Frustration Alert!

[N1kk1B]

Hi everyone & happy new year!

Does anyone else feel extremely frustrated by the way test results are managed?

Unfortunately I don't feel like I've had the best experience under the care of my hospital in terms of my condition. Every test result, I've had to chase and there is never a follow up appointment to discuss the outcome. My GP is supportive but doesn't feel able to discuss the results of my recent echo in full as he doesn't fully understand it. I'm sure that I would be called in by the hospital if there was a problem, but I feel that they should really be offering some kind of consultation after tests are carried out. I have a copy of my latest echo, but don't have a clue what the figures mean.

I also can't understand how my TAA can measure 4.5 then show as being 4.2 on my recent echo. Can they shrink?

I know health care professionals in this field work with this every day and can kind of become detached, but we as individuals who may not have any medical background, need reassurance, direction and advice. I'm just so confused and frustrated at the whole process.

Apologies for the rant 😔

[bantam12]

Have you called your Consultants secretary with your concerns ? they are usually able and very good at sorting things out.

[N1kk1B in reply to bantam12]

Hello bantam12, thank you for your reply. It seems that I've recently had a change of consultant, which I has no idea about until recently, and have tried contacting his secretary but have not yet had a call back. I'll chase again today.

[bantam12 in reply to N1kk1B]

It can be hard work getting answers but keep at it, good luck 😉

[N1kk1B in reply to bantam12]

Thank you 🙂

[Nathan53]

Unfortunately this is my experience much of the time where I have to Google results to make sense of them - not ideal but in the absence of GP's who are unwilling or due to lack of time dig a little deeper what else can you do. I suggest you call a BHF Nurse as they should be able to help and may be able to offer advice. Phone for BHF is 0300 330 3311

[lettingoffsteam]

Totally get what you are saying.They managed to lose my test results last year and I had to complain to PALS twice before I got any satisfaction.Having more tests now so hope they get back to me especially as I now have a cardiologist.

[N1kk1B]

Thank you both. Our NHS is under so much pressure and unfortunately people are suffering for it.

[Hidden]

I had 12 days ECG - Nurse phoned up.

She said, "there's only one day results!

you may need another" as if that was my fault.

Nothing heard since.

Not surprised but I am considering a letter to the

BHF about the complete dysfunction within the rather

well-known unit. "enough is enough" has arrived...

[Jops]

My TAA went up to 5.0 and on later echos measured 4.9 and 4.7. My cardiologist said that can happen as there is a small margin of error when the measurements are taken.