I am confused....

Back in October I was referred to see a Cardiologist, I just received a letter today stating that my appointment "may" be in February, though it could change to the month of April.  The letter also states that I have been referred to see a doctor of "General Medicine", does anyone know if General Medicine is another meaning for cardiologist?  Seems odd to me, as I was told by two doctors that I would need to see a Cardiologist before the birth of my baby, which will be here in late March.  It seems silly, that the letter states the appointment could take place in February or April.  What about a baby coming in March, how does this work?  I feel like I keep hitting a brick wall.

Phone your gp. Something has gotten mixed up.

i'd phone gp, but sounds like you have enountered another layer of nhs beaurocracy. even though you maybe have been referred to a cardiologist by your GP the nhs sometimes puts another 'gateway' role in between you and that specialist. sounds like that may be what this 'general medicine' person is....very frustrating, but it may be that you have to see the general medicine person before getting the cardiologist appointment.

as an example - i was to see an orthapedic surgeon for a back injury but *had* to see a physiotherapist first who acted as yet another gateway to the orthopedic surgeon. [never saw one in the end, which i reckon is part of the point]

good luck.

I have booked an appointment with my GP for this Wednesday, I am hoping for sort of resolution.

I have booked an appointment with my GP for this Wednesday, I am hoping for sort of resolution.

Good luck...I hope you get to see someone asap.

A few months ago I was referred to a specialist by my gp...he said I would get an appointment in the post. Haven't heard anything yet so will give it until after the new year and then call back up. Mine isn't completely pressing, like having to see a cardiologist or anything.

Definitley ring your GP. I've been referred to a hemagologist (whom I must see while pregnant!) and did not have to wait long or be given any silly 'maybe you will, maybe you won't' appointment dates!

Definitley ring your GP. I've been referred to a hemagologist (whom I must see while pregnant!) and did not have to wait long or be given any silly 'maybe you will, maybe you won't' appointment dates!

I just can't be asked to right now...blah, blah...too much holiday stuff to do with little holiday spirit to energize me...but will call up after the first of the year if I haven't received an appointment.

This just makes me so angry!!!!  I hope it's resolved soon!

I am frustrated due to the fact the appointment process began at the beginning of September, so here we are in December and there is still nothing definite.   

i'm generally an advocate for the NHS, but for issues like this is suck a beefchunk.  be persistence and tough. 

yeah, nhs has good points to it but when it comes to getting specialist attention it seems like you have to be really persistent and think [gulp] like a customer. something us yankees are better at than the brits. good luck getting this sorted. must be frustrating....

Thanks...

I saw my GP when I found out I was pregnant in September, then he referred me to a Obstetrician who I saw in October, both of these doctors stated I need to see a Cardiologist, now I have received the letter and a General Medicice doctor is who I have been referred to, this man will decide if a Cardiologist appointment is necessary, even though my GP stills says yes, as well as the Specialist Obstetrician.  I called my GPs office to ask about the situation and the before mentioned is what the stated.  I will now wait to see what my GP says in person tomorrow.  I do think if two doctors already think it is a must to see a cardiologist before the birth of the baby, then I really do not see what the point if of another doctors opinion on if I get to actually see a Cardiologist.  we are talking about a simple appointment, not a heart procedure.  At this rate, my option is to return to the States for the birth.  I am not saying which medical system is better, they both have pros and cons, but this is getting silly.  Of course, I will wait to see what news the GP has to tell me.  I have till late January before I am no longer permitted to fly international.

My GP was successful in booking an appointment to see the Cardiologist in the early part of January.  It is so nice to have this sorted.

Good!  Glad to hear it's sorted.  Now you can relax.

That is great news!  So glad it worked out well for you!