CABGx4 June 21. Started having problems (heaviness in chest, short of breath etc) Sept 23. Spoke to GP and managed to get an appointment with a cardiologist July 24, followed by a stress MRI in Aug 24 and an echo in Oct 24.
The MRI shows “Diffuse perfusion defects affecting antero-lateral, inferior and septal segments suggestive of three-vessel coronary disease” which was a shock. But then no follow up, no explanation, nothing. I telephoned cardiology at the beginning of January and they said they would get me a phone call appointment. But still nothing. I’m quite worried about this. How do I get seen? Or to speak to someone at the hospital? My GP surgery is beyond useless now unfortunately. You can’t even ring them up anymore!
Any advice much appreciated x
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Wollaston
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If you have not been discharged by the cardio team at your hospital, it's no good talking to your GP. So I suggest you first contact the medical secretary in the hospital cardio department, or talk to the cardiology appointments team.
when l received my first letter from cardiologist there were telephone numbers for what l presume were secretaries ( didn’t think it wd be direct dial!) . And a general email. I wd phone and email again. Also econsult GP and ask them to follow up.
I waited 2and a 1/2 years for initial phone consultation and it only happened because l contacted GP.
Dint receive my echocardiogram result for over 6 weeks- it had been sent to GP immediately and they had not bothered to tell me the result. Only discovered it was there after casual remark by a Receptionist. Very poor communication in Brighton/ East Sussex
I would send a letter or email to the cardiologists secretary, something like the following -
To: [Cardiology Department]
[Hospital Name]
[Hospital Address]
Subject: Urgent Follow-Up Required – No Response After Serious MRI Findings
Dear [Cardiologist’s Secretary’s Name],
I am writing to express my deep concern regarding the lack of follow-up after my recent stress MRI, which was performed on [date] at [hospital]. The MRI results indicate:
“Diffuse perfusion defects affecting antero-lateral, inferior, and septal segments suggestive of three-vessel coronary disease.”
This was a shocking and concerning result, particularly given my history of CABG x4 in June 2021, and my ongoing symptoms of chest heaviness and shortness of breath since September 2023.
I was informed in January 2024 that I would receive a telephone consultation, but despite multiple attempts to follow up, I have not received any communication regarding next steps. Given the severity of my MRI findings, I am extremely worried about my current condition and the lack of medical guidance.
I urgently request the following:
1. A priority appointment with my cardiologist to discuss my MRI results and next steps.
2. A clear plan for further investigations or treatment, given that I am still experiencing ongoing chest symptoms.
3. A direct response from the cardiology team regarding my case, as I have been left without any guidance since my test results.
I appreciate how busy the NHS is, but I am concerned that my case may have been overlooked, and I do not want to risk further deterioration while waiting indefinitely. Please treat this request as urgent, as my symptoms persist and I need to understand the severity of my condition.
I would appreciate a response as soon as possible. I can be reached via [phone number] or [email].
After being discharged from hospital for a cardiac issue, I was told I would need a follow up appointment in 3 months. After 6 months I chased, then after 8 months. I waited 10 months, then finally paid for a private consultation- with the same consultant I would have seen on NHS. I did eventually get an NHS appointment, but that was for a telephone call only. Shocking. This is in Kent.
My echo results are still at the hospital. I was told that the GP surgery hasn’t got them as the doctor who asked for the echo needs to actually request the results himself. Weird. Wouldn’t be a problem except that he’s actually retired now so isn’t there anymore!! I feel like I’m stuck in a crazy sitcom - except that it isn’t funny at all 😡
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Follow up appointment at GP. 
How do I get better care? 
How can I make my telephone appointment really effective? 
Do they know how I am?
How do I ask for a repeat test I feel is needed but cardiologist doesn't?
