Medical and ECG?

[leftofcentre]

Had a medical earlier this week for a Manchester Metrolink LRV Driver role starting April 23.

Everything was spot on with the medical; hearing, eyesight, BP, BMI etc apart from the ECG.

The Nurse said that there was some discussion with the Unions at the moment as to whether an ECG was required but would do one anyway "just incase it is ever needed at a future date'??

Anyway an abnormality flagged up on the ECG showing possible thickening of the heart muscle. Ive googled it and apparently its called Cardiomyopathy. Its all news to me and ive recently passed the HGV/PCV Medical and last year the CAA LAPL Medical. Im a fit, relatively healthy 46yr old male so this has come as a bit of a shock. Im very active and physically fit and dont get out of breath during exertion and that.

Ive got an appointment with my GP on 4th Jan so will see what they say. Interesting that the Nurse (and Doctor) afterwards didnt say too much about the ECG result. No advice on what to do about it or anything. They just said it would be passed onto a Senior Doctor who will advise of the way forward and i will hear in due course.

May i ask if this is the end of the road for me with the Metrolink application? Failed Medical?

 

[Neatro]

I wouldn't worry about it tbh. It's in discussions with the unions because whoever does the ECG has flagged up numerous drivers who have then be put off roster due to technically failing the medical. Only then to be told by their GP or other medicals that there's nothing wrong.

Being as it's in dispute I can't see them failing you for it as the nurse said they don't think it's required but would do one anyway

 

[leftofcentre]

Well thats reassuring to hear. I'll see what the GP says anyway. Thanks for the reply

 

[anglian96]

The amount of drivers who year after year fail there medicals due to these is unreal. I wouldn't worry mate at worst they'll give you a heart monitor for 24 hrs and that will be the last you'll hear of it.

 

[Rheoman]

I’m now 61 and for the last 6 years every time I’ve had my annual medical at Medigold the ECG has flagged up various anomalies. On all but one instance 2 years ago I’ve been passed F1 after a quick review of the ECG by another doctor working for Medigold.

The instance 2 years ago flagged up 2 anomalies which was quite disconcerting and the worst thing you can do is google them!

I was told to get another ECG with my own doctor which I did and noticed the difference in equipment used: my local health centre had modern equipment with 2 monitors compared to the rudimentary box with a set of dirty leads used at Medigold. The ECG was clear and a chat with my doctor afterwards put my mind totally at rest seeing that he specialised in cardiology!

 

[Tevion539]

Had a medical earlier this week for a Manchester Metrolink LRV Driver role starting April 23.

Everything was spot on with the medical; hearing, eyesight, BP, BMI etc apart from the ECG.

The Nurse said that there was some discussion with the Unions at the moment as to whether an ECG was required but would do one anyway "just incase it is ever needed at a future date'??

Anyway an abnormality flagged up on the ECG showing possible thickening of the heart muscle. Ive googled it and apparently its called Cardiomyopathy. Its all news to me and ive recently passed the HGV/PCV Medical and last year the CAA LAPL Medical. Im a fit, relatively healthy 46yr old male so this has come as a bit of a shock. Im very active and physically fit and dont get out of breath during exertion and that.

Ive got an appointment with my GP on 4th Jan so will see what they say. Interesting that the Nurse (and Doctor) afterwards didnt say too much about the ECG result. No advice on what to do about it or anything. They just said it would be passed onto a Senior Doctor who will advise of the way forward and i will hear in due course.

May i ask if this is the end of the road for me with the Metrolink application? Failed Medical?

Not sure on the railway side of things - however in regards to the vocational driving licenses you hold, you should tell the DVLA. What I would say, after working for the DVLA however is to get it checked first. A lot of people stuff themselves up and have their licences revoked or get placed on to a yearly review licence (which can sometimes take a year to process,) after reporting a suspected condition.

Good luck with the application, hopefully it shouldn't be an issue.

