checkup?

[Sandra1964Marie]

morning all. I had a CA back in 2019 and was very lucky to be here so my question is, after my rehab finished in 2020 I have not had any kind of check up, is this normal, I assumed I’d be given one at some point. A few people have agreed and thought I’d get a mot yearly. Don’t know

[Hidden]

Dear you,

I would contact your Dr who should be looking after you , you are more than due a check up and judging by your post you feel the same way.

Take care

[Sandra1964Marie in reply to Hidden]

Thanks for your thoughts. I’ll make enquiries at docs on Tuesday

[Lonmayloon]

Hi Sandra1964Marie, I had a stent fitted back in 2011. I think I returned to the local cardiology department for a follow up appointment about three months after that. That was the last time I had any contact with my cardiologist. As everything was satisfactory, I was then discharged back to the care of my GP.

As I have coronary heart disease the GP practice ask me to attend the Long Term Condition Review Clinic once a year for a review. This is taken by a nurse and blood pressure, pulse and weight are checked. Questions are also asked about diet, exercise, alcohol consumption and smoking. The nurse also checks that all medication is being taken as prescribed (yes) and whether GTN spray is ever needed (no). Any concerns are referred to the GP.

About a week before the appointment bloods are taken by the practice phlebotomist. I believe the blood tests are kidney function (because I have high blood pressure and take an ACE inhibitor) liver function and cholesterol levels (because I take a statin) and blood glucose levels to check for pre diabetes.

There is no MOT as such so you have not missed out on that. ECGs exercise tests etc. would only be undertaken if you had symptoms which merited investigation. The annual blood tests are advisable to pick up early warning of side effects from medication. If you are not being monitored for these please contact your GP to discuss the matter.

NB if you are taking an anticoagulant like warfarin your INR levels should be getting checked frequently.

[Sandra1964Marie in reply to Lonmayloon]

thanks very much for your reply. I seem to be lacking in all the points you are making so definitely be asking gp for advice. Seems doctors are maybe bit busy with things. Much appreciated

[MountainGoat52]

It seems like you have been overlooked by your GP practice. I would certainly get in touch with them. A few years ago I had to prod mine as they didn't make arrangements for me to have my annual blood test at the local hospital, even though a medication review was overdue and their computer system should have flagged it up.

[LSCE]

Hello, If you have been discharged by the hospital (only 1 X follow up doesn't sound enough after CA) then as others have said your GP should be offering you an annual review. Initially contact may be done by a nurse / HCA, bloods / BP etc. I'm assuming you are on meds which do require an annual medication review by GP, pharmacist or prescribing nurse. 2020, with COVID everything was put on the back burner but should be back to usual practice now.

[Caterham80]

Hi, I had a STEMI in December last year resulting in an emergency angioplasty, induced coma, five days in ICU, etc, etc. I have recently received my follow-up appointment with a Cardiologist which is in October this year, ten months after the event! Whilst the initial treatment was amazing and clearly saved my life I do get the impression that monitoring by a specialist afterwards is not going to be so thorough, especially if you are asymptomatic. Incidentally, I was asymptomatic before my HA which came totally 'out of the blue'.

[Qualipop]

You should be having an annual check up to make sure your tablets are not causing any problems so bloods, weight and a urine test at least. Contact you GP.

[Hoocher]

I had the Widow Maker HA in Oct 2019. Had an ICD fitted in May 2020.Then one check up with Cardiologist later that year. Nothing since. I spoke to my GP in Nov last year about follow up appts. He referred me and I have got one later this month.

[Sandra1964Marie]

thanks for all the replies it’s definitely helped reinforce my thought of getting checked. First thing Tuesday ( doc closed Monday) I’ll be making an appointment. Many thanks