waiting 4months letter

[Taichid]

I had a pacemaker fitted last May. I paid for a follow up with cardiologist who placed me under him under his care and arranged for echocardiogram. I am having a lot of debilating side effects of my medication. Because of the complexity my Doctors wrote to him asking g for urgent advice. This has been going on for 4 months of my doctors letters. His secretary has forwarded everything to him without any luck and has said she has done everything she can. And tells me his clinic appointments 12 months behind

I am at a loss of what to do next

[Happyrosie]

the only thing I can suggest is for you to contact PALS at your cardiologist hospital.

[Taichid in reply to Happyrosie]

I contacted pals last Friday following advice from consulta to secretary who says she has done all she can, even leaving g a letter on his desk. My doctors are reluctant to change my medication without advice. This consultant works at very famous hospital and am concerned no- one would be prepared to agree to me changing. Old pals and all that

[Butterfly65]

Go to A & E. You shouldn't have to put up with debilitating side effects of meds.

I know it's a long wait but if you prepare with a cushion, small blanket, food, drink & reading material you'll be more comfortable.

Take meds with you & any notes needed.

You haven't said what side effects your meds are causing you but if they're dangerous to your well being such as making you feel dizzy or faint you need them addressed asap.

[Eglatine]

If you are seeing him or her privately, go and see someone else. I would expect their secretary to reply within a day or two, and to get you an appointment within two to four weeks. They normally respond to letters or emails raising concerns very quickly.

NHS cardiologists referrals on the back of A&E visits are also faster than you might expect, and hospitals may well also have special clinics that can help with drug intolerances eg to BP drugs. That was a game changer for me

Hope that helps.

[readyabout]

I went to see a Cardiologist privately, I did a bit of research and found three who were also NHS Cardiologists at my local NHS hospital (seemed a good idea to cover all angles), I chose one I thought best, and she was, the arrangement means I can move from Private to NHS and vice-verca . If you are getting bad service, complain and change!

[Taichid in reply to readyabout]

I saw this consultant privately to start with who transferred me to his nhs clinic. He also arranged for an echocardiogram which happened very quickly The fact he doesn’t reply to my doctors is very disturbing. Maybe if I paid to see him privately he would respond. My point being g why should I or will anyone agree to me changing consultant

[Happyrosie]

you are allowed to change consultant if you want to. Whether that’s a good idea or not is something else! PALS would help I think.

[Taichid in reply to Happyrosie]

Thank you for your comments. I Amon his clinic , list but all we want at the moment is response from him requesting advice. His secretary is getting nowhere with him.