 

[Efini92]

I wouldn’t worry too much about it, go and see your GP. I wouldn’t be surprised if the GP finds nothing wrong with you. Salfords ECG machine has flagged up lots of issues which when further investigated turned out to be non existent.

 

[Newboysouth]

Just to clarify. Is the driver medical annually? Thanks

 

[choochoochoo]

Just to clarify. Is the driver medical annually? Thanks

Depends on your age, and possibly your health.

Up to 55 it is every 3 years, then it becomes annual

 

[leftofcentre]

in regards to the vocational driving licenses you hold, you should tell the DVLA.

Well lets just pause for a moment and wait until i see what my GP says with a second opinion before i start informing other agencies on the back of a single ECG read-out...

Am ever-hopeful with all fingers crossed.

 

[Bevan Price]

Even if doctors spot any minor heart problems, there is usually no need to worry. Many problems can be cured / controlled by perfectly safe medications, e.g. to reduce blood pressure or to stop the development of blood clotting.

 

[Newboysouth]

Depends on your age, and possibly your health.

Up to 55 it is every 3 years, then it becomes annual

Thank you

 

[Islineclear3_1]

Most GP's don't understand ECG's. If you are worried, get a second opinion or a private one done

 

[Sebastian O]

Most GP's don't understand ECG's. If you are worried, get a second opinion or a private one done

Plenty of GPs do, especially cardiomyopathy or more likely in OPs situation, left ventricular hypertrophy.

Whilst a union man myself I would absolutely underline the importance of doing an ECG - you’d be amazed at what is often picked up either arrhythmia or wolf parkinson white syndrome, LVH, strain, atrial fibrillation, prolonged QT syndrome - all vastly increasing likelihood of collapse/sudden death/stroke etc.

 

[Islineclear3_1]

Plenty of GPs do, especially cardiomyopathy or more likely in OPs situation, left ventricular hypertrophy.

Whilst a union man myself I would absolutely underline the importance of doing an ECG - you’d be amazed at what is often picked up either arrhythmia or wolf parkinson white syndrome, LVH, strain, atrial fibrillation, prolonged QT syndrome - all vastly increasing likelihood of collapse/sudden death/stroke etc.

Believe me they don't. GP's will only understand results when they are reported on by the relevant speciality. I know from first hand experience !

 

[Aviator88]

I must second that you book a visit to a private cardiologist - not because you're about to drop dead (or even have anything seriously wrong with you) but because GPs famously misinterpret ECG readouts, either underestimating the level of seriousness or 'catastrophising' something minor.

I suffered thousands of benign ectopic beats daily many years ago - my GP seemed to chalk it down to stress. Another GP nigh on laughed me out the room when I suggested a catheter ablation, telling me it wasn't appropriate and that 'Google' is not a reliable source of information.

After seeing an electrophysiologist (cardiologist who specialises in rhythm disorders) privately, he agreed with me and recommended a catheter ablation which was performed within 6 months and rendered me symptom free.

For the sake of £200 - £500, I would book a private consultation, explain the situation and they will conduct their own tests and provide you with a letter to show occupational health.

 

[Tevion539]

Well lets just pause for a moment and wait until i see what my GP says with a second opinion before i start informing other agencies on the back of a single ECG read-out...

Am ever-hopeful with all fingers crossed.

Aye, I wouldn't ever report anything untils it's concrete. You'd be surprised how quick they come down on people.

 

[leftofcentre]

I must second that you book a visit to a private cardiologist - not because you're about to drop dead (or even have anything seriously wrong with you) but because GPs famously misinterpret ECG readouts, either underestimating the level of seriousness or 'catastrophising' something minor.

Indeed i now have an appointment with a specialist cardiologist at The Beaumont Hosp on the 4th. NHS GP cant see me until mid january and thats only after an initial telephone conversation which was booked for the 4th. In anycase ive been thinking the same thing - a GP will only give me generic advice.

£250 consultation plus £70 ECG. Pricey but worth it imo.

