Doctors appointment Regarding my ongoing MVA/CAS pain and calf pain

[Rob6868]

So back to docs this morning. Explained I'm worried about the calf pain I'm getting when I have chest and middle back pain due to Angina. I asked for a Doppler test to confirm and the reply was we can't do it here because this surgery is too small and doesn't get the funds and we are not trained to do that particular test. So he is now sending a letter to my vacant cardiologist and vascular department for there advice and expertise.Ontop of that I mentioned my concern that the dose of Diltiazem I'm taking at 60mg twice daily is not touching the angina (MVA/CAS attacks. So he has said 60mg is the starting dose after first saying it was a high dose (make your mind up doc) So I'm now going to be put on 60mg in the morning and 120mg at night for 3weeks to see if it helps.He said the worry is that if I've gone up then coming down with the dose can cause problems because the heart depends on it...is this true? So now I'm in the waiting zone again and living on the edge every day with pain and trying to hold down a job.

I just thought getting a test for PAD wouldn't be this difficult after reading some of your posts but it seems my surgery can't do it.

So once again it's a waiting game.

Who knows when I will hear from my cardiologist now or a vascular experts to give me a test for peace of mind if anything.

God this heart business is so wearing.

[MichaelJH Heart Star]

Hello Rob, sorry to hear that. Most medical staff who can do a BP reading could learn the Doppler quite quickly. To do the test only requires a BP cuff and the Doppler machine. My podiatrist has a top of the range one and it cost about £2500 although they are available for a fifth of that. Hope they don't make you wait to long!

[Rob6868 in reply to MichaelJH]

Thank you Michael

He's explanation was that the surgery is a small one and the smallest in my town..news to me..but that all the others get more funding so can train and afford the equipment. I'm at a loss because I think that is a bloody poor excuse.And now I'm worried rightly so and now have to wait for him to send a letter then for a reply that could take God knows how long? then eventually see someone all over again and explain all over again to finally get a simple test done.

It's beyond words .