Finally, a sit down with a cardiologist

[Classicfan49]

I’ve been to see a cardiologist privately today.

Diagnosed with AF last September and then with heart failure in February. This confirmed in April after an echo with the diagnosis of severe tricuspid regurgitation. I was told I’d be seen in the heart failure clinic “in due course” which apparently means next February ie one year after my referral for heart failure. The GP practice has done it’s best, which is to prescribe various medications and have different GPs talk to me over the phone. Frankly, I’ve just been a bit panicky! To be told you have a serious heart condition but you can’t even sit down with an expert for a whole year doesn’t seem right.

I asked on here for recommendations and followed up on one for a man in Leamington Spa and I have to say he is a gem! 45 minutes of listening to me, treating me like an intelligent human being, examining me thoroughly, explaining things and tweaking my medication, followed by the possible ways forward. He’d read my copious notes before I saw him so I reckon I got at least an hour of his expertise for £220. I’m already feeling better. Worth every penny.

I know we don’t all have the money to do it but what is it? A really good meal out with the family? An indulgent weekend with friends? A car service?

[10gingercats]

I have severe tricuspid regurgitation and cannot have clips due to being 'older'.But quite frankly it does not affect my life .It is Afib and other minor heart problems that rock the boat a bit. I was told clips are not always successful and a tricuspid valve is one you can do without. My tri. valve has been dodgy for many many years.They do not tend to do surgery for Tri. valve regurg. unless they are doing some other heart surgery .It is not often done as a sole heart surgery op. My hospital is The John Radcliffe hospital Oxford which is quite well known for heart surgery.

[Classicfan49 in reply to 10gingercats]

Oh, that’s interesting and reassuring. Thank you.

[MountainGoat52]

It sounds like that was £220 well spent. Health must come before all other things and that includes the mental side as well as the physical. Hold on to the feeling you have at the moment and try to keep positive. Enjoy the good things in life and take each day as it comes. Even the simple things like listening to bird song can lift you up.

With my best wishes for the future,

Gerald

[ph5019]

Hi,pleased you have taken the decision to spend some hard earned cash on a private consultation.

I appreciate we cannot all do this.

Had loads of problems after heart attack 2 years ago, PTSD included.

Have spent my hard earned cash on EMDR and further counselling.

I still have 2 sessions of counselling a month now, money well spent.

Have heart failure ( horrible term ) for my heart not pumping as it should.

Feeling at my best for 2 years, both mentally and physically.

Good luck in your journey.

Paul

[Classicfan49 in reply to ph5019]

Yes, my diagnosis was heart failure too, despite EF of 57%. My cardiologist yesterday expressed some reservations about the echo report and now wants to see the images.

[ph5019 in reply to Classicfan49]

🙂👍, wish you well in the future