 

[Aviator88]

Indeed i now have an appointment with a specialist cardiologist at The Beaumont Hosp on the 4th. NHS GP cant see me until mid january and thats only after an initial telephone conversation which was booked for the 4th. In anycase ive been thinking the same thing - a GP will only give me generic advice.

£250 consultation plus £70 ECG. Pricey but worth it imo.

It's not cheap, but it's the fastest (and most diligent) way forward. In all likelihood they will want to perform an echocardiogram and/or treadmill ECG as well, based on what you've said. This may be another few hundred quid, and then there may be another follow up consultation fee (usually less than that initial £250 you mentioned) to write the letter. Sorry to ramble on about money, but forewarned and all that! And there is always the NHS method, but you may be looking at ~ 2/3 weeks versus ~ 1-3 months respectively.

Driver to driver (and indeed pilot to pilot), you want to get this figured out asap - not only for your dream job, but for yourself. The overwhelming majority of heart 'issues' are benign/harmless, so try not to worry.

Keep us updated!

 

[Ptrains]

I had exactly the same issue and was told that the ECG printout would be sent to the TOC's nominated cardiac specialist for an opinion - I panicked and booked in with my GP who sent me up to the local hospital for an ECG and chest x-ray. They found nothing out of the ordinary and I ended up looking a bit daft... The doctor's at the hospital were less then complementary about these screening tests - I got the impression I wasn't the first one in a similar position.

After 3 long weeks I was told that I had passed the medical and I didn't hear anything about it again. I've no idea what they found and didn't like, and to be honest I was that relieved at passing I decided to forget about it and trust the good old NHS.

 

[Inspired123]

Hey guys. Interesting read on this thread re medical. Just a quick one with anyone with any experience. I have had a kidney transplant 6 years ago, doesn’t affect my life in the slightest physically, diet nothing. Only thing is I take anti rejection medication. Would this be acceptable in an application for trainee train driver? Any advice would be appreciated

 

[320320]

Had a medical earlier this week for a Manchester Metrolink LRV Driver role starting April 23.

Everything was spot on with the medical; hearing, eyesight, BP, BMI etc apart from the ECG.

The Nurse said that there was some discussion with the Unions at the moment as to whether an ECG was required but would do one anyway "just incase it is ever needed at a future date'??

Anyway an abnormality flagged up on the ECG showing possible thickening of the heart muscle. Ive googled it and apparently its called Cardiomyopathy. Its all news to me and ive recently passed the HGV/PCV Medical and last year the CAA LAPL Medical. Im a fit, relatively healthy 46yr old male so this has come as a bit of a shock. Im very active and physically fit and dont get out of breath during exertion and that.

Ive got an appointment with my GP on 4th Jan so will see what they say. Interesting that the Nurse (and Doctor) afterwards didnt say too much about the ECG result. No advice on what to do about it or anything. They just said it would be passed onto a Senior Doctor who will advise of the way forward and i will hear in due course.

May i ask if this is the end of the road for me with the Metrolink application? Failed Medical?

I had the same issue flag up on a recent medical and they allowed me to continue driving. I was sent to a see a cardiologist at a private hospital who found nothing out of the ordinary but recommended that I have another ECG in a year to check for any changes. Seems like it’s a common occurrence for drivers and looks like a nice money making exercise.

Hey guys. Interesting read on this thread re medical. Just a quick one with anyone with any experience. I have had a kidney transplant 6 years ago, doesn’t affect my life in the slightest physically, diet nothing. Only thing is I take anti rejection medication. Would this be acceptable in an application for trainee train driver? Any advice would be appreciated

I know a driver who’s had a kidney removed. I can tell you his operation was before he became a driver but I have no idea if he’s prescribed any medication.

 

[Carl98k]

I must second that you book a visit to a private cardiologist - not because you're about to drop dead (or even have anything seriously wrong with you) but because GPs famously misinterpret ECG readouts, either underestimating the level of seriousness or 'catastrophising' something minor.

