Went to private hospital : So even... - British Heart Fou...

British Heart Foundation

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Went to private hospital

Scoopdogg profile image
28 Replies

So even though I was discharged June 5th with Hf and 10% ef - and having tbh a not very engaged h/f nurse my consultant appointment last week was cancelled - not even a video or telephone call scheduled.

So I booked a private consultation at Ross hall in Glasgow - paying myself. I’m so glad I did- a full uninterrupted hour of talk about my condition, meds, prognosis, future options and concerns I may have. Well worth the money to feel reassured and focused on my recovery. The Consultant know mine and will contact him. Overall I would highly recommend doing this if you are in a similar position.

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Scoopdogg profile image
Scoopdogg
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28 Replies
Love101cats profile image
Love101cats

I'm pleased you left that comment as I have been thinking about a private consultation for some time as I have not had any appointments with a cardiologist in the two years since hospital admission with heart failure. Im 2/3 level with a BNP of 4,500. So I will try again but I was told by h.f. nurses that you had to be referred.

Scoopdogg profile image
Scoopdogg in reply to Love101cats

I never even told the nurse. I took my discharge letter and list of updated meds. When you call to book they tell you everything, it may be enough to have a letter from your gp. The consultant also worked for a local Nhs so I gave permission for her to be able to access my full notes when she is able.

MichaelJH profile image
MichaelJHHeart Star

I did this in the diagnostic stage of my CAD (coronary artery disease) and like yourself found it worth every penny unlike the negativity about private consultations in a recent thread. Really pleased that you found it if great benefit.

Scoopdogg profile image
Scoopdogg in reply to MichaelJH

Glad you did too - worth every penny - and this climate of cancelled appointments very reassuring

VickiMB profile image
VickiMB

Great result - we did this too after my husband had HA last year. I have to take my hat off the NHS, they were fantastic in terms of monitoring, care and procedures but their communication is shocking, and until you’re in the cardio ward, I don’t think any of us have any idea what a mine field the heart is - and they just don’t give you enough information. We had a full hour with a private dr, he explained everything thoroughly, drew diagrams and explained what to expect after. Unfortunately my husband suffered another HA from restenosis as his body rejected the stent, and his new angioplasty was overseen by the Dr we have been seeing privately! So this has relieved me somewhat and I think we will continue to see him regularly for private consultations. Keep well.

Scoopdogg profile image
Scoopdogg in reply to VickiMB

Thanks Vicki - I agree I think the nhs were amazing and I have no issue with my consultant- I do feel the Hf nurse is a bit self important . I certainly think I will have more private consultations where necessary to have things explained better . All going well your husband will improve.

Sunnie2day profile image
Sunnie2day in reply to VickiMB

If your husband's new angioplasty was done by the consultant you saw privately, he may be willing to put your husband on his NHS list if it's not already full to the brim.

I went private last year and after the consultant looked at my echo he put me on his NHS list, it's been great to have that continuity.

Alisbabas profile image
Alisbabas

Great!

I have booked for a private echo as I was due one in June and due to the NHS being so behind I need to get peace of mind. I’m supposed to have one every year.

The NHS is so under pressure and do a great job.

Take care

Ali

Scoopdogg profile image
Scoopdogg in reply to Alisbabas

Totally agree !

Sunnie2day profile image
Sunnie2day in reply to Alisbabas

I was due in May for my annual but owing to pandemic delays, it's been postponed. I'd go private but the last time I did that was before the pandemic and it ended up being done at the NHS teaching hospital (closest unit). I'm in NE Scotland.

I feel great so my cardiologist and I have taken the decision 'No rush' and I can wait. The reason I'm monitored is owing the presence of minimal pericardial effusion - if it starts increasing I know immediately (symptoms) and he's said he'll rush me in if that happens.

But if I were being monitored for one of the 'silent' conditions I'd go as far as needed to find a unit that would do a private echo on the quick. Good on you for taking the precaution to find a private echo and booking in - please update us with the results.

Alisbabas profile image
Alisbabas in reply to Sunnie2day

Hi mine is at the local NHS hospital I could of gone to three different private hospitals but because the doctor rents out the space on a Saturday at the NHS one it’s the closest.

I will get a full report within 2 days so no worry waiting for weeks for the results

Take care

Ali

Sunnie2day profile image
Sunnie2day in reply to Alisbabas

Very much worth the cost to end worries, I'd do the same thing if I didn't know I've nothing to worry about the now. Fingers crossed for a good result for you!

