"Unreasonable waiting times"

I have been waiting for a cardiac MRI since July 2019 after having persistent incessant pericarditis starting in 2017. A 6-8 week wait I was told. I am maxed out on treatment, using medications I was initially told I should not be on for a long period (doctors raised eyebrows at 3 months, it’s now been the whole year). I continue to have problems that prevent me from working and functioning (I am a previously extremely active 36 year old with a 3 year old son and a single mother, and a nurse who can’t work). Cardiology are waiting for my MRI to guide them. They have no further answers or treatment for me to get me well until this happens. To put this in perspective my frequent pericarditis flares stops me from even walking one room to another because of the pain and breathlessness, the pain is continual and my case is unusual, hence the desperate need for an MRI. 

I have been very patient. At the end of August I was told people referred in March were getting appointments. Now, 3 months on people referred in May are apparently getting appointments for the end of January next year. The wait time is INCREASING. It seems likely I will wait 8 months for an appointment that should have happened within 6-8 weeks.

I am told the trust is aware of the problem. I am sure the trust sees this as a short-staffing issue. I see this as my whole life flipped upside down and on hold, mine and by the sounds of it, numerous others. 

What on earth is the trust doing about this? It is unacceptable. I feel completely abandoned by the health service. I feel overwhelmed with worry. Soon my sick pay will end, I am already on half pay, how will I pay for accommodation and food? I have no complete diagnosis, no proper management, no real understanding of what’s happening and "shrugged shoulders" from the trust. I have even called the PALS number several times with no answer... 

I have been patient, now I feel like the situation is becoming critical and I am scared! 

I sent an email to PALS as they do not answer the phone, guess what? I’ve had no reply! I am on eggshells everyday with my health, hoping I don’t have to be admitted to hospital for the 5th time this year, this isn’t living. I have also been told if the MRI appointment I am finally allotted isn’t suitable (e.g. for childcare) I categorically will not be offered another appointment! My family live 150 miles away, how is that even fair?