months unless you have what would be regarded as being a critical condition. There are things you can do. Start by getting hold of your cardiology secretary and chase a booking. Yes, go to A&E if you feel you are getting suddenly worse. Go privately - typically such an appointment will be around £200 - it does not commit you to going privately forever but it can get you on to an NHS list (assuming the cardiologist you see is working in the NHS (almost all do)) and it can give you some peace of mind while you wait for the NHS to catch up.

[isobelhannah18]

The N.H.S. is chronically underfunded and short staffed and the only reason it continues is because of the dedication of the staff. The care in my experience is excellent once you are in the system. I would write to your M.P. or better still go and see them in their surgery.

[BusaMags]

I live in South Wales I had to wait about 3 months. I see her last month. As soon as I see her she started to do investigations within one week, which was my angiogram.

[Tobysgranny in reply to BusaMags]

That’s good news as I too live in South Wales. I was admitted earlier this year to Royal Gwent with HF but recently saw the Cardiologist who has ‘signed me off’ as he was pleased with my condition. I still worry about my condition though.

[BusaMags in reply to Tobysgranny]

If your still worried you should talk to your GP or cardiologist. Hopefully they will be able to put your mind at rest. I have newly need to see a cardiologist at the Royal Glamorgan hospital. So far I have has an angiogram that came up as my large arteries were clear but she thinks my small ones are blocked but they can't tell. Since that I have been referred to have a echocardiogram on the 26th. But I have found out that I have blood in urine and something is really high in my bloods which means I may have sleep apnea so going to have to ware a machine for 48hr. You need some reasurence so talk to your doctor or your end up making yourself I'll. Take care. X

[Tobysgranny in reply to BusaMags]

Thanks. I’m now off on a 3.1/2 weeks cruise so hope the rest will do me good. However, sorting out my meds to take away I’ve discovered that Asda Pharmscy has only given me half of what was prescribed and missed one item completely. My fault as I didn’t check them when my husband brought them home. The one missing is one of the most important furosemide. I take 40 mg twice a day to stop build up of fluid in my lungs. We are being picked up at 10 am in the morning so I will have to be on their doorstep at 8 am when they open. I’m hoping there is another bag for me when I get there. Nothing is ever simple is it.

Joan

[BusaMags in reply to Tobysgranny]

Hope you sorted the medication out for you. Enjoy your cruise. Take care x

[bantam12]

It will be 5-6 months wait to my appt in January which is quite likely to be cancelled.

[mariancolyer]

To even get to the GP, as my cardiomyopathy had exacerbated, I was told to ring 111 as that was the only way my poor, unfunded, overworked GP practice could give me an appointment with the GP. All is well fortunately but, even with a serious heart condition, I am loathe to bother the health service. It is scary but the Government need to step up to the mark and help. I personally would go privately for one appointment and then see where that takes me. By the way I am a low earner with little savings but need to prioritise.

[Hidden]

Also sign up to the AFA forum on Health Unlocked which is specific to AF. I was diagnosed in July & went for 2 private Cardiology appointments before reverting to NHS to avoid the delays you mention. I’m a soft southerner so delays are countrywide it seems.

[Lozcdoz]

Hi Sodsocks, yes Im still waiting to hear when my appointment with the cardiologist will be. The wait was 18 weeks but I wasnt able to book online and am now waiting for the hopsital to get in touch with me. There was deadline for them to make contact with me but I think that has now passed so I will chase them again. Im in the midlands. Did consider going private but have been advised not necassary by GP. I think definitely go to A&E if you feel unwell at all. Best of luck.

[Aquataine]

I was told an urgent appointment was 42 days minimum wait, however there is a 1-2 week minimum wait that your GP can push through so put pressure on them. My husbands was 42 day urgent type but when I went on line to book it I got one within 2 weeks

[Blue_Fisherman]

A&E is your rapid entry into the system where you will be evaluated and treated accordingly. I wouldn’t wait if I had concern.