Arrythmia many weeks of worry.

[svenson]

In early november 2022 I had an ecg which diagnosed arrythmia, a GP put me on Apixaban, and arranged an echocardiogram in mid December.

On 5th February having heard nothing I contacted GP who said results may have been lost, so I contacted the hospital and was told that my test was still on the cardio consultants desk awaiting his diagnosis, but unfortunately he had just gone on holiday and he would look at results on his return in March.

This will mean it will be almost 3 months from my echocardiogram to hearing any results, in which time I have worried about my condition, as well as caring for my wife who has Alzheimers which is stressing me out.

Anybody had similar treatment ? Am I written off due to my age, Or should I not worry?

I have suffered 2 heart attacks in he past, so concerned.

[Liberty43]

No. Similar thing happened to me. I was Diagnosed with heart failure in December and my consultant is also on holiday. Already had an arrhythmia for many years. My GP was asked to start me on meds 4 weeks ago and still not on meds. It is really worrying as appointment to see heart figure team is on 22 March. I try not too worry but can't help it. Hope you get some reassurance soon, especially as you are looking after your wife.

[Afibflipper]

I would call back and ask for it to be read by another cardioloist - doubtful he is a loan worker! I’ve had so many results go awol for other things that I think so if it’s not on his desk how long till they find it amongst the other stuff on his desk when they return! If you can’t get anywhere with the Secretary then PALS will probably help in getting someone to get it sorted. (I’ve used them on 2 occasions for paediatric and adult and cases sorted quickly. Hope you get answers soon

[Lezzers]

Probably not what you want to hear but the technician who did the echo is also the one who interprets the results & had anything urgent flagged up you would have immediately been seen by a cardiologist. I know it's easier said than done but try not too worry. Can you contact your cardiologists secretary & ask for another Dr to contact you, normally there are a team of dr's who work under the consultant, or ask if another consultant can look at the report.

[svenson in reply to Lezzers]

Now 14 weeks since Echocardiogram and no results, Consutants secretary just said wait he will be looking at it shortly, contacted PALS and they said we will chase this as its not good enough, and 10 days later nothing. I am in my eighties and therefor probably written off.

[Lezzers in reply to svenson]

I do understand how you feel, my husband once waited about 5 months for the results of an echo & last year he had an MIBI scan, having waited months for the scan he then waited about 4 months for the results, so all in all it took 11 months! I do think you've been let down by your medical team, they could do more to help. I can only suggest you contact PALS again and ask why you've still not heard from them. Not ideal & very stressful but I'm not sure what else to advise, unless your GP can try & sort it out for you. I hope you have support in caring for your wife