It Is Getting Real Now

[MichaelJH]

With so many months of waiting the quadruple bypass has not been that much on my mind although severely limited walking and occasional angina have been reminders. Last month I finally saw the surgeon I was referred to and today I have posted off my "fitness for surgery questionnaire”. I filled up the whole section for serious illnesses and operations although I do not have that much history. Like so many forms it made me wonder why ask a question that could have a long answer and then give people relatively little space to answer it. In this day and age surely, an online questionnaire would seem the way forward.

Filling in the form has brought back to me what I am facing but then again I am hoping for a much improved quality of life.

[Philippa_BHF]

Hi MichaelJH,

I hope you're well.

I was just wondering if you have a face to face pre op assessment too?

They usually do blood tests,chest XRAY etc as routine. Perhaps that was part of your appointment with the surgeon,but just thought I would mention it.

I am glad the plans for your surgery are getting closer so you can move on. It is really important to stay positive and concentrate on a good, safe recovery. The others on here will be testimony to that.

If you or any of your family want to have a chat with one of the nurses on the heart helpline, either before you are admitted, or once you're home to talk things through,the number is 0300-330-3311. There is someone there Monday- Friday from 9-5.

There is also lots of information on our website bhf.org.uk about having heart surgery and cardiac rehabilitation if you'd prefer.

I hope you are offered a date for your surgery soon, and please keep us posted.

Take care,

Philippa

[MichaelJH Heart Star in reply to Philippa_BHF]

I have a "Fitness for Surgery" appointment coming up which I think is the equivalent of a pre-op. Before my angiogram I had a short pre-op that seemed to be height, weight (to give BMI), some blood tests and MRSA swabs. The only time I have had a pre-op chest X-ray was before have my femur plated after an accident but that was the only (bar blood type)` check as surgery took place less than 12 hours later. in pre-ops I have had BMI done twice, yet on the other two occasions it was done visually, and various blood tests. And, if my memory is not playing tricks, my heart listened to twice.

Thank you for responding!

[Philippa_BHF in reply to MichaelJH]

That all makes sense- The height/weight side of things for your angiogram would have been to calculate how much contrast dye to give you during the procedure( it's all done very cautiously) as they have to make sure they don't give you too much..the same will go for having anaesthetic for your surgery.

Hopefully the Fitness for surgery appointment will be to go through the questionnaire with you, as well as any other checks, as things can change between procedures.The CXR is routine workup for heart surgery to make sure your lungs are 'clear' as they will repeat it after your surgery to compare. The listening to your heart is standard to listen for 'heart sounds' and also that your heartbeat is regular. It looks like you've been well checked over-Good luck!