Alisbabas profile image
Alisbabas in reply to Sunnie2day

Thanks I will do x

Scoopdogg profile image
Scoopdogg in reply to Sunnie2day

I asked about the other echo , goes down your throat - apparently even more accurate than standard one. As I have an mri in couple of weeks there was no point

Sunnie2day profile image
Sunnie2day in reply to Scoopdogg

I hated that one - 'Swallow, swallow, keep swallowing...and all the while my throat was sending the 'I'm about to gag this thing right back at'cha!' signal. Still, they do get a lot of info from it if it can be tolerated, it gives a better view of the back side of things like valves, etc.

I just do not ever want to have another transoesophageal echo (TOE) if I can possibly help it!

Scoopdogg profile image
Scoopdogg in reply to Sunnie2day

I had a camera down for stomach before so though maybe doable - but no need now phew

Outforawalk profile image
Outforawalk

This is really interesting, I had been thinking about doing the same thing for a debrief after my HA and stents back in March. Really just to have the chance to talk about my various feelings, ups and downs and general prognosis with someone who knows the intricacies of what I’ve had and had done.

I made an appointment to see an orthopaedic consultant when I ruptured a bicep tendon a few years ago and it was the best money I’ve ever spent.

I am also near Glasgow and have nothing but respect and admiration for those that treated me, and indeed the rehab team I spoke to on the phone. But I do appreciate the NHS can’t facilitate lengthy dialogue when there is very little wrong with me other than me wanting to talk about it!

Scoopdogg profile image
Scoopdogg in reply to Outforawalk

Yeah i agree - I filled the hour easily asking questions and addressing concerns and the consultant was excellent

Sunnie2day profile image
Sunnie2day in reply to Outforawalk

Owie-Owie-Owie, I completely empathise! I had a catastrophic fall in March 2016, broke or dislocated everything in my dominant arm from fingers to collarbone - after the dislocated shoulder spontaneously resolved (gravity hang - this wasn't my first rodeo), the pain from the dislocated biceps was agonising.

Did you have to have surgery, if yes, was it successful - did you regain full mobility?

I was in my late (very) 50s and the decision was no surgery owing to my age and heart conditions. I was in rehab for 30 months and have regained 95% mobility - surprised them all as they told me to expect at best 80%. :) I'm never going to tie another apron behind my back or play tennis again but I can still play badminton!

Knittinganimals profile image
Knittinganimals

I have afib and have had a lot of weird symptoms which my doctor said was all to do bisoprolol and then atenolol.

I decided to see a private cardiologist as I needed someone to talk to face to face not on the phone.

He was absolutely brilliant and had a lot of recommendations that weren’t cardiac related, such as my pins and needles and burning sensations everywhere and who to see.

I feel it was worth every penny but I have also had excellent care from the nhs hospital in Milton Keynes, regarding other problems

Scoopdogg profile image
Scoopdogg in reply to Knittinganimals

Glad it was a good experience for you too

Yorkie0 profile image
Yorkie0

I went to see a cardiologist privately too, my Hf nurse wasn’t overly forthcoming with future plans or when I’d see a cardiologist under the NHS, as it stands it’s now over 18 months since my HA.

The Hf nurses work really hard and have the best interests of patients at heart but aren’t able to advise on the future plans for my care, more maintain my meds. Anytime I ask about tests to check on the condition of my heart (40% EF) damage time the heart wall and a leaky mitral valve they simply say there is no clinical reason to...I maybe ok but it feels like some action would only be take when something more serious happens....and no reassurance when I put this to them.

Scoopdogg profile image
Scoopdogg in reply to Yorkie0

Yeah my experience similar and the reason I feel so much more reassured after talking to a private consultant

Yasyass profile image
Yasyass

Can anyone give me an estimate of costs of private thanks

Scoopdogg profile image
Scoopdogg in reply to Yasyass

I was quoted £150-250 for an hour - the consultant chooses the fee - more expensive doesn’t mean better . I looked up who I chose - she ticked all the boxes and was £150

Scoopdogg profile image
Scoopdogg

The consultant told me that the amount Of people taking private appointments has increased sharply due to the cancellation of nhs appointments

Scoopdogg profile image
Scoopdogg

I was quoted £150-250 higher price doesn’t mean better consultant

GreenMonday profile image
GreenMonday

Thank you.

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