Follow up appointments

[Duvetdays15]

Hello I had a mild heart attack in October last year had 1 stent fitted at St Thomas' London I have seen them once since in April for an echocardiogram and had a telephone consultation with cardiologist. They have said that my care can now be at a local hospital to me and asked GP to refer to local hospital. I've now had a letter from local hospital saying I do need long term routine follow ups as I had a successful angioplasty and stent. Is this correct?

[Hidden]

NHS services can vary by Trust, so why not talk to your GP, or even the local hospital cardio unit? Nonetheless if they have stated in a letter how your ongoing follow ups will be handled why are you doubting it? Otherwise good to hear your treatment was apparently successful.

👍

[Duvetdays15 in reply to Hidden]

I'm doubting it because St Thomas obviously think I should be referred to local cardiology otherwise their letter wouldn't have stated it.

[Hidden in reply to Duvetdays15]

So look on that as a recognition of your improvement, by virtue of a reduction in the level of medical monitoring you need. Surely that's a big positive. 👍

[Maisie2014]

Hi. I had my heart attack with stent in February 2019. I can’t say whether or not you should have regular check ups but I have them annually by a cardiologist at my GP surgery. They check my blood pressure, ECG, weight, BPM on my Fitbit (which they said they wished everyone had to make it easier to self check), my medications and any overall concerns I have. I then have the usual blood tests. This year was the first time I had a telephone consultation but it went the same as before and I still had the blood tests.

[Duvetdays15 in reply to Maisie2014]

That's good they have a cardiologist at your surgery. My GP is less than helpful that's why I would like follow ups with a cardiologist

[080311]

Hi,

Didn’t have stent but open heart surgery, Aortic valve replaced and bypass, the normal seems to be 6 weeks after surgery seen by surgeon discharged back to cardiologist see him 6 months later, discharged from him back to GP care. Have yearly bloods medication review blood pressure. Because I have a tissue valve have a yearly echocardiogram.

This as been the same for the last 6 years, and seems the same for most.

If your concerned have a word with your GP, and also ask about cardio rehab, it’s so worth doing.

Best wishes Pauline

[Duvetdays15 in reply to 080311]

Thanks I have done cardio rehabilitation. I think I will have to go back to the GP with this one.

[Duvetdays15]

It's not good though is it. I felt very alone after my heart attack with no medical support.

[Blyth1]

Hi Duvetdays15, I had a nstemi in 2020. 1 stent fitted . Discharged from hospital then had a stemi the day following discharge, bit of a shocker! My follow up has been minimal to say the least. 2 calls from rehab team to tell me of online videos. One call after about 6 months from GP surgery ( medical student) who asked how I was doing. I have no reason to think she did not relay call to GP.

Other than that - Nader! I am taking their lack of interest as a positive😀

Oh I do get yearly phone call from Lipid clinic following a blood test. On statins.

Stay well and safe everyone, this forum has been so helpful over the past two years.

[Duvetdays15 in reply to Blyth1]

This forum is very helpful as is the bhf helpline. We do seem to be left by the medical profession after a traumatic experience, the aftercare just isn't there.

[Qualipop]

NSTEMI 2018; 2 stents next morning; a second angiogram a month later; 2 blockages at 65% that didn't need stents. Passed over to GP, never even spoke to cardiologist.

[Duvetdays15 in reply to Qualipop]

That's bad never even been given the opportunity to speak with a cardiologist.

[Qualipop in reply to Duvetdays15]

He did the angiogram but never spoke or explained anything. I didn't even get rehab. Just discharged as if to say "We unblocked your plumbing, now go away.

[Cruise1]

I was discharged by consultant in March 2021 following stents in Jan 2021. No follow up appointments offered or forthcoming.

[Duvetdays15 in reply to Cruise1]

The aftercare is terribly poor after a life changing experience

[HedgeHogHome]

Hi,I hope everyone is keeping cool.

I had a mild heart attack and of October last year and had no contact with anyone from the cardiology team until a telephone consultation with the consultant 3 months later.I was discharged to the care of the GP but so far nothing from them.

I did go to cardio rehab for 6 weeks followed by 12 weeks at a local gym

It is a general rehab class mostly people with back and balance problems

I hope this helps

[Duvetdays15 in reply to HedgeHogHome]

Thanks it's awful how we are left after such a traumatic time