From Urgent to priority.

[Simontaylormills]

Hi All,

I was placed on the urgent list for a pulmonary valve replacement and an ablation.

After a deterioration in my heart and increased in my symptoms I have been placed on the priority list.

Has anyone else had this and how short or long is the waiting time??

[Mary_Janet]

Hi Simon,

In my case I was found to have a problem with my aortic valve which was diagnosed at the same time as they diagnosed endocarditis. Within the space of two weeks I had echocardiogram and a TEO. My cardiologist said that I needed my valve replaced and could not go home until the surgery was done.My case was discussed at the joint MDT meeting (multi disciplinary team) on the Tuesday and was given a date for an angiogram on the following Monday and valve replacement on the Wednesday. As I was having treatment for my endocarditis,surgery had to be performed within a certain time frame. I went from being very well to being acutely ill and needing surgery. It is only as I have recovered that I have really been aware how ill I was and discovered that my surgery was urgent. My cardiologist did tell me that my condition was life threatening but at the time in many ways it went over my head. I am now so much better and only today my GP has agreed that I can now return to work.

I don't know if this helps at all. It sounds like my situation is quite different to yours. In my experience your medical team will not want your condition to deteriorate and go from priority to emergency. It must give you a better long-term outcome if surgery is not delayed for too long. Sounds like there is a lot for you to think about and get your head around. I found it good to have a notebook to write down questions but I also found writing down how I was feeling was helpful , they we're only for myself.

Good luck with the next few week and hope all goes well and you don't have to wait long for your operation and all goes well..

[gal4God]

I was and I was the 1st one in surgery that day. The waiting time for the appointment for surgery was quick as well.