first Cardiologist appointment

[Winimops]

hi all. In just over 2 weeks time I will be having my 1st Cardiologist appointment here in the UK after having a NSTMI and 2 stents fitted while on holiday in Canada in early June.

I haven’t a clue what to expect nor what to ask or be aware of. Will I have any tests? I just don’t know.

Any ideas and advice gladly appreciated. Thank you

[Hidden]

it’s hard to say what they might ask and talk about exactly (other than the obvious your heart issues) but it may help you if you write down the questions you’d like to ask? If they cover them all great if not you can ask about the bits they didn’t cover but you’d like covered. Helps organise our thoughts too while we wait for the appointments.

👍

[Winimops in reply to Hidden]

Thank you. I will start to do a list as things come up in my mind.

[Lowerfield_no_more]

I agree with Hidden if you have any questions write them down beforehand. And if you have not yet attended a cardio rehab course that could be one question to note down. As for tests it is possible you might get an ECG and BP done before you speak with the consultant, as happened to me.

[Winimops in reply to Lowerfield_no_more]

Thank you for letting me know about a possible ECG. I would have panicked on the spot if I wouldn’t have known this.

[BeKind28-]

Hello

I am with the rest on this it is hard to say as you had your heart attack in Canada they may want to do a few tests they may not but even if they did with our system I doubt anything much will happen on this appointment

I think if you are doing well which I hope you are everything will be fine

I always suggest to write down any questions you may have or anything you do not understand as once you are in there we do tend to forget

I hope you have someone to go with you to as hat can help so they can listen and remind you if you forget anything

I hope you will let us know how you get on x

[Winimops in reply to BeKind28-]

thanks. I gave my husband an option if he wanted to come with me or not - I will now ask him to come with me for support.

[BeKind28- in reply to Winimops]

x

[Hrty]

At my first post nstemi cardiologist review they took my bp, did an ecg and, I think, took some bloods. He then walked me through the recording of my angiogram, bit weird watching your heart on screen, and explained what happened and what shoyld happen going forward. It's been similar at subsequent sessions although not always involving bloods and ecg. He even took the bloods at one session as the dr with him was struggling. My early ones might have been a bit different as I was initially on the Dapa trial. My wife ususally comes along with me so she can ask questions I haven't, handy to think of these beforehand, and listen to his responses and explanations.

[DWizza]

Hi Winimops, as everyone has said .. start thinking about what You want to ask , own it , write it down nd be prepared to make some notes for the replies. Take someone with you for support and an extra pair of ears. Ask for a copy of any paperwork that the medical team will send to your GP. I’m sure your mind is whirring round with loads of thoughts/questions , why did it happen , how did it happen , what do I do now , what does the future treatment look like , what medication , how long , what change of lifestyle do I need to look at implementing, dietary , exercise , weight loss… these are some of the questions relating to the physical side , you might also consider the mental/emotional side , where can I get support , someone to talk to (this forum 👍) , describe any feelings you have to your medical team , ask for a cardiac rehab class referral …. Start researching and writing down your questions . Time passes so quickly , you’ll be looking back on this episode in 3 months or so 👍. I’m recovering brilliantly from quadruple bypass 25th July after Nstemi. I’m sure you’ll be fine once you accept what’s happened and get in with what’s happening .

All the best Wizza .

[Winimops in reply to DWizza]

Thanks. A copy of the GP letter - good thinking Batman 😁

[Lowerfield_no_more in reply to Winimops]

It seems common practice nowadays, certainly in my experience , that you are automatically copied in to correspondence from hospitals to your GP about you. And if you subscribe to the NHS app (which can be desktop as well as mobile ) you might be able to access a large amount of your medical records including letters from consultants to your GP. I have records going back 20 years or so which I can view.

[Loobycare]

Like you, I was abroad when I had the same heart issue, and last week, I saw a cardiologist here in the UK for the first time. They did my blood pressure and an echo before I saw her and in the consultation those were reviewed and reported upon. Following this the Cardiologist asked a lot of questions about the history of my treatment abroad and then I had ample opportunity to ask questions too, which I had mulled over previously. I took my adult son with me and was glad I did.Good luck and with Canada's health system, I am sure your Cardiologist will be pleased with the treatment you previously received.

[Winimops in reply to Loobycare]

Thank you. I was really pleased with Canada, so hopefully the Cardiologist will be too.

[Loobycare]

Likewise, I was in Barcelona when my HA happened and I couldn't praise them enough for their care.