Consultant's Appointment Letter

Finally had a Letter this morning from the Hospital saying Consultant wants to see me to discuss everything before Surgery. Feeling relieved I've had it at long last but it's not until the 10th July. Another month and couple of days to wait. Aghh!!

[alheart]

Hi Greenlady,

You have the letter and it is the 10th of July (which is not long)

Also not sure how long it will be from the ore- surgery chat to the actual op.

So the advice

Try and stay active as possible

Relax - learn to relax quickly and deeply and really practice it

Enjoy doing things you have been putting off

See friends /family

Get things ready that will interest you for after the op and the recovery period.

Stay in touch and any questions - just ask

Take care

A

[Hidden in reply to alheart]

Aww thank you Al. That is SO kind of you. I do try and keep busy most of the time. It's when I sit down and start thinking about it you know. I just started to do it again so I'm playing 'Online Games' inbetween to keep my Mind off it a bit! By the way, I wrote your E-Mail Address down so, like I said, I will definitely keep in touch. You are one of the first ones that helped me on here and I don't forget things like that. Cheers Al 😊

[alheart in reply to Hidden]

Am here whenever you need me

Try and plan for a new start in life

I did and it helped me stay focused

[Hidden in reply to alheart]

Oakey Dokey Al. I will do as you say lol. Cheers again 😊

[Nic25]

Great news that things are moving for you. That I assume is with the surgeon? My advice would be to write a list of questions you want to ask so you don't forget anything in the heat of the moment. My wife also came along, which was really helpful as a) she's the grown-up in the relationship and b) it was good to have a second opinion/ears on things. A lot of it was discussing valve types and his thoughts, the operation process itself, likely timelines (which in the eventuality slipped), post-op and recovery, that sort of thing. They also did all the pre-op tests then, but every hospital may be different I guess. We also found it helpful (and enjoyable!) to find somewhere for lunch afterwards (wife and me, not the surgeon I hasten to add) to mull it all over and talk it all through. But good luck and hope it all goes well! Nic x

[Hidden in reply to Nic25]

Hi Nic. The Letter came from the Cardiologist. At the moment, my Head is just 'all over the place' at the 'What If's' etc. etc. My good friend is going to come with me, she's going to book a day off, thank god, so I do feel a little bit better for that. We are going to treat ourselves after for Dinner and some Shