Advice regarding heart failure treatment in the UK

[Jepo4321]

Hello - I'm actually looking for some advice. My father-in-law is being treated for heart failure in the UK. My husband and I live in the US. While my husband is originally from the UK, he hasn't lived there for 25 years - and the UK health system is very different from the US health system. The problem is that we are trying to guide my mother-in-law bc my FIL will not help himself. He recently has had increased spells of nausea, vomiting and says he has the feeling of something being stuck in his throat, after he's sick he then sleeps for several hours. He will most likely tell any professional that he is "fine". He has a GP and was referred to a heart specialist. The heart specialist ruled out heart surgery at this time and sent him to a local heart clinic. The heart clinic nurse adjusted medications. When we suggested my MIL call the heart clinic nurse, my MIL said that the nurse had "signed them off" last month. We don't understand what this means. Who should my MIL call to let them know that he's having increased symptoms? She said there is no one to call. My MIL said that the nurse said at one point that if he's having new symptoms to call 999 - which is the last thing we want to suggest bc of the virus. Who should we suggest her to call? Thank you for your help.

[Sunnie2day]

Hiya. Your MIL needs to contact the GP - the heart clinic nurse has signed your FIL off meaning he has been discharged back to the exclusive care of the GP so the GP is the one to telephone (hopefully first thing tomorrow morning BST - it's now just after 5pm BST).

She can also telephone the BHF Heart Helpline cardiac nurses on:

(as dialled from the UK) 0300 330 3311

The lines are open Monday through Friday 9am to 5pm and the nurses are wonderful.

All the best to all of you. I'm a 'good patient' but my children and grandchildren - who live in the USA - aren't very good at hiding their worry over my heart wobble this past year so I can imagine what you're going through. Please keep us updated as to how you all get on.

[shopman]

You should also have a look at pumpingmarvellous.org/

[Ads568]

Your mother-in-law could also phone 111 for advice. This is a kind of a triage service - bit more urgent than waiting for a GP appointment, but not as urgent as 999. They will signpost her to the next appropriate step. I think she should contact someone, because if he’s being sick he won’t be absorbing his medication, which could have serious implications.

It’s important for us to remember that the NHS is still there for ‘normal’ emergencies, not just COVID 19, as Stephen Powis mentioned in yesterday’s govt briefing.

Best wishes to you parents in law. It must be hard for you being so far away.

Take care. Stay safe!

[MissisF]

My husband was ‘signed off’ by his heart failure nurse but told he could ring at any time if he was worried. I think this is standard practice when the patient is stable. Do get MIL to call. That said, they will be overwhelmed at the moment due to the virus. Most GPs are doing telephone consultations & will have your FILs notes. This does sound like a medication issue. Good Luck