heart monitor

[Anxiousgirl85]

hi guys hope you are all doing well. I had a heart monitor fitted back in December and been calling every few weeks for results. When I called today the GP receptionist said they were back and to call up one morning at 8 for a phone call to discuss the results with doctor. I then called cardiology to ask them but they said they cannot discuss the results as it was the GP who requested the monitor. I’m extremely anxious about this has anyone else experienced this ? The reason for the monitor I pushed for it as I keep getting palpitations I have extreme health anxiety so I wanted to get this looked at.

[Blondie12345]

I'm in the same situation, 24 hour monitor back in January and was told i will hear back in July from cardiology. A very long wait list.

[Anxiousgirl85 in reply to Blondie12345]

it’s an extremely long wait time especially with someone with anxiety then to be told to call up for an appt to get my results.

I hope you hear soon with your results shouldn’t be to long x

[Blearyeyed]

It is an incredibly long wait , no wonder it's added to your Anxiety.If you felt up to it you could complain to the Integrated Care Board because it is a inappropriate delay.

For now, try to maintain positive.

Breath a sigh of relief that the test results are finally available and your GP will be able to give you more facts and insight into what they have shown.

Ring up as suggested at 8 am to book that call , and also put in a request for a copy of the test results to pick up from the surgery to add in your file.

Take the time today to write down any questions you want to ask when you speak to the GP, it helps you not to forget things if you are feeling nervous.

Tick off each question , and don't be put off if they give the impression they want to finish the call before you've asked what you need.

Use , what I call , " The Columbo Tactic".

Do you remember the old TV Detective?

When people were trying to get him to finish he'd always politely say , " Oh, if you don't mind , just one more thing"

You say it for as many " one more things " you need to say.

It works for phone and face to face appointments.

When you've written your list and got yourself ready to be up early to arrange the appointment, there isn't anymore you can do.

So , put thinking about what might be to one side , it never does anyone any good to overthink things.

Your worry worm often comes up with ideas far worse than the reality , and you can't do anything about it until you know the facts.

Try and distract yourself with something relaxing that you enjoy instead.

When you have the results post about it and we'll give you as much support as we can, whether it's heart related or not.....as we all know that getting your ducks in a row and other health issues under control are important for controlling your cardiac health too.

Take care , Bee

[Anxiousgirl85]

thank you so much for your reply it really put a smile on my anxious face. You are right I cannot predict the outcome of the results I have no control over that what I do have control over is what questions I have and try put overthinking into a different category today at least and prepare for tomorrow.

The wait time all in has been dreadful the monitor was fitted on 8th of December and according to cardiology my results where sent to my GP on the 14th of May but yet when I called the surgery last week the results where not on their system so tomorrow will be 25weeks and 5 days to get actual answers.

I will keep updated on results and for anyone else in Scotland GGC health board the wait time for results is roughly 25 weeks according to the department there is only one person who analyses the results and the person was off long term sick.

[Fanfab1]

Hello

It’s unfortunate that you’ve had to wait so long, happens a lot and it would naturally make someone anxious.

I’d personally once seen doctor get a copy of results and send (post / email) them to your cardiologist or their secretary. Let the cardiologist’s secretary know the situation and hopefully once they receive your report they’ll put it under the nose of your cardiologist and help you get an appointment.

However, if the results show no issues then there would be no point but if you are experiencing the same symptoms than you might want to ask your GP to make a referral to cardiologist. Hopefully they will, but self advocacy is really important.

Above all stick to your guns about what you are experiencing and feeling and getting that across.

👍

[Gilling45]

I had the same problem I had a monitor on the 24th November and got my results on the 15th May. I now have to have a5 day recorder and the appointment isn’t until 13th September???

[Alphakiwi]

Why dont you program the monitor to send the results to you. Do you have a monitor app

[Anxiousgirl85]

hi guys just a little update

I spoke to the GP who went through the results with me she advised there was a couple of times my heart rate was elevated which she said would be ok and they seen a few ectopic beats but nothing concerning as heart rhythm and electric were fine so no concerns. She then asked was I still experiencing the palpitations which I said I was so she has ordered alot of bloods from the usual run of the mill along with thyroid, diabetes, cholesterol, iron stores folate, magnesium and a load more so fingers crossed everything is normal and it’s just anxiety causing these unpleasant symptoms x