Echo done, sprinted out of Outpatient Department like a rocket.

[ITSINTHEBAG9]

Firstly can I thank everyone for listening to my annual pre-echo rant. I have been to hospital and had it done by a very nice and kind radiologist. Everyone was very kind.

However, a most strange visit. Barely anybody about, no loitering in the car park. I queued to go in with facemask on. Two lovely security on the main door. I had to show my appointment letter to them. I'm then allowed through where I have my temperature taken. I'm then directed to reception to show my letter again. From there I am directed to the Cardiology Radiologist Dept. I more or less go straight in.

I thought the hospital procedures were quite frankly outstanding and I felt very safe indeed.

Thank you all for listening and thank you NHS.

[080311]

Have an appointment at the hospital on Monday my husband not me, he as a lesion on his ankle GP wants it looked at they have only seen it by video, so maybe a possibility of biopsy. Am my husband’s carer so need to go with him, spoke to the department last Monday under normal circumstances I wouldn’t be allowed in the hospital but because of his disability they will let me in .Reading your post was very reassuring, neither of us have been further than the garden since the 5th March so quite nervous of leaving the house! Have all the face masks gloves and sanitizer . They were very reassuring but said the final decision had to be ours. We had decided to go and reading your post as just made us feel so much better. Thank you.

Best wishes Pauline

[ITSINTHEBAG9 in reply to 080311]

Certainly the procedures at hospital here were very very stringent Pauline. The Radiologist was PPE'd to the hilt, mask, visor, gloves, full overalls over other overalls. I felt very safe. My cousin WAS concerned about me visiting and even suggested perhaps more or less moving the appt along. I'm glad I didn't.

[080311 in reply to ITSINTHEBAG9]

It’s very reassuring reading your post I was due my yearly echo last month but haven’t heard so far. But I will go whenever it comes through, our sons are very nervous of us going on Monday, but I feel we have to go just in case this is something nasty. My husband is a bit of a worrier and if we cancelled he would not be able to rest. Thanks again for your post.

Best wishes Pauline

[Fredders]

Good to hear it all went okay. I think hospitals are doing an amazing job in the circumstances. At least the echo is done now and you can relax a bit.

Wendy

[StevepH2012]

Hi

I can echo your experience when I had CT angiogram last week - no queuing, appropriate PPE and masks etc, whole process felt safe, controlled and was efficient ( I even had another Echo thrown in for good measure).

I can't comment on whether carers allowed in as well as I saw only the 4 other patients in my bay (2 ablations, 2 pacemakers), all of whom seemed physically up to walking themselves around etc..

Stay well

[080311 in reply to StevepH2012]

Thanks for your reply, have spoken to the department and they said I will be allowed with him, maybe not in the consulting room as it’s quite small so we will have to see.

Just hope he can answer the questions! He as had a stroke so sometimes things are a bit foggy!

[ITSINTHEBAG9 in reply to 080311]

Pauline, as you've probably gleaned I'm a carer for my husband. If you can, over the weekend, type up his medication list (you could take a prescription repeat list), type up any allergies and his medical history. Give that to your husband to take in. It's the same with my husband. As you say it might be difficult to get in the actual consulting room if it's going to be a bit of a squash.

[080311 in reply to ITSINTHEBAG9]

Hi, have done this, it’s trying to think head you always feel you need to be one step ahead! And having to think for both of us😩.

[ITSINTHEBAG9 in reply to 080311]

Don't I know it Pauline. Here's to both of us and all the other carers. Do let me know how you get on x

[Templar889]

Hi. I had my last echo done early July. Was asymptomatic with Severe Aortic Stenosis from diagnosis in 2000 till mid March this year when I started with breathlessness while running and pains in my chest. No results from echo so contacted doctors to chase up. Was told no results came through then two weeks later told they had!

Was told I’d get a telephone consult, a day later was called by surgeons secretary who arranged for me to see surgeon next day. My readings were not good and coupled with my symptoms am now going through tests prior to surgery.

Having to decide on type of valve is stressing me out as I don’t want to make the wrong decision and regret it later on. 🤔

[ITSINTHEBAG9]

Well, I'm like you were. Severe and asymptomatic. Because of lifestyle (I look after a flock of sheep) I do get knocked about a bit. Add into the picture a 17 stone Ram and you'll get my drift. If I had to make the decision myself for me I would have a non-mechanical valve. But only because of the lifestyle and the knocks. Keep in touch with how you are getting on. Jane.