Needing answers....

[Hugomum]

Emergency OHS in May 2023 to deal with Aortic Aneurysm, tear, hole, clot and valve replacement. Been back and forth to local A&E since with Pneumonia, atrial fib and chest pain. Still having crushing chest and neck pain, problems with speech vocal palsy, exhaustion and light headedness.

Just had follow up 24hr ECG and Thoratic ECG at BHI.

Trying to get answers of diagnosis, prognosis, treatment.

Contacted GP daily and told they have no appointments available for them to answer questions.

Contacted discharge number for hosp and left details on cardiologists secretary answer machine.

Feeling very overwhelmed and frustrated 🥴

[10gingercats]

Try going along to the dept. and asking to see the secretary and/or discussing your concerns with the person on the desk.What you ask here is unsatisfactory.You need answers and sooner rather than later. You may think about going privately to see a cardiologist if you can get all your info. together coherently. But try not and just sit back waiting for things to happen. You are going to have to 'fight' your corner .Answerphones are the modern means of cutting people off but do not accept it.Also your GP must accept some responsibilty for answerng your questions.Go along and try to see someone at the practice.

[Hugomum in reply to 10gingercats]

Thank you 👍😊

[cappachina]

Oh dear Sorry to read this When you aren't well it is so hard to fight for yourself and you shouldn't have to but it seems the only way nowadays I hope you get answers

[Bananacar]

I know exactly how you feel, no-one seems willing or able to sit and talk about your condition. My GP says he has no knowledge of aneurysms and it's impossible to get to talk to the cardiologist. Keep on trying and write a letter if necessary, it worked for me! Best of luck.

[scentedgardener]

You could try ringing 111 for advice. I was struggling to get an appointment with a GP I rang 111 and they contacted my surgery for me, and magically an appointment was available.

[Larneybuds]

Good morning....getting no joy from your GP is one thing but if you have had surgery and are getting no answers from the hospital, or nobody is answering your requests, then I suggest you either phone or call into the hospital PALS office and let them know what has happened. They are usually pretty good at following things up. Have you tried contacting your consultants secretary or cardiology department. With regard to your GP, have you tried to contact the practice manager to explain the situation and why you need to have a face to face appointment with your doctor. Don't be fobbed off....good luck and I hope you get some help and answers x

[Bluehope81]

If you try all of the above and it is still not resolved, send a Letter of Notice to the secretary that they have 14 days to resolve the situation before you will be making a full complaint with the GMC , gmc-uk.org/-/media/document...

and writing a letter to your MP about the cardiology department

parliament.uk/about/contact...

In your email to the secretary CC in PALS.

[1Ros2ie3]

Hello, I also had a replacement valve, aortic repair at the BHI nearly 4 years ago now. You need to ring the cardiac specialist nurses at BHI, they can help you or ask a consultant for advice on your behalf.

[Hugomum]

Update ! After all the waiting today l received a call from the BHI. They are reviewing my case, latest results from Thoracic ECG, ECG 24 monitor and l need to have a CT scan. l am on urgent list, awaiting letter/notification of appointment.

Feeling more positive about the situation and have a number of questions ready ( diagnosis, prognosis short/long term and treatment plan).

Thank you to everyone for your replies, really appreciate your guidance and support. X