Shock for me today !

[Pinkpeony]

After having lots of problems over the last few years. A raft of blood tests has shown problems with my heart. A phone call from the Nurse Practitioner told me this today and that a doctor would call me tomorrow to discuss this. Can you sort of prepare me so that I'm not caught in the dark. A small stroke a few years is the only experience I have . Thank you Pp

[10gingercats]

Well, this is a pretty obvious answer but you should be told everything they have discovered and not just the major issue.So you want a breakdown of what is the matter and write it down while the doc. is on the phone.It could be just one thing before you get too worried.Then you want to know precisely what can done to improve your health.I would start with this. I am sure other bright sparks on this forum will come up with all sorts of good advice.

[Pinkpeony in reply to 10gingercats]

Thank you for the prompt reply . I will see where it goes . Pp

[Pinkpeony in reply to 10gingercats]

Thank you I was so panicked I didn't stop to think. Of course I would have to be referred. Fingers crossed 🤞

Regards Pp

[RufusScamp]

I assume the doctor will tell you what the problem is, and discuss future treatment. I was put on an assortment of meds, and was sent on a cardio rehab course where we did monitored exercises, and had talks on the various aspects of heart health - diet, meds, anxiety, with a chance to discuss things in detail. (This scheme probably isn't running at the moment.)

You may need further tests depending on what is actually the matter. An ECG to look at your heart beat, an echoscan to look at it (like the scan in pregnancy), and, in my experience, more blood tests. If you have any questions, write them down so you remember, and I try to make notes of any advice I am given.

It's usually upsetting to be told you have a heart problem, but treatment now is so much better than it used to be, I hope it goes well for you tomorrow.

[Pinkpeony in reply to RufusScamp]

Thank you. I will read and digest and see what the gp has to say tomorrow. Pp

[Pinkpeony in reply to RufusScamp]

Hello, rude of me not to reply. Of course the answer is a referral to cardiology. I'm afraid in these present times it was a phone call saying basically that my heart isn't beating correctly. So tests I guess. Doctors are absent from our practice. I'm not sure what complaint you have to have for a face to face appointment.

Regards Pp

[10gingercats]

You can of course request a face to face. I did that in the cardio dept. at the hosital when they gave me a tel. consultation and in another dept I need to attend quite regulaarly. I got a face to face in each case and husband allowed to accompany me as well!You do need to be proactive and ask for what you will feel is best for you.

[Pinkpeony in reply to 10gingercats]

Thank you yes I will. Hubby sometimes thinks I say too much but I don't believe they are any better than me. I'm suffering dreadfully from painful swollen calves and ankles which they are attributing to heart probs, I'm so sick of not having proper medical attention. I was told a couple of weeks so we shall see. Regards Pp