Echocardiogram

Hi there,

Does anyone have experience of this? I had a thallium scan, assumed it showed nothing as kept waiting 4 months for results from cardio but was diagnosed with CAD. I have ongoing symptoms despite on max medication & next cardio app not until 6 months later, GP requested earlier app, cardio saw me & now sending me for an Echocardiogram & CT angiogram. My issue is that i've not to see my cardio for results until december & i'm not convinced now that if something's wrong they will call me in earlier to tell me. Am i just being anxious or is it normal & reasonable to wait all that time for results even when something is wrong?

Smilli

[marypw]

I don't have your particular condition, but after 9 years experience with Cardiology, getting results can be like getting blood out of a stone. They should write to your GP with the results, but may or may not send you a copy.

Letters get deleted from their computer systems, appointments don't get made, doctors go on extended holidays etc etc.

My advice would be to contact the Cardiology secretary - they are usually pretty good and can let you know what stage your letter is at in their convoluted system but do keep chasing regularly! I love the NHS, but their admin can make you want to tear your hair out. Good luck.

[Hidden in reply to marypw]

Thanks that's really helpful. I will try that if i can't get them through GP

[MichaelJH Heart Star]

If they see something that is of genuine concern they will call you back earlier. A friend failed an exercise ECG and was not allowed home having a bypass five days later. Sadly the administration gets worse with each change of government as they tinker rather than have a true 10 year/20 year plan! The NHS should be cross-party long term!

[Hidden in reply to MichaelJH]

Hi thanks for your response, it's reassuring. I did originally think that but having doubts after leaving me for months not informing me my scan showed a few abnormalities diagnosing significant CAD requiring medication asap. He also looked suprised at the results & had no idea why i was there. Maybe, as you say, it's different with more serious things & possibly there was a mistake somewhere on that occassion.

[Urssy]

I had an appointment 6 months after my scan. It's a long wait.

Left wondering...people say they call you in if emergency...but still the waiting :/

Ended up in a and e So found out results sooner. Then i was admitted so i had a good cardio consultation which was really really helpful. They answered lots of questions.

I live in south London. To be honest my cardio appointments are so far apart. Months. So that when results are given...problems raised. Not ideal.

My last cardio he said l will see you in 6 months. When letter came it was 8 months!

Wondering there are just a lot of patients in my area.

I wish I had a good GP but when I ask questions they say they don't specialise and i need to ask the cardio doctor.

Interested to see how others fair...wondering if it's a area thing.

[Hidden in reply to Urssy]

Thankyou. Surely the stress of the wait cannot be helpful but i suppose we just have to accept it's all a sign of the times & the struggles right now