Dubaiman

[Dubaiman]

I was visiting my family early in December (2023) After a few days I had a tightness/pain in my chest which went away after sitting down. All was well for the next few days and the same thing happened again. The third time it happened, my wife suggested we visit A&E. A number of tests were done and all was well, however the Cardiologist said he needed to do an Angiogram . This showed two blocked arteries, one very bad, the other really critical and said I should not fly and the result was 2 bypass graphs carried out by open heart surgery. Luckily my travel insurance covered this, but by no means straightforward. I had the surgery on 22nd December. I was very ill for some time after and a week later needed to have a permanent pacemaker fitted. There were other difficulties which meant I was unable to travel home until 5th February.

I am now trying to see a Cardiologist here and have been told I will have to wait 53 weeks for the first appointment. This seems crazy to me. I need rehabilitation and guidance on how to recover my strength and ensure my care is followed up. The GP did say it was urgent but the hospital have decided that its not. Any advice here will be welcome

[BeKind28-]

Hello

I am so sorry to hear what you have been through and yes Rehab alone would be something that would help you so much

The problem so many are facing is waiting and from the Consultants side when they are looking at who needs to be seen most urgent I would imagine they can see you have had your Bypasses and so on so down the list you go

I do not agree with it but this is how it seems to be but that is no help to you at all

I wonder if the Cardiologist or Surgeon whos care you were under if you or your Doctor could contact them and ask if they will write on your behalf to say you need to be seen and followed up and it needs to be soon it is just a thought

The Hospital where you live you could put a complaint in to Pals and see if that does anything getting you seen sooner

Of course there is the private route but that is not always possible due to the cost and does seem unfair having to resort to having to do that but it is just another thought

I hope as members see your post they will offer you more advice

I will put you a link on that you might be able to find your nearest Rehab and be able to contact them about not been able to access any scroll to the bottom and you will see where you can find where your nearest one is

bhf.org.uk/informationsuppo...

Also the BHF Nurses are really good at giving advice and you can give them a call they are very helpful I will add their number

Let us know how you get on x

Heart Helpline team on 0300 330 3311 Mon-Fri 9-5pm

[Dubaiman in reply to BeKind28-]

thank you for your advice

[BeKind28- in reply to Dubaiman]

x

[Tos92]

I’m sorry to hear about your cardiac event abroad. I too had my first heart attack whilst away in Dubai in 2022 and was not offered much support in terms of the NHS when I came back. I also did not complete cardiac rehab as they did not feel it was necessary. However, in your case, it definitely seems like it is. I have attached a link below which gives you more information on self-referring yourself for cardiac rehab.

nhs.uk/conditions/coronary-...

The BHF cardiac helpline can give you more details on your nearest cardiac rehab programme and how to sign up. Their updated number is below.

0808 802 1234

All the best with your recovery.

Tos