Worried sick and am currently in limbo land

[Dicky-ticker]

Just been diagnosed with AF rythymn. Radiographer said he would compile his report and send to consultant on the 24 June. (Advised in simple terms I have irregular electrical responses - which won't correct themselves. Have anything from 5-16 palpitations every minute continuously. I am struggling to do anything, as if I excercise/walk for more than 20 minutes I am fainting. Was initially taking beta blockers, but GP stopped them, as felt they had lowered my heart rate to a too slow level. Have been told I won't be seeing my consultant again till October. Consequently I am off sick as unable to fulfill a work day (ironically work for NHS) Since being off beta blockers I am experiencing waves a chest pain throughout the day (advised this is stress pain and not signs of heart attack). I am currently worried sick, and don't feel I am getting anywhere. The NHS seems so slow.

[christina1947]

I agree nhs too slow heart problems need a be sorted sooner rather than too late. Can I ask what test did you have also I am ringing the hospital every day for my 24 hr ecg results it’s 5 weeks since I had it done. Take care xxx

[Dicky-ticker in reply to christina1947]

I had 24 hour ECG trace, which I explained to the technician would be difficult to fill in diary sheet effectively, as I was experiencing between 5-16 irregular beats per minute. Not sure that trace will be effective if it doesn't record for a full 24 hours!! I also had eco cardio scan which I felt was very informative. The radiographer advised he would contact consultant. Unfortunately he failed to mention this would take 5 weeks. I have since found out my consultant also works in a private capacity, and I can be seen quicker if I would like to pay. The NHS don't communicate very well, my GP is fabulous but as she said she is not a cardiac consultant so cannot do anything without advice from my actual consultant. Very frustrating and stressful. I want to be back to normal and sorted now. Good luck Christina hope you get your results/treatments quicker.

[Sillyfroggy in reply to Dicky-ticker]

Hi Dicky,

Having been in the system since late April I would agree with Shoshov - when they feel there’s a pretty urgent need to intervene (mid heart attack or concerning changes on an ecg) they actually move very fast. I was taken in last Tuesday and Thursday after a day of obvs I was on the table.

It is frustrating waiting, I know, and interfering with the ability to work is a flipping nightmare, I have been off since end of April and I am beyond bored. Luckily public service so sick pay isn’t a problem. But you can be reassured they’re not overly concerned when you have to wait!!

[Dicky-ticker in reply to Sillyfroggy]

My heart or electrics have been misfiring since beginning of April. I am just worn out by the pounding and leaping about in my chest, continuously 24/7. I feel about 110 years old, as continuously knackered. Cannot be off indefinitely, just waiting to be seen it is just so frustrating. Good luck sillyfroggy fingers crossed we are both ticketybootastic very soon.

[SuzzieQ in reply to Dicky-ticker]

Just to reply this happened with me AF over 18 - 20 months ago had a Cardioaversion what ever it was touch wood successfully.... Went on to see Consultant Privately best thing I ever did.... Now off all meds apart from 1.....

Good Luck.....

[Shoshov]

hi. we all know nhs moves at its own pace but as i recently found out if they find something is wrong and needs fixed it happens straight away. i saw cardiologist on thursday who put me on a treadmill test. was put on angio list the nxt day. hadbed angina since thursday. went to a&e sunday night had angio and stent monday lunch time. what i’m trying to say is if your tests had shown any red flags you would have heard from them. i know it’s not acceptable to wait all that time for results. especially if your stressing over them. but as i said in my experience if they’re not wirrithe you should try not to worry. easier said than done i know. hope you get sorted soon❤️shiona

[Dicky-ticker in reply to Shoshov]

Thank you spoken to secretary and having appointment brought forward

[Shoshov in reply to Dicky-ticker]

fabulous. we need to be proactive nowadays or we get bypassed. i think they’re consensus is if they don’t pester them then we must be ok. best of luck my friend. hope you get the answers you need❤️

[Shoshov]

sorry for spelling. no specs🤣

[Zac11]

With AF, the main danger is blood clot leading to a stroke. Unless you can pay privately to see a consultant cardiologist quickly (about £200), who will almost certainly put you straight on anti-coagulant among other meds, and then put you straight on his or her NHS list, I'd be inclined meanwhile to start taking a precautionary 75mm aspirin every day until you get to see a consultant. But see your GP asap too.

[Bagrat in reply to Zac11]

Aspirin is no longer recommended as an anticoagulant for arrhythmias but I suppose on the theory that something is better than nothing......? Have you done your chads2vasc score? Available on Arrhythmia Alliance website.

Definitely see GP. We had to push for anticoagulants while waiting for my husband's cardio appt Dicky-ticker

[Hidden]

I was left in a similar position last year. You have had the main tests Cardiologist needs to see pre appointment, try to get hold of reports on these and any ECG’s you have had, so that if you can afford £150-£200 you can see a Cardiologist/EP privately. Make sure that you tell them any further tests/appointments need to be under NHS care.

You need to not be off sick for the foreseeable just waiting to be seen!

Best wishes

Pat x

[Dickyticker26]

This is not me

Why have 2 users got the same name?

[Sillyfroggy]

You have 26 at the end of your username. He does not

[Dickyticker26 in reply to Sillyfroggy]

It's not good enough

I was first and I want to be the only one

I have put in a Report and anxiously await the outcome

[Sillyfroggy in reply to Dickyticker26]

I think that’s a good idea. What is the world coming to?!

[Dickyticker26 in reply to Sillyfroggy]

I think that there is a "Ticking ticker" as well but that is not so bad and I think he actually was first-or she

[Dicky-ticker]

Thank for all your help, I am reassured by the fact that it is not just me out there worrying. Contacted my cardiologist secretary this morning and have "super eptopic responses" and will be having my review appointment moved forward. Seen GP also and she too is chasing review from her end.

Awaiting triage call from arthmyia nurse. So feeling a little less limbo 😁

[Hullensian]

Only suggestion I can give is if you are at all worried about your symptons, if they get worse, phone for an ambulance. Once they are made aware of symptoms connected to one's heart, they should pick you up immediately and take you to A&E. This is sometimes the best option because once you are in A&E with heart related symptoms you are usually admitted and treatment commenced. In other words, you are jumping the waiting list, but what does that matter if your life is at risk.

[Dicky-ticker in reply to Hullensian]

I've already been to A&E that was how I got my 24hr ECG and eco cardi assessment earlier than planned. Attended on the Thursday, tests booked in for the Monday. My consultant is on holiday (how rude 😁) I'm positive I am on the right road now, just it's a slow journey. But thank you

[Zabrallo]

Last time I had especially bad episode of AF I went to our local urgent care centre. Had the ECG and bloods done straight away. Doctor who seen me contacted nearest hospital and had discussion with cardiologist there regarding the medication. They've put me on Diltiazem (I had breathing difficulties because of the bisoprolol in the past) and blood thinners. She also told me to see go and ask him to write to my consultant regarding bringing the appointment forward(I had my next appointment in April next year).

Got a letter from consultant couple of weeks later, my "urgent" appointment will be in three months..

[Dicky-ticker in reply to Zabrallo]

My appointment from initially seeing consultant was diaried for 29th October. Which at the time seemed ok. Since then I am experiencing collapses/fainting episodes and struggling with medication. Spoken to cardiac consultant secretary who initially said she would bring my appointment forward, to be told due to staffing issues and the fact the clinic only runs one day a week, may appointment won't be brought forward after all. Feel whole situation is ridiculous unless you go private. (Ironically I will be seeing same consultant)

[Zabrallo in reply to Dicky-ticker]

Yes, it is quite frustrating when you are told that you can't be seen earlier because department is overloaded but at the same time there is an appointment available as early as next week if you go private. I hope you will get the answers you are looking for when you see a consultant and they will sort out your medication.