Hi Guys. I was wondering if anyone could recommend someone who they know would listen and explain. I'm fed up of professionals literally trying to put me in a box. I'm not well off but would pay for a private consult (again) just for someone with knowledge to listen before offering an opinion. (Actually, I would probably travel to Timbuktu)
Thanks in advance
Paul
Hello Bob As a starting point if you google 'best cardiologist north west uk' there are various newspaper articles and Google client reviews. If you also look at YouTube and search York cardiology there is some informative videos present by a Cardiologist in York. Just be cautious but it's a starting point. I know the importance of both finding someone who not only be the appropriate skills for your particular problem but is also approachable. If you see someone privately you have the right to revert to the NHS under normal waiting times of course
¿Do you really think that cardiologists (and doctors) make a diagnosis without first looking at the info on their computer (and talking to you)?
...and interpret everything you say to support their diagnosis?
When I bought a Pulse-Oxy-logger, and I proved that my SPo2 got down to 75 at night, my doctor concluded that I was not "just depressed" or Just hypochondriac, but ill, and referred me to a cardio!
What condition is the issue? Cardiologists all tend to specialise in different areas and if you are spending your own money you need to see an appropriate person.
Hi Guys, thanks for your replies. I have had a lot of different symptoms for 3 years, that were diagnosed as chronic fatigue plus syncope. Normal blood pressure and cholesterol, never smoked etc, fit (62 yesterday!). cut a long story short - 4 months ago had a cardiac arrest &HA. of all the consultants I've seen, no one is interested in looking into why it happened (one even prescribed medication that may have finished me off). Reports never list my symptoms fully and down play the issues and sometimes are downright wrong. The episode damaged the left ventricle and another smaller artery is beginning to block but too close to one of the stents that they inserted. The underlying issue apart from blocked arteries (no explanation offered) is my heart rate can go from its normal 50 to 130 to 40 for no reason. Whilst I know they have to cure the issues from the CA and HA, I feel that the underlying issue is not being addresses. I just want to talk to an expert who is willing to listen to everything and then offer an explanation.
I'm afraid I don't think you are going to find it very helpful to go private. A random cardiologist is not going to be able to offer an satisfactory explanation just based on what you can tell him, without any access to your notes, results of tests etc.
I wouldn't obsess about small discrepancies - symptoms left out etc, in letters. This often happens as the point of the letter is to say what action is to be taken.
Wanting to know 'why' is a natural human desire, but often there aren't clear reasons. My husband had an 'idiopathic' dilated cardiomyopathy, with perfect coronary arteries, which means we don't know the cause - possibly viral, possibly genetic.
I can see how frustrating it is to have blocked arteries despite low cholesterol and a healthy diet ( definitely worth doing) but for some unlucky people it does happen. My husband's cardiomyopathy was long -standing when it was diagnosed and I spent a long time looking backwards before I realised that like the doctors I had to look forward.
So what you are looking for may simply not be available. It does sound as if communication between you and your cardiologists has broken down a bit . I would go back to your GP with your concerns and see if he can help. Maybe talking to the BHF helpline would also help.
All the best
PS I must admit I liked the mental image of all those professionnals literally trying to put you in a box!
Thanks Fortepiano,
I appreciate you taking the time. After not getting any answers from Lung, Stomach Neuro specialists and them not putting, breathlessness, massive tiredness, chest pain and others together and not coming up with heart issues is disappointing and now the people who should know are saying the same thing. I'm willing to accept that I maybe 'unlucky' but I need them to cure the issues at hand.
If you like the box thing, you maybe interested in what I said to my mechanic the other day. He had heard what had happened to me, and said to me 'so you've seen the other side have you? Whats it like?' I thought for a minute and said, 'its a bit like watching Man Utd - but more exciting!' I think he put £20 on the bill !
Private Cardiologist 
Waiting for cardiologist 
cardiologist
Cardiologist appointment 
Can anyone recommend a counsellor following CABG. 
