Breathless

[Mirador19]

Good afternoon, I am getting more breathless these days and was wondering if I should ask for an echocardiogram, I haven't had one since March 2021, I had a CT angiogram in April 2022. I am 70yrs old and am being able to do less and less now. My husband is disabled and I need to do more but am struggling now.

[10gingercats]

If it was necessary to give you an echo. in 2021 then I think another one is overdue....and esp. if you feel you are weaker now and it is becoming increasingly so. It sounds justified. Ask your GP to refer you.Also put yourself on the cardio/echo. cancellation list as this means you will be seen a lot quicker than you would be otherwise. Someone drops out and then you take their place at short notice. I have had earlier appoinst. a few times this way.

[Mirador19 in reply to 10gingercats]

Thank you for your reply, Iv'e never heard of the cancellation list thats a good idea. I will certainly get in touch with my Dr about this but I always feel as if I'm being a bother and there are people worse off than me.

[10gingercats in reply to Mirador19]

The situation now in the NHS is that it is everyone for themselves. Do not sit back and wait for things to happen. You must be proactive.You can get yourself on the cancellation list as soon as you get your first letter giving you an echo. date. You can also go to the dept and ask if they can bring your echo forward as you do not feel well and feel you are worsening .I have done this and they have found a slot for me a few days hence.I always accept the date and time they give me then and never argue that the day is not suitable .

[LilySav in reply to 10gingercats]

Very good point about taking things into you own hands. I've having to be a 'right pain in the arse' advocating for my partner at the mo.ent with o going breathlessness. The GP's seem content passing him from one to another.A quick prod and poke and job done. Currently waiting for sleep clinic and respiratory appointments early June. What frustrates me most is not being given any clear explanation advice or outlook for the things on his notes. Like getting blood out of a stone.

[devonian186]

Unfortunately after 70 (often earlier) our stamina and health resilience begins to fall off a cliff.

Is your own diet and weight at optimum levels? Are you getting enough exercise other than rushing round at home?

The last winter had very high levels of humidity which has a big effect on breathing. At present pollen levels are soaring which will also impact breathing.

I do think it a good idea to have an echocardiogram so you can discount any heart related problems. Thats a good suggestion to put yourself on any "cancellation" list.

[Larneybuds]

Good morning....I think if you are getting more breathless and feeling a little less able to do things it's best to get checked out. Have you seen your GP....he could perhaps contact cardio for you and express concerns if there are any. Obviously that's dependent on how efficient your GP is!! Or try to speak to the hospital directly or ask to speak to a cardiac nurse so that you can at least have a chat and express your concerns. They might then be able to offer advice on what steps to take next. Hope you get sorted and feel better soon xx

[Mirador19]

Thank you all for your replies, I will contact my cardiac nurse first and see what she says about it all and take it from there.

[Elguajiro]

Hi Mirador19 Check out this article in the latest heart mag, maybe you will find it helps bhf.org.uk/informationsuppo...

[Raft]

Hi, it may be worth seeking a blood test as you may have anaemia which causes breathlessness and tiredness. If you are looking after a disabled husband are you looking after yourself with a reasonable diet and rest? Difficult I know but you are in a demanding situation as I know from my own experience. Take good care of yourself

[Qualipop]

I have the same problem. It's been getting worse for over a year. My GP arranged spirometry tests which took months but my results were excellent. What worries me is that when I had a heart attack they found two more blockages in the LAD that they said were not quite bad enough at 64% blocked, to need stents.That was over 5 years ago and I worry that they've got worse. Also when I last complained of breathlessness my GP blamed it on muscular problems - until I had the heart attack! Last October the acute admissions team referred me back to cardio then in Jan this year so did my GP but the booking centre tell me that they are only just now getting round to referrals that were made last June which means another 4 months before they even look at my two referrals. The cancellation list certainly is the way to go . Your GP could also speed things up by writing back and saying it's urgent.

[Dollcollector]

I asked for an echocardiogram as l felt my heart failure was getting worse. My cardiologist refused and said it wasn't necessary. I haven't had an echocardiogram since 2021. He made me feel as if it was a cheek asking for one and only he should decide what is to be done. He is old school. In the meantime I have been put on new medication by the cardiac nurse but l am no better.

[Pollypuss]

After my annual blood test it was discovered my vitamin B12 was low and I’ve been on a daily pill for a few weeks and still waiting for them to kick in. After my heart bypass I felt good but lately I feel weak and tired. My husband is also disabled which means I now do all the tasks he used to do. I sometimes get depressed . It’s hard work having to care for someone. It could well be that you are over doing things .