NHS under pressure.

[Kristin1812]

I had a follow-up routine phone call with Cardio yesterday. He seemed relieved when I said I felt more stable on the new pills, given by GP after two recent Ambulance visits to A and E (with Unstable angina episodes. My GP had tried to consult with Cardio Dept after my 2 emergencies, but couldn’t get a response.

For one we’d had to wait 10 mins for the 999 phone to be answered, and both took over an hour for the ambulance to arrive, while I was unable to get off the floor. Both felt v like previous HAs.

A and E was very busy. It was my allocated nurses first day there. She had to be shown how to use everything.

The Cardio phone Appt took about 5 minutes.

He said my yearly echo to check heart valves, was ‘in the pipeline …there’s a very long wait’. It’s already about 6 months late.

I really feel for the staff, trying to keep things going, but I’m afraid the NHS in this region doesn’t feel at all like the caring, safety-net it used to.

[080311]

Morning Kristin1812

I am so sorry to read your post, our lives on the NHS with COVID is certainly different, it’s so much harder.

I haven’t had my yearly echocardiogram for the pads 2 years though have had a letter with an appointment for the 1st June next year for echocardiogram and a face to face with my cardiologist it’s my 5 year review though by then it will be 6 years! I have a tissue replacement aortic valve. By the way this letter arrived the 6th June this year so the appointment was for a years time 😂

Take good care

Best wishes Pauline

[Kristin1812 Heart Star in reply to 080311]

Lordy! Thank you for your thoughts. You’re right, things have really changed for us. I hope you are doing OK, in spite of these v long delays?

[Curlyman83]

NHS have been brilliant for me…have I had to wait slightly longer for appointments? Has information from my cardiologist been more difficult to gather? Yes. Do I feel let down or forgotten? Absolutely not.

I suppose things differ from area to area but if we really want change, we need to make it happen at the ballot box.

[Rob6868]

I feel your pain KristinA couple of weeks ago i took myself into hospital after constant chest pain that wouldn't go after gtn spray

I was getting worse and rather than ring an ambulance. Yes i appreciate it may have been irresponsible to drive but i was desperate and couldn't get an ambulance quick enough.

On arriving at A+E i looked at waiting time... 218 patients and 3.5 hour wait for triage

As i waited more and more people arrived

There was even a stabbing that happened right in front of me resulting in 4 security guards and 2 police officers wrestling him to the ground.. After 3 hours even though i was told im a top priority because of my cardiac history i was seen. Only to be told to sit back in the waiting room.

Had bloods done

At 1 am i was told i needed to take a covid test as im staying in... They were now worried about me??? Really

So i arrived at 3pm and was admitted at 3am to be precise the following day... Woken at 6am for more bloods and ecg.. Woken again at 8am...pointless because ive had no sleep anyway.

By 10am i saw the cardio team who decided to discharge me after further examination..

I agree the NHS is under huge strain but seriously

[Hidden in reply to Rob6868]

Sorry, but it is not a case of "it may be irresponsible" it was 'Totally irresponsible', if you felt ill enough to dial 999, you should NOT drive yourself, call a taxi or family member.

What if you had passed out/arrested at the wheel and caused an accident/killed someone.

[Rob6868 in reply to Hidden]

I saw that comingThanks for your advice

But i had to make a very quick decision after NOT being able to get through at that given time.

[Hidden in reply to Rob6868]

Still totally wrong decision, but hopefully there won’t be a next time.

Take care

[Kristin1812 Heart Star in reply to Rob6868]

I’m sorry you had such a tough time at A and E. The NHS just isn’t the same, is it?

[Milkfairy Heart Star in reply to Kristin1812]

I have lots of trips to A&E and hospital admissions over the last 10 years, with unstable angina.

I have had good and bad experiences. Several waits of upto 12 hours for a bed on the Cardiology ward pre Covid.

I always take my sandwiches with me.

Last admission was in September, arrived at midnight in A&E, in my bed by 6am.

It may help that I have an Admission protocol and the Cardiology Registrar knew me from a previous admission.

[Kristin1812 Heart Star in reply to Milkfairy]

This is new for our area, which is pretty rural and never used to be an immensely busy District Hospital. What a difference, You sound really well prepared. I will take your tip on sandwiches. Good one! Thanks.

[Hidden]

Dear Kristin1812

I read with sadness your post and sorry to say that it’s not the first time such a story has been posted on here, not that helps with your own situation.

There is nothing that I can say that can help you, other than you are in my thoughts and to let you know that you are not alone.

I really hope that there is an answer to your problem soon, please let your GP know how you are feeling at each stage, there are plenty of things that even at a GPS level that can help you why you have to wait the what seems an endless wait.

Good luck and please if there is anything anyone can help you with please post.

Your journey has just begun, some of us are very lucky to be nearer our heart journeys end.

Take care

[Kristin1812 Heart Star in reply to Hidden]

Thank you for concern and your ideas. I will contact the GP. He’s a good man, and interested. He may well help me deal with my one real worry…..what if it happens again? It comes with absolutely no warning.I am also wondering how you are doing. I liked your description of the vest you were ‘entombed’ in! Though actually wearing it for so long must have been just ghastly.

Enjoy your journey. Your ‘new’ life.