Prescription After Hospitalisation

[taichiperson]

A couple of weeks ago I ended up in hospital after suffering recurring chest tightness that spread to my shoulders, jaw and arm, to be told that I had had a small heart attack. I was there just over two days, during which time I had an angiogram but did not need angioplasty. They are not entirely sure what caused it, but one avenue being explored is cardiac arterial spasm.

I went to my two week follow up appointment at hospital and they issued a prescription for ramipril and an anti spasm too. I took that to my GP on Wednesday but still have not heard anything from them - surely I should have heard something from them by now? I still have ten days of pills to lower cholesterol and an antiplatelet and am taking low dose aspirin too. Should I ring and find out if they are going to dispense the prescription, or is this length of time normal? I was told by the receptionist that the doctor would review it before passing it on to the pharmacy.

[Mamyalynne]

Yes, I would ring and ask what the situation is - they have had time to review it.

[taichiperson]

Thanks Mamyalynne - they used to have a good reputation but the last couple of years that has not been the case. I've always managed to get an appointment pretty promptly, but hubby has often had to wait a week or more to see a doc.

[Mamyalynne]

All the more reason for a nudge then, it's obvious the Hospital wants you on this regime.

[taichiperson]

Ironically I'm supposed to be reducing my stress levels - this doesn't do much for it!

[Mamyalynne]

No, it doesn't - good luck with it and hope things settle for you.

[taichiperson]

Update - yes my prescription was ready to pick up, but for some reason they had not let me know. I also presumably have to book an appointment with the doc so he/she can ok me to drive.

[Mamyalynne]

So you are a bit nearer - good luck.

[ubasses]

Yes you can only drive again after a heart attack when the Doctor gives you the go ahead.

[Sqad]

taichi.......from what you have described and the investigations that you have outlined and providing that your blood tests were normal, then i think that it would be difficult to suggest that you had a heart attack and hence driving should be no problem.

[taichiperson]

Interesting, Squad. I can't remember the name of the marker in my blood that alerted them to that diagnosis - the A and E doc originally told me it was a digestive problem, then the blood test came up with a different story. Whatever the marker was, the 'normal' level is 12, and mine was 200. Would it help if I told you what drugs I'm on? Apart from aspirin there are 5 others :(

[Sqad]

taichi...if you wouldn't mind.

[bednobs]

if they issued you a prescription, why are you waiting for your GP to do the same job?

[taichiperson]

Squad - ramipril, tricagrelor, avorvastatin, amlopidine. The pharmacist said there were 5, and I think the fifth must be the GTN spray, which I have only used a couple of times. I'm waiting on the ramipril and amlopidine (ramipril ran out, have not taken the amlopidine yet) I'll be pciking the last two up shortly.

[taichiperson]

Bedknobs - some of the pills were issued in hospital, the others/repeat were issued for the GP to review and dispense. The GP surgery did not get in touch with me at all, I had to ring and ask about the prescription, as above.

[Sqad]

Thanks taichi....very helpful.
You symptoms, with a raised blood cardiac enzymes and a normal angiogram would suggest a "small" heart attack, but more likely a condition called acute coronary syndrome ( Google it) and i have to presume that your ECG was normal.
Yes, you are being treated as though you have had a heart attack with a degree of high blood pressure and that is a sensible approach

Now, I cannot see that that would be a bar to your driving, but of course that depends upon your GP.

Interesting case.

[Sqad]

http://patient.info/health/acute-coronary-syndrome-leaflet

This might help.

[taichiperson]

The consultant was puzzled - my favourite remark whilst I was waiting to be discharged came from the senior nurse on the Cardiac Ward, who said 'They're trying to find something wrong with you' which cheered me up no end. The amlopidine was suggested as a three month trial as the most likely diagnosis was Cardiac Arterial Spasm. I find the most marked side effect is slight constipation (that's without the ramipril and amlopidine). I've never had more than a course of antibiotics before, the idea of taking pills for indefinitely a bit challenging - but of course better than the alternative!

[taichiperson]

PS the 'no driving for a month' is up to DVLA, not the docs, but I need his/her clearance before I can drive again.

[Sqad]

Correct ^^^ ;-)