Worried about LVD

[Duncanwhite1]

My diagnosis. Went for a routine chest xray . My GP ask me to call in to surgery. Tol me had a enlarged heart did ECG was ok refered to clinic ECG was ok . Then sent for ultrasound . Waited ages . Just got a date for telephone conversation. With a cardiologist. On the 21st . My problem is i carnt get any information regarding examinations. Really stressed and anxious. My sons a staff nurse at A +E . He seems to think they are looking into LVD . Not being to clever myself . Is this heart failure . Honestly no one helping . Just been told to wait for results all the time . Need avice please

[fishonabike]

It is always worrying when you get medical results you don't understand and can't get an explanation for straight away. An enlarged heart can have quite a few causes, most of which can be helped in some way. If your condition needed urgent attention I am sure that you would be getting attention much more quickly, so i guess they must think there is no hurry.

Could you ask your son to explain a bit about LVD (Left Ventricular Dysfunction) in a way you can understand? Basically it means that part of your heart which pumps the blood out to your body is not working as well as it should. So maybe take it easy while you wait for your appointment.

Or have you tried ringing the BHF Helpline, their cardiac nurses are really helpful. also Cardiomyopathy UK have a phone helpline staffed by nurses.

[Duncanwhite1 in reply to fishonabike]

Thank you so so much . Will do .

[Duncanwhite1 in reply to Duncanwhite1]

I have stopped working , was going light headed . My GP think they could be panic attacks . Really not coping .

[fishonabike in reply to Duncanwhite1]

NHS website has some useful relaxation and breathing techniques which can help get you through the stressful moments, this can help you feel a bit more in control. Try here for starters nhs.uk/mental-health/self-h...

[Duncanwhite1 in reply to fishonabike]

Thank you

[Chinkoflight]

Hi Duncan, sorry to hear you have been left dangling by the NHS. In spite of all the scare stories the fact you have a telephone consultants appointment booked means your results have been reviewed and are not urgent of the sort 'get in here quick'. Your GP will have access to the hospital records and indeed some of the test results may be available to you if you download the NHS app and register on it. However, now is a good time to establish a relationship with one GP in your practice that you see for all your appointments on this matter. He/she should be able to fill in some of the gaps in the information you are receiving. I had a severe stroke out of the blue while away on holiday. I was treated fantastically but was obviously discharged to my local hospital for ongoing care. 8 months on I have yet to meet the consultant but have had several telephone calls. But I do use my GP to fill in the gaps. This is the first time in my 70 years I have exercised the need to have consistency in my GP care. It has proved very re assuring and I think the GP likes it too.

[Duncanwhite1 in reply to Chinkoflight]

Thanx very informative . Really helpful. Hope youre feeling better . Face to face is what is needed for some people .