Needing a little TLC!

[mld78]

Hi. Being born with a bicuspid aortic valve I have had regular scans of my heart. I have also always been told to reduce my Cholesterol. However I passed on recipes to the dietitian at the hospital as she was impressed with my baking and ingredients.

My cholesterol has gone to very good this month as I have just been prescribed Colestyramine for Bile Acid Malabsorption which has caused me problems for years.

Now I have chest pains which I thought was indigestion. Mainly at night and the pain wakes me. Dr has told me he has referred me to the Rapid Access Chest Pain Clinic. He said I’d be seen within 14 days. That was 11 days ago. How long have other people had to wait for a Rapid Access Clinic. I’m using the GTN spray about 5 times a day and have other nitrate tablets to take every 12 hours. Thank you. M.

[devonian186]

I used my GTN spray for the first time ever which I had always marked as the trigger needed to see someone. I phoned the GP. She said she would phone our hospital and came back within 10 minutes and told me to get myself to the Rapid assessment unit immediately. I had tests and was kept in and told to remain as an in patient as out of sight out of mind, which I did.

I had a quad bypass within 10 days-no availability of beds in the operating hospital until then because we are overwhelmed with tourists who decide to get very ill when they arrive.

I would definitely phone today if I were you

[mld78 in reply to devonian186]

Thank you. That is the reply I needed! On the phone now.

[devonian186 in reply to mld78]

Please let us know how you get on

[mld78 in reply to devonian186]

Useless. Told I have to wait 11 weeks. But, I can take myself off to the hospital if I think I need to go. ???When do I think I need help, as I thought I needed help 11 days ago - and put on a 11 week list! I'm totally confused. Maybe I'm not really in pain - I'm OK during the day etc, it's at night or when laying down that I have the problems - so sitting up at the GP's surgery 'm fine!!

[devonian186 in reply to mld78]

You have some complex problems and your current concerns might be unconnected to heart problems. However you are taking a lot of nitrate/GTN so clearly something is up.

Why not ring 111 and chat to someone? I personally think its not acceptable to wait this length of time.

Failing that, yes I would get myself down to a suitable hospital and get checked out asap.

[mld78 in reply to devonian186]

The nurse at GP has given me a number for cardiology. She thinks someone has added me to the wrong list - i will update later

[devonian186 in reply to mld78]

Yes, do let me know.

[mld78 in reply to devonian186]

Phoned Cardiology. It seems as if my cardiologist thought I had moved trusts during Covid, and has removed me from his system. I have not moved, I'm still here, secretaries are now trying to do their best - and yes Rapid Access clinic has a 13 week waiting time! Rapid = 2184 hours!

I'm scared that if I go to A&E I will be moved back onto the cardiology list - a waiting time of at least 18 months for an appointment.

[devonian186 in reply to mld78]

So was it left with cardiology that they had made a mistake and therefore you should be moved right up the list? If that relates to a very quick appointment then hopefully that will resolve things. You may need to politely chase them.

If the wait is still the same I don't know how sympathetic and proactive your GP is and whether they are aware of these extreme delays? They know your various conditions much better than I do, but it sounds as if they expected you to be seen within 2 weeks but what you have been told is very different.

If cardiology do not come up trumps then your GP seems to be your next port of call. I would hope for a physical examination during which they may be able to soothe your concerns or make a few phone calls and try to get you seen earlier.

If they shrug and say if its 13 weeks you will just have to wait and you are not in any immediate danger, you then need to decide whether to accept this or if you need to short circuit the system by phoning 111 (in effect a second opinion) and dependent on that, decide if you need to present yourself at a hospital.

So, as an observer and aware that you don't want to cause problems with your relationship with your GP I would firstly;

*Re-contact the cardiology secretaries if they don't get back to you quickly.

* If that is unsatisfactory ask for an actual physical appointment with your GP who might be horrified at the delay.

*If they are indifferent then a call to 111 may calm your concerns or escalate your query.

* Failing all that, if the problems persist then a visit to the hospital might be needed.

I am not a medical person but you seem to be taking a lot of nitrates which infers there is some sort of problem.

[mld78 in reply to devonian186]

I am so grateful for your wise advise. Relationships with GP (currently on his holidays!) are important etc..

Thank you. M

[devonian186]

I hear on the news there has been a major Windows related computer problem which has also affected Doctors surgeries. Quite why we have allowed ourselves to become so dependent on this intrusive and flaky technology I don't know.

Of course your GP would be on holiday! Let us know how you get on but don't let the grass grow under your feet.