I suffered thousands of benign ectopic beats daily many years ago - my GP seemed to chalk it down to stress. Another GP nigh on laughed me out the room when I suggested a catheter ablation, telling me it wasn't appropriate and that 'Google' is not a reliable source of information.

After seeing an electrophysiologist (cardiologist who specialises in rhythm disorders) privately, he agreed with me and recommended a catheter ablation which was performed within 6 months and rendered me symptom free.

For the sake of £200 - £500, I would book a private consultation, explain the situation and they will conduct their own tests and provide you with a letter to show occupational health.

100% agree with this.

I was in a similar position to you. All my eptopic beats (22k a day) was benign, and caused no real symptoms apart from tired sometimes.

They was picked by medigold on the ecg (although I’d had them for 6 years) but due to the amount of eptopcs they wouldn’t sign me as fit. Fast forward 3 weeks and I had them ablated through Bupa.

I still get the odd ones but nowhere near as much. I went from 38% ectopics down to 1-2%.

It’s always worth getting checked out, especially as the ecg machines medigold use are crap. That was the comment from the electrophysiologist

 

[Tevion539]

100% agree with this.

I was in a similar position to you. All my eptopic beats (22k a day) was benign, and caused no real symptoms apart from tired sometimes.

They was picked by medigold on the ecg (although I’d had them for 6 years) but due to the amount of eptopcs they wouldn’t sign me as fit. Fast forward 3 weeks and I had them ablated through Bupa.

I still get the odd ones but nowhere near as much. I went from 38% ectopics down to 1-2%.

It’s always worth getting checked out, especially as the ecg machines medigold use are crap. That was the comment from the electrophysiologist

I nearly failed my conductor medical with medigold on BP readings. They used the exact same machine as I have at home with the same cuff that I had. Which is too small. Luckily, I had gone to my GP three weeks before and had a normal, if slightly raised BP. My go even told me that the cuff is the wrong size and it would impact the readings.

When I presented this and my own readings to the medical doctor he passed me. But he was on the verge of failing me and was trying to suggest I need anti hypertension medication at 24 year old

 

[Aviator88]

100% agree with this.

I was in a similar position to you. All my eptopic beats (22k a day) was benign, and caused no real symptoms apart from tired sometimes.

They was picked by medigold on the ecg (although I’d had them for 6 years) but due to the amount of eptopcs they wouldn’t sign me as fit. Fast forward 3 weeks and I had them ablated through Bupa.

I still get the odd ones but nowhere near as much. I went from 38% ectopics down to 1-2%.

It’s always worth getting checked out, especially as the ecg machines medigold use are crap. That was the comment from the electrophysiologist

3 weeks is a hell of a turnaround on an ablation procedure! In fairness, I wasn't on a plan so my EP referred me via the NHS - I was just happy that it would be sorted so the wait was no problem.

Glad you got it resolved - although (like mine) they were benign, I remember reading that there is a threshold where if you're having so many per day, over the decades it can actually cause issues with the heart further down the line, so best to get them burned away given the chance...

Out of curiosity, did they comment on how successful your procedure obviously was? I remember reading the notes on my own paltry burden of 12% being reduced to 1-2% described as 'remarkable' - ectopics are famously evasive buggers!

 

[leftofcentre]

*** Update ***

So had a private consulation and ecg this evening at The Beaumont Hospital, Bolton.

The doctor was very thorough. Am very impressed actualy. Ecg came back with a “slight suggestion” of LVH. No where near as grave as id been expecting.

Next step is for an Echocardiogram which im also having at the Beaumont. But the doc stressed that there is absolutely no serious issue in any of his findings.

So the next question im wondering about is to how to relay this information to KAM? I only have a HR ladies number. No other form of contact.
Do i even bother relaying this info at all?
Not sure what to expect next with Metrolink to be honest.

 

[Sophhosk]

*** Update ***

So had a private consulation and ecg this evening at The Beaumont Hospital, Bolton.

