what happens next

[MassageFeet]

I am 68years old lady ,heart problems started with the menopause,was treated for atrial fibrillation,it has been managed well .This year blood pressure problems one medication caused a cough ,so sent for chest X-ray found an slight enlarged heard ,followed weeks latter an echocardiogram with shows a slight mitral valve leak,and a slight bulging aorta ,now being referred,all my conversations have been over the phone ,with the same GP who sounds very nice ,but I just feel tear full ,wounding what happens next how long do I wait .

[Lowerfield_no_more]

If you have been referred on to a cardiology unit you need to contact the hospital where it is based. I suggest you could talk to the cardio department medical secretary who might be able to help regarding the next steps, and importantly to confirm they have your referral. If you are on a waiting list the appointments team will be able to give you an idea of how long the queue is. If you are routine it will be longer than an urgent referral. You could discuss with them about going on a cancellation list if they run one, which, if you are able, may mean you get seen earlier if you can accept an appointment at short notice. In the meantime if you want to talk to a health professional about your medical conditions you could try the BHF Heart Helpline nurse as below....

bhf.org.uk/informationsuppo...

[MassageFeet in reply to Lowerfield_no_more]

thank you so much

[sandandkev]

It can be worrying as it's your heart,I had af, and ended up with large hole in my heart,all I can say is if they(drs) are worried at all they will see you ASAP,if not you have to wait,if you get anything that's worrying- go to a&e, I had a dilated aorta but that and my enlarged heart have returned to normal size

[Qualipop]

Waiting times for cardiology are horrific now. I was referred by the acute team last October- still waiting then again by my GP in Jan. What you can do is phone the department and ask to go on their cancellation list if you are able to get to an appointment at very short notice.

[MassageFeet in reply to Qualipop]

Thank you 😇

[Furryears]

Hi I’m sorry I can’t comment on your post but what I can say is there is a lot on here who I am sure will be able to and hopefully this will help you understand more

For myself it was a HA age 59 followed by emergency bypass, I am 62 now never thought I would be where I am today, I catch up with this page at least once a day and some low days it makes me realise I’m doing ok😊

We all have different heart related problems and try to support each other as best we can

Only advice I can give is keep talking 😊 don’t bottle things up x

If you feel like a chat I am here .

[MassageFeet in reply to Furryears]

Thank you for replying,sometimes I think a lot of my anxiety comes from appointments by phone ,although my GP is very good with me ,you feel a little lonely,once l come face to face with a health practitioner,and waiting times seems variable,which I do understand,,hopefully I will get a plan and some peace of mind,thanks so much for your reply

[Jedi14]

I just hope that you get seen to quickly! Meanwhile, I guess you have been given meds to help you along - meantime?

[MassageFeet in reply to Jedi14]

Yes meds ,some have had side effects,it does amaze me that a little pill can cause such symptoms,much better taking one that suits GP very good also local pharmacist,thank you