Can I contact them?

Just a quick question. I had my first appointment with my cardiologist on Thursday. It was just an introduction phone call to go over my symptoms and map out a plan. I'm waiting for a letter confirming the tests. Am I allowed to ring my cardiologist and let them know that things that have got a bit worse? Just since yesterday I feel like things are a bit harder.

[Fish4Info]

I'm 62 and had heart disease for 15 years ... so relatively relaxed about how things are. My belief/view is that GPs/Consultants are simply stakeholders in my care. And if it's relevant to a recent conversation, if I were in your situation I would probably contact the consultant's secretary and leave a message letting them know why you thought it important to tell them of any change in health. Ask the secretary if they can call you back. I'd also let your GP practice know too - so wire's don't get crossed.

In the past I have sent letters to consultants and copied them to my GP too.

I think you get better outcomes when you take a lead.

[Hidden in reply to Fish4Info]

Just called them, couldn’t speak to him directly but the secretary said that she will pass the information on and he will decide what happens. Not sure how I will know what is happening, I’m assuming he will contact me. This is all so new to me

[Fish4Info in reply to Hidden]

Like scm21 says, try not to worry. The early days of heart (and other health) problems are always the most worrisome. But most people learn to deal with whatever they've got going on. And most people you deal with are understanding ... especially with younger people. Good luck.

[scm21]

hi hope you're ok.

try not to be too worried, easier said than done. but once you see the cardiologist they will explain more about what's going on. I can assume that because you keep getting turned away it means you are probably not in imminent danger, however that's very unreassuring when you're the person going through it. I experienced almost the same symptoms as you are now on my journey and I just wake up everyday grateful. try not to stress and hopefully tomorrow the consultant will ease some of your concerns

[Hidden in reply to scm21]

I haven’t been turned away?

[scm21 in reply to Hidden]

I meant in regards to them saying its anxiety. I read your previous post.

[Putterguy]

Quick answer Yes contact your consultants secretary and ask for a phone call back. I have my consultants e mail address so if I needed to contact I would send an e mail with the facts and your question. This will give them a chance to find an answer before they get back to you. I have done this in the past and had either a phone response same or next day or the secretary has made an appointment for me to see the consultant. Don’t wait always take the initiative.

[Hidden in reply to Putterguy]

I phoned yesterday and the secretary told me the cardiologist would decide on what happens next. Haven’t had any updates today yet

[Putterguy in reply to Hidden]

Don’t be put off, keep requesting an answer. Not sure what information you need but don’t give up.

[bantam12 in reply to Hidden]

You have to be proactive but be careful not to push to hard as they will happily label you as over anxious and put all your symptoms down to that, as much as we would all like to get immediate attention truth is it rarely happens !

[Peony4575 in reply to bantam12]

Not least because the consultants are mad busy

[bantam12 in reply to Peony4575]

Yep and to busy for the routine stuff ☹️

[Hidden]

I’m well aware that they are busy. Listen, everyone handles it differently. I’m not handling the prospect of having a heart condition very well. So forgive me if I am struggling with the waiting process???

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Yes well you're most likely to still be in shock with it all. They do have to tend to Emergencies and the Back Log of Covid. If your Case is Urgent they will prioritise you!