The doctor was very thorough. Am very impressed actualy. Ecg came back with a “slight suggestion” of LVH. No where near as grave as id been expecting.

Next step is for an Echocardiogram which im also having at the Beaumont. But the doc stressed that there is absolutely no serious issue in any of his findings.

So the next question im wondering about is to how to relay this information to KAM? I only have a HR ladies number. No other form of contact.
Do i even bother relaying this info at all?
Not sure what to expect next with Metrolink to be honest.

Any update mate? I’ve recently had a referral from my ecg too and i’m now starting the ball rolling on getting another one done (privately most likely) asap!

 

[leftofcentre]

Had a letter today from Occupational Health saying Medical Failed due to abnormal ECG. A copy of a letter was enclosed thats been sent to KAM advising a full Cardiology Examination is required.

Whether Kam are prepared to follow this up (expense etc) for new entrants we will have to see. Am not hopeful to be honest.

As per my post above, i have an Echo booked for 31st Jan privately. But the Doc assured me the ecg was mildly suggestive of an anomoly and not to worry.

Am not sure whats going to happen with the LRV offer now to be honest. Am 50/50 writing it off.

 

[haidox]

Any update mate? I’ve recently had a referral from my ecg too and i’m now starting the ball rolling on getting another one done (privately most likely) asap!

Did you also apply for the LRV Driver position at Metrolink and have your medical in Salford Quays?

 

[Badge3226]

Had a letter today from Occupational Health saying Medical Failed due to abnormal ECG. A copy of a letter was enclosed thats been sent to KAM advising a full Cardiology Examination is required.

Whether Kam are prepared to follow this up (expense etc) for new entrants we will have to see. Am not hopeful to be honest.

As per my post above, i have an Echo booked for 31st Jan privately. But the Doc assured me the ecg was mildly suggestive of an anomoly and not to worry.

Am not sure whats going to happen with the LRV offer now to be honest. Am 50/50 writing it off.

I too ’failed’ my ECG last week (for a different TOC) as it shown that I have a RBBB ‘right bundle branch block’. By failed, the medical providers simply stated they wanted me to repeat the tests with my GP and get him to sign me off (passed the buck? Shirked responsibility…?). Not only was this initially a concern career wise, it worried me a lot.

With time being of an issue, and knowing how awkward it can be getting in with an NHS GP let alone asking for an ECG, I looked privately. By sheer good fortune I found a private GP not too far away, willing to repeat the tests the very same night for £150. He went through everything with a fine tooth comb… Lifestyle, diet, personal and family history, signs and symptoms etc etc, yet the ECG again returned a RBBB. He explained that IF I had heart disease or had previously suffered a heart attack, RBBB is potentially a big deal. The fact I didn’t/haven’t, and am otherwise very fit, physically active and healthy, there was absolutely nothing to worry about. He was also amazed that the doctor of the TOCs medical provider referred me, as ‘any doctor worth his salt’ could read my ECG and compare it with my lifestyle, to ascertain I’m at no more risk than anyone else. He duly signed me off and emailed the TOC to confirm this. Still took the medical provider an agonisingly long and uncertain 7 days to simply acknowledge the email though! I am now signed off medically fit and have been offered a trainee train driver role.

Basically what I’ve learned and what I’m trying to say, is don’t panic (admittedly, easier said than done). I too was writing off my chances, but that £150 for the appointment was a sound investment that paid off.

Purely for peace of mind, but also preempting the TOCs med provider throwing another unnecessary spanner in the works, I also paid a further £550 for a full heart ‘MOT’ with a consultant cardiologist at Venturi Cardio based in Warrington, 6 days after my failed medical. This involved another ECG, BP check, blood lipid tests and a CT scan of my heart to check for calcium score of my arteries, but most importantly a long sit down consultation with an expert. Everything was found to be in perfect working order with nothing to be concerned about. I couldn’t recommend them highly enough.

Good luck with your future tests