JOINiNG THE DOTS - JUST A THOUGHT 🤔

[LindaLittleBear]

November 2022 I had a stroke and was told it was caused by Atherosclerosis in the carotid artery.

In the summer of 2023 I underwent various heart tests and was told I had needed angioplasty and stenting.

On the day of the procedure things didn't go to plan, the stenting did not happen because of the extent of the stenosis, in various places. What followed next was a long conversation with a heart surgeon resulting in being told I needed bypass surgery.

Approx 7 weeks later I had 3 x CABG.

On the morning of the surgery there was a big dilemma on harvesting my leg veins, the surgeon wanted to re check so I had an ultrasound, the left leg was ruled out, the right was viable. So it was good to go!

Speaking with the surgeon later I asked how long would I have lived without the surgery he said maybe 12 months The LAD was 97 percent blocked.

I will always be grateful to my surgeon and know I was fortunate!

It's 10 months since my surgery and the other week after visiting A&E an ultra sound indicted I have bilateral peripheral artery disease and a small blood clot.

I'm now waiting to see the vascular team

I've been mulling over events and thinking,

The stroke team did not refer me to the vascular team or cardiology, the cardiologist didn't refer me to the vascular team.

Surely the NHS should have a proactive not a reactive approach to treatments

Perhaps I expect too much?

Has anyone had similar experience or an option to add!

Thanks for reading!

[Happyrosie]

well, the Secretary of State said the other day that the NHS is broken. Yes, your case should have been referred to a MDT: multi-disciplinary team. And you were not.

Sigh.

[LindaLittleBear in reply to Happyrosie]

Thanks for your reply!

[sandandkev]

We're you not put on any blood thinners??

[LindaLittleBear in reply to sandandkev]

Hi, Initially I was on aspirin and clopidogrel. After bypass clopidogrel only. I've been seeing a cardiologist for suspected AFib, he mentioned I'll need to take something stronger than the Clopidogrel

. Investigation ongoing unfortunately delayed because of breast cancer surgery , complications and treatments.

[Parsley56]

It seems so obvious doesn't it.These disciplines should not be working in isolation....flippin eck.

[LindaLittleBear in reply to Parsley56]

My thoughts too.!

[Partner20]

The NHS generally works in silos, unfortunately. My partner currently receives treatment and/or attends regular monitoring appointments in the stroke, hepatology, endocrinology, gastrology, diabetes, cardiology, dermatology and renal departments. There is absolutely no communication between consultants in these specialities, apart from on very rare occasions, usually prompted by questions my partner has asked.As the treatments he receives and the lifestyle he is encouraged to follow for each condition are often contradictory, he often finds himself having to explain to a consultant in one particular department why another in a different speciality has cautioned against the recommendations being made by this department. He finds that constantly having to explain years of investigations, diagnoses and treatment plans is very frustrating, especially when so few medical professionals are interested in the findings of those in different areas.

The exceptions to this demoralising scenario are the valuable MDT meetings, only experienced once by us during a cancer investigation that took place at the time of the pandemic, which fortunately proved negative. This type of medical knowledge-sharing should happen on a far more regular basis for those with complicated medical histories.

[LindaLittleBear in reply to Partner20]

Goodness, I feel for you and your partner. He must be at his wits end! I hope things improve.

I'm in a similar situation with regards to explaining, asking and at times challenging.

Interestingly my only MDT involvement happened after my breast cancer diagnosis. The breast surgeon first spoke to my heart surgeon to discuss surgery risks and is now in regular contact with the cardiologist dealing with the suspected AFib.

I totally agree people with complex medical histories need a MDT on their side.

Thank you for taking the time to share your experience.

I wish only the best for you and you partner!

[JamesB-007]

My advice to anyone waiting for NHS procedures is not to trust that they are looking after you. From experience, the weak link in the chain is the administration team. I've had too many referrals going amiss and if it was for being tenacious, I would probably still be waiting.

I've often wondered how many lives have been lost as a result of substandard administration.

The surgical teams are exceptionally good and I can't praise them enough.

When you have an appointment with a consultant, always ask how long the waiting time is. If you haven't heard anything within the time specified, then chase the appointment. And don't accept lame excuses either.

Hope this helps and good luck

[LindaLittleBear in reply to JamesB-007]

Sound advice 007 thank you.

[Astronomyrules]

Hi LindaLittleBear, Over the years I have echoed your thoughts, having 5 consultants looking after the various negative outcomes of my hypercholesterolemia. In the last year though a move towards a more holistic approach has come with greater computerization such that they can all view each others content together with more MDT meetings. Letters to my GP are usually copied to other departments .Even then I do sometimes need to prompt a clinician to check on their screen. All this is a good step in the right direction and saves me taking up half the consultation time explaining my history. Sadly, my GPs computer system is separate from the hospital and there is no connectivity as yet. I hope that your area, among others, will make similar advances as I understand how frustrating it can be. Good luck