Update help please

[Grannymary]

Hi, I was in hospital just before Christmas, and then discharged with an initial diagnosis of unstable angina. Told I need an angiogram (most likely to be done in the spring) and a follow up appointment with cardio team.

As I hadn't heard anything I phoned the cardio team number last week. Quite dismayed to learn that the angiogram won't be until July at the earliest, that's 7 months after I was in hospital.

Also got a letter giving me a cardio appointment next February 2026. An astounding 14 months later.

Is this normal ?

I've seen my GP since I came out of hospital, who was supportive and reassuring. But basically tells me not to stress.

I feel I have a constant low level anxiety at all times, and am snappy. I get chest pains occasionally GTN spray helps, but am breathless a lot of the time. Least thing sets it off.

Any words of wisdom?

[sandandkev]

I too spent night in hospital last year and now have unstable angina, I had also to wait for angiogram but felt if not life threatening you can wait,I too was given gtn which helped me,I got breathless so slowed my walking down and tried not to rush around,in the end was found to have large hole in my heartTry not to worry although easier said than done

[Grannymary in reply to sandandkev]

Thanks, I do take comfort from the fact that my case doesn't appear to be taken as urgent. Trying to pace myself, sometimes managing it.

[devonian186]

If you are in a position to do so, offer to go on any cancellation list for both procedures.

[Grannymary in reply to devonian186]

I did ask about this but was told they don't have a cancellation list at this hospital.

[sjs1me]

Good morning, as suggested try and get yourself on the cancellation list for the angiogram at least. It really depends what they find when doing the angiogram. Frustratingly, I waited 4 months but called my local heart clinic when I had a small but urgent operation postponed by anaesthetics because I was awaiting an angiogram, they said, ' That's a shame, would you like to come in next week?' I had an urgent cardio surgery appointment 4 weeks later and CABG surgery 7 weeks after that.

Hope you get some resolution.

[Grannymary in reply to sjs1me]

I have asked about going on a cancellation list, but was told they do not have that system here.

[mifmimbean]

To set your mind at ease I would imagine that during your examination they felt that your case wasn't that severe and you would be fine in the interim despite the long wait. The GTN spray should help prevent any severe symptoms or events until you can get a proper consult again.