awaiting appointment

[bunnyhutch]

I was told 2.5 months ago that I have severe aortic stenosis and referred to see cardiologist

To date not been given appointment

Is this the norm

[BowlerA1]

Hi. It depends on where you live as to the time it takes to see a cardiologist. Normally when you have a definite diagnosis you would see a cardiologist straight away. If you are concerned, especially if you are getting tired, contact the cardiologist secretary. I always found them to be very helpful and they should be able to give you some idea of your appointment time.

I was also diagnosed with aorta stenosis and had surgery on 27th January. I was out of hospital on the 1st February and I am making a slow but steady recovery.

You, of course, may not have to have surgery but whatever treatment you have you are in safe hands.

Regards

[bunnyhutch in reply to BowlerA1]

thank you so much for your informative reply

My diagnosis was made by a consultant consequent to another illness that required an echocardiogram She then referred me to the next available cardiologist

I contacted appointments after a month but was told to wait

I will take your advice and try and speak to a secretary

Once again thsnks

[NotanAstronaut]

that’s outrageous. Hassle the hospital and ask your doctor to chase. Go privately just for a consultation if you can afford it. You will probably need to see a surgeon soon after the cardiologist and that’s another wait so get the first wait over with as fast as you can. Don’t exercise while you wait. See my blog: shaunoconnell.com/2023/08/1...

[bunnyhutch in reply to NotanAstronaut]

Thank you for your reply I have scanned your blog and will read more fully

I must admit I am worried because the referral was from a Consultant in emergency A&E when I experienced Transient Global Amnesia to Cardiology in the same trust

At the time December 2024 as fit well and independent 79 Indeed at this time I was weight training swimming walking and yoga I got advice from GP who told me to stop

I am now experiencing bad sleeping and last few days bad dizziness

Will contact GP tomorrow hopefully he will have better luck getting response from cardiology I am grateful for your advice

[BorderCollie2024 in reply to bunnyhutch]

Hi, i thought I must reply, as I also had transient global amnesia a couple of years back. 2 years later I was being messed about by the NHS regarding cardiology. I then went private to see a wonderful cardiologist £200. He diagnosed me with a stethoscope, took me on as NHS, and I had aortic valve surgery in June 2024. Now doing well. I would get a private appointment to set the ball rolling.

Best of luck x

[bunnyhutch in reply to BorderCollie2024]

Thanks for taking the time to reply

In a way it’s unfortunate that a very good doctor at A&E diagnosed Severe aortic stenosis at the time of my GTA and referred me within the same trust otherwise I would do what you say

[BorderCollie2024 in reply to bunnyhutch]

Then I would ring the hospital and ask to be put through to Cardiology, then ask if they have received the referral and do they have any idea when you will be seen. At least that way you will know the referral has been done. They won't mind you calling them at all, you won't be bothering them. I can say that as a retired nurse. Hope you get some news soon x

[bunnyhutch in reply to BorderCollie2024]

thanks will do

[NotanAstronaut in reply to bunnyhutch]

How have you got on? I think A&E referrals on to any specialist outpatients are notoriously unreliable. If you see a cardiologist privately, you're not committed to having the surgery privately or any further investigations. You can then join an NHS waiting list for surgery. I would expect it'll cost £250-£300 for a consultation. I appreciate that sum may be beyond your means but I think the NHS is broken and I don't think it's safe to wait given what you've said. (Private valve replacement costs £50,000+)

[bunnyhutch in reply to NotanAstronaut]

I thank you again

I intend seeking a private second opinion

Unfortunately I experienced really bad dizziness at the weekend along with some chest discomfort I saw our GP to seek advice He was concerned about possible blood clots and sent me to A@E

Had bad experience because on 3 occasions the doctor inferred I was there to speed up my appointment with cardiologist for MILD aortic stenosis despite record showing Severe

Really quite upsetting

So will try to get early appointment privately to At least settle which it is

Apart anything else at the start I was very fit now losing that rapidly

Thanks again

[NotanAstronaut in reply to bunnyhutch]

I'm pleased you've managed to see your GP and are getting a private consultation. It's the only way at the moment. I'm sorry you've been made to feel guilty for being sent there... by your GP! I think A&E staff are so exhausted by the constant high demand, and juggling of patients in corridors and so on. It's not an excuse for them not to hear you say Severe, or read it in your records. I would ask "Would you talk to your father like this?"

Severe AS is a serious condition. There's perhaps a perception if you're walking and talking you're ok. Perhaps they don't appreciate it's a time bomb.

I was allowed to walk my dog pre-op but not fast! Obviously, if you're dizzy don't go out for a walk on your own. Nearly two years ago now, I waited 3 months or so for surgery. I was cancelled twice before it happened so be ready for that.

Thinking back I can only recall a CT angiogram before the op to fully assess the aorta as it comes out of the heart (in case any of that needs replacing), and assess the coronary arteries - the ones that supply the heart muscle itself. It's these little arteries that and are replaced in heart bypass operations, or often stented these days.

The anaesthetists need to know the coronary arteries are ok before they can put you to sleep and on to the heart/lung machine during the op (also known, confusingly as heart bypass (it's a different type of bypass to those that have it for angina, or heart attacks due to furring up of the coronary arteries).

I'm probably wanging on too much for you at this stage. Good luck.

[bunnyhutch in reply to NotanAstronaut]

Thanks yes the department was extremely busy so water under bridge now

[bunnyhutch in reply to NotanAstronaut]

Took your advice and did a bit of hassling before going private (goes against the grain for me) and got appointment at beginning of April

[NotanAstronaut in reply to bunnyhutch]

Ah, well done. Good luck

[Sunlover2009]

I was diagnosed in September saw a cardiologist in end of October,saw surgeon late December he requested a angiogram asap I had the angiogram last week seem to be chasing them all of the time ,so stressed out with it all

[bunnyhutch in reply to Sunlover2009]

You have my sympathy I must admit it’s very worrying to hear your experience

I tend to be a layed back person but will need to push things

[Sunlover2009 in reply to bunnyhutch]

I had a phone call today inviting me for my pre admission tests this morning I go tomorrow

[bunnyhutch in reply to Sunlover2009]

That’s great news Best wishes

[Sunlover2009]

Thank you so much

[Alban1]

I too was diagnosed with severe aortic stenosis and needed open heart surgery for aortic valve replacement and triple by-pass. I had to wait 6 months for the operation. The waiting was difficult and stressful but now done what a relief and I’m so grateful to the NHS who were marvellous. I suggest get yourself mentally and physically prepared as possible and look forward to feeling so much better. Good luck.

[bunnyhutch in reply to Alban1]

Thank you Alban1 I appreciate you taking time to respond

I am trying to maintain a level of fitness but advised to going to the gym so sticking to walking as much as possible

[bunnyhutch in reply to bunnyhutch]

Clarify not to go to the gym