Heart Attack

[Sopi]

I feel a little let down as I had my heart attack in March last year and haven’t really heard from the hospital or doctors.

[RufusScamp]

That is not good. Have you not been part of a rehab scheme? Over the last 18 months I have had face-to-face and telephone consultations, various tests and a couple of minor procedures. The cardio nurse is visiting this week to check on my medication, which she has done regularly.Have you tried contacting your GP?

[Kristin1812 Heart Star]

How are you now? You said you haven’t ‘really’ heard from them. We’re you dealt with well when you had the HA? Has your GP been helpful? Have you had some sort of contact with the hospital since?

[CharleneB]

Hi Sopi, I feel the same way I had my HA in December I had 1 follow up appointment and the cardiologist said see you next year. I had appointment with the rehab team and received a letter letting me know I have been discharged.

[Hidden]

Welcome to the obviously patchy world of post hospital care. Once you walk out of those doors you are on your own, I am afraid - help is there if you need it but you have to chase it. I was told I would be contacted by my GP surgery for annual checks but in reality it does not happen, I have been told so many times I have "slipped through the net" I sometimes wonder if I am turning into a sardine. I have not once in 2 1/2 years been contacted for anything, all the checks and "reviews" have been at my instigation. It's not good, but I am still here, which is how I look at it.

[Misstibbs]

I had the same and missed any rehab but my GP did a review and said see you in a year so I would take the initiative and book to see your GP for a complete review and another echocardiogram. In terms of rehab following the BHF guidance is good.

[Janma123]

Hi Sopi, unfortunately that is the situation for many. My hubby has had at least 2HAs , a quadruple bypass and a stroke that occurred just 9 days after being signed off from the hospital and anticoagulant and another medication being stopped abruptly. He also has T2 diabetes and is deficient in B12, thanks to some of his medication.

His aftercare has been sporadic to say the least, his diabetic checks over the past two years have been almost nonexistent and his b12 injections were just stopped due to Covid. He was told to take tablets that he probably can’t absorb. His diabetic checks only happened after I phoned as his blood glucose level was high, he’s had a blood test and a phone call, nothing else.

Chase up your GP or speak to the nurses on BHF helpline if you need reassurance, but lack of aftercare seems to be widespread sadly.

Best wishes, Jane

[Putterguy]

Contact your GP, you should have been referred to the community heart nurse team for your area. I see mine every two weeks and I have been in constant dialogue with my GP. Also find out who your consultant is as they are there for you. Make contact with someone don’t wait until it happens again!!!

[Hidden in reply to Putterguy]

Where is this wonderful place you live, filled with community teams and constant dialogue? The only person I have ever seen was the "Chronic Disease" nurse at the health centre who was a waste of time to be honest, the only thing chronic was her obvious close relationship with chocolate and cream cakes!

[Hidden]

RufusScamp

Do you actually live in the UK??

Are you being serious about Cardiac Rehab Nurses discussing medication and visiting you?

It sounds like another Universe to me based on my experience!!!

[Chappychap]

If you had a heart attack last March then you're coming up for your annual review either with your GP or with a specialist practise nurse. This is the recommended level of care. It generally includes blood tests, a basic ECG, blood pressure check, and a weight check. You're entitled to a copy of the test results if you request them. I'd recommend getting a copy as it contains some extremely valuable information that gives you important information about your progress and future risks. I had mine over the phone during Covid, so it didn't feature the ECG, but the blood test was done and I checked my own blood pressure and weight at home and reported them as part of the call.

If you haven't been invited then call your GP and request an annual cardiac patient review.

Good luck!

[Sopi in reply to Chappychap]

Thanks

[ZM1281]

Had my HA only 2 months ago, but have had lots of follow up appointment with the hospital, GP's etc....that's very strange how you haven't heard from them for over a year! Chase it up...nothing is more important than knowing that your health is ok!

[PhilandDon]

Hi SopiI had a heart attack 2 years ago and had 3 stents fitted. Once I left the hospital I was given a letter about the procedure and medication and my notes were forwarded to my GP. I was also offered a place on a rehab scheme (which I took up) and given a huge information file. After that I had no contact with the hospital unless I was concerned and have had annual reviews with my GP where I get blood tests, blood pressure checked, chat about medication and lifestyle. If your attack was last March then get in touch with your surgery and book your review.

Hope this helps.

Regards

[Sopi in reply to PhilandDon]

Thanks

[Babpak11111]

Well looks like I'm not alone then reading all the replies you have had. I had my heart attack last February came out of hospital 12th March. That's it really. No rehab as that was cancelled. But I had to chase that up, and got the number from the hospital discharge booklets. My GP said I was under Cardiology when I rang during the first lock down. I have had nausea from since I had the heart attack and that's still on going. Cardiologist said I should go through the GP and he'd see me in a year. I then received a letter saying I was discharged and now under my GP for care. No tests since being in hospital. I have gave up with the GP but at least I did get anti sickness medication prescribed by the Cardiologist at the time. I usually go in for treatment ( unrelated to heart) but in London not locally. I usually would discuss with the doctors there any problems I'm having. Yes you 've guessed it . That was cancelled. The unit was made into a Covid ward and ICU. I was due to have my treatment next week, but had a phone call Monday. Cancelled. Next one now June. I go four times a year for a weeks infusion each time. I only got the one weeks infusion in total last year which leaves me quite ill. Only time my medication have been checked was my General Review by the Nurse at my Surgery last July!!! The NHS had many problems before Covid and were always very understaffed and under pressure. I for sure couldn't do what they do.

No idea what the answer what the answer is but this last year must have been and still is unbearable working conditions and they won't be able to get back to normal. Think if you are lucky to have a good GP that helps. I did and she was brilliant. But Doctors move on sadly.

Good luck!

[firstlight40]

Unfortunately it seems that COVID has affected many health services with gp and cardiac services being just examples. It's been well publicised that cancer care is suffering too. I was told that the staged PCI procedure I needed to have in 4 to 6 weeks would actually be at least 24 weeks. With hospitals emptying of covid patients things should be getting back to normal but as others have said you will need to be proactive to get the help you need at the moment unfortunately.

[Telboi]

That’s shocking Sopi and you should not accept it - this is your LIFE!

How was your Heart Attack treated? Are you on a waiting list for assessment?

Don’t be passive, be bloody demanding - there is marvellous help out there so get to your GP surgery and tell them to get their finger out. The last thing you need is worry that you are not being cared for.

Terry

[Aimslou]

Hi Sopi I feel the same way as you,I also had my heart attack last march just as covid came around so there for I missed out on rehab and any other support due to not being able to attend anything,I had a call from the hospital 2 days ago to check on me and now booked me in for a heart scan. I feel very unwell most days with today being one of them days.just lately I keep feeling very hot and sweating like crazy and feel very sick when I'm cleaning up for example 😒 I don't know if this is something other people experience or if its just me

[Rycon]

My heart attack was just over 2 years ago and I had 1 stent fitted. After the follow up appointment After my HA silence has been golden! Any problems or worries I contact the GP but I have not seen a cardiologist since he fitted my stent. Tbh I have found more useful information and help on this forum than I have ever received from my Gp. My last blood test didnt check my kidney function which surely the fact I am on statins should be a given but obviously not so yet another blood test taken! I keep getting anemia but rather than find out why I just get prescribed iron for 3 months then about a month after I stop them I am back to square 1! So yes I would love to live near the person who has regular visits and check ups😁