rapid assessment chest pain clinic

[Snowboarder66]

Have been referred to this by my gp on monday due to ongoing mild chest discomfort on exertion and with stress. He ordered an ecg and bloods for the next day. Unfortunately the ecg was abnormal - left hemiblock. I tried to book the appointment with the documentation given me but was told there was a 3 week waiting list which I am now on. Gp seemed to think I'd been seen within next 7 -10 days which is long enough. Should I ring surgery to hurry appointment along if possible or is this standard. I'm tempted to see someone privately as a one off consultation but not sure how that would help. Am pretty petrified to be honest. Any advice ?

[MichaelJH Heart Star]

When my GP referred me to the Urgent Chest Pain Clinic on a Wednesday he expected me to be seen early the following week! Despite chase ups (we are very busy!) it was six weeks before I was seen - really not good enough! At that appointment I had an ECG and saw a cardiologist. He felt I needed an angiogram for which there was a four month wait. I was also sent to the phlebotomists (blood test). Because of the wait I decided to go privately. I saw a cardiologist (cost £200) and opted to have the angiogram done privately as well (cost over £1000). He also tweaked my medication which significantly reduced the angina. The angiogram revealed four blocked arteries including the LAD at 85%. I then went back to the NHS as futher steps were beyond my pocket. Last year I had a quadruple bypass. I think it is worth going privately as you then know where you are and stop imagining what the situation might be. Good luck!

[Snowboarder66 in reply to MichaelJH]

Thanks very much for that. May well have to take the same route.

Wonder if the waiting time depends on severity /need or just first come first served ?

[MichaelJH Heart Star in reply to Snowboarder66]

I think it is a mixture of both. Sadly cardiology is overloaded/under resourced these days.

[Cutekitten]

Hi snowboarder, I was referred by my GP and it was 7 weeks before I received an appointment, then the day before they cancelled it and it was 10 weeks from referral before I received another one, I was lucky enough to access my husbands healthcare from work and was seen the same day of asking resulting in an angioplasty with stents fitted. Unfortunately it’s a bit of a postcode lottery and cardiology being stretched, if you can get at least a consultation I would, good luck with things thinking of you.

[Snowboarder66 in reply to Cutekitten]

Thanks ! Just looking at private consultations in the north west !

[Snowboarder66 in reply to Snowboarder66]

Can i ask did you work whilst waiting for angiogram etc. I've got quite a physically active job 12 hour long shifts and really worry about coping !

[Clerkenweller]

It took so long (months) I never got there and ended up at A&E. If you can afford it go private for a check. Failing that go to A&E. Take a good book!

[Snowboarder66 in reply to Clerkenweller]

Thanks very much I feel like just going to A/E so they can check me out and I can see a cardiology specialist through the back door !

[seniorita in reply to Snowboarder66]

Don't count on it. Unless they think you're having a heart attack you will see someone briefly then get sent away possibly with medication or maybe just a suggestion that your GP prescribes.

[seniorita in reply to Clerkenweller]

And sandwiches, and a flask of tea, etc

[Hidden]

It might help to ask your employer if they have access to any private care since long waits for tests and interventions can cause a business much disruption. Then perhaps a look at your (if appropriate) house insurance or contents insurance as they often can carry some forms of medical cover for just these situations. Worth a try if you have any insurances like that. Good luck anyway

[Snowboarder66 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks ! Work for nhs in very acute area so no benefits etc unless taken ill there !

[seasider18]

According to this link it is a benign condition.

scopeheal.com/anterior-left...

[Dolphin14 in reply to seasider18]

He has symptoms though. Chest pain with exertion May have been the reason for consult? Just a thought.

[Qualipop]

My appointment at he rapid access clinic was 5 weeks. Get you doctor to chase it up

[elliebath]

I'm sure it varies by area. I was referred by my GP to my local Rapid Chest Pain Clinic and was seen in 10 days.

A couple of tests there and then referred for a coronary CT scan ( angiogram) which I waited 7 weeks for. Then it took 4 weeks for the result, due to an "admin problem" in getting the letter out !!!

[Snowboarder66]

Thanks everyone ! so I rang the clinic to see if I’d actually got an appointment with them. Apparently because I’m not under a cardiologist I can’t be seen and my gp should have known this . Luckily I’d got a last minute appointment with a different gp already this morning to ask to speed things up and she’s going to chase up an urgent appointment with a cardiology consultant. I’m to ring on Monday, if nothing soon she’ll refer me privately. So bloody stressful and frightening

[Modeller3]

Hi Michaeljh

See if your surgery is on line,where you can get the same day appointment.If not ask your PPG

Good luck