Help - I don't know where to turn next

Dear all

I really don't know what to do next or who to turn to.

I have been suffering from a chest squeeze each morning for over a month now. I saw a locum GP on Friday who prescribed a beta blocker and suggested that I should be referred to the Rapid Chest pain Clinic as he suspected possible Angina, but as a locum he had to run it past the senior partner. The Partner declined to refer me and just approved the beta blocker and will not reconsider. This morning I had the symptoms again and felt so poorly.

I'm thinking that I might get a private Echocardiogram undertaken as my GP does not seem to be sympathetic - I think I am being written off that it is all anxiety symptoms. If I am like this again tomorrow I might ring 101.

Thanks for listening.

[jeanjeannie50]

If I had your symptoms I'd be popping along to A&E right now and telling them what's happening and how it makes you feel poorly. With a bit of luck they'll do the tests you need right away.

Jean

[Hidden in reply to jeanjeannie50]

Hi jeanjeannie - I chased them and now have a referral and some meds. Thanks for encouraging me.

[jamesnufc]

Hi BP, Id get a second opinion 100%, im guessing the GP must still suspect angina if you've been given beta blockers so not sure why no further tests. But you know your body and its telling you something so even if it means going private get it checked, hopefully its nothing. Similar happened to a work colleague of mine he got fobbed off by GP, went private and a they found a condition that the GP would have missed as wouldn't send him for further tests. Wish you the best of luck James.

[Hidden in reply to jamesnufc]

Thanks jamesnufc. I finally got some help from the GP after my wife spoke to them. They have prescribed a GTN spray and referred me to the Rapid Chest Pain Clinic - so hope to get to the bottom of it all. Been stressful but at least my BP has settled to spot on. Thank you.

[jamesnufc in reply to Hidden]

Good to hear Good luck

[ETHEL103]

Hi yes chase,chase ,chase.111 are very good and if they think it important to see a gp they will sort it for you.Best of luck.

[Hidden in reply to ETHEL103]

Hi - I chased - rang 111 - they got me a call back from GP. Wife spoke to GP and I have now been referred and prescribed a GTN spray.

[ETHEL103 in reply to Hidden]

Excellent news.

[Hidden]

When I was diagnosed with angina I was put on a cocktail of drugs to take for life, not just a beta blocker.Have they even given a GTN spray to take when you can feel the tightness.

I'd be demanding an early appointment with a Dr at your surgery who can take decisions on your future care plan.

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Hi John, I spoke to 111 and they contacted GP. Quick call from the GP prescribing GTN spray and referral to Rapid Chest Pain Clinic. Thanks for inspiring me. Andrew

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

That's good to hear.Hope all goes well.

[WardijaWardija]

For myself, I'd definitely be ringing for emergency assistance, don't take risks with your heart, get to A&E one way or another and get checked out.

[mathematics]

Some things do not show up on an ecg or blood test, which are the two basic things they do in A and E. However you know your body. I know with my uncle things did not show up until he had a stress test then he apparently qualified for an angiogram where they had to stent him. Also my husband recently had problems with his old stents and the routine tests were inconclusive until he had an angiogram and they found his one artery was 99% narrowed so he needed stenting. I would ask for a second opinion with your gp to get a referral and if no go it might be worth you paying to see a cardiologist privately, which is what we did and it was well worth the money. My husband had been referred to see a cardiologist urgently and the waiting list was 16 months when we queried his appointment. He was also getting warning signs before he had his first heart attack in 2007 but when he went to A and E the tests were again inconclusive until the night he actually had a heart attack when it was all systems go. It is definitely worth going private for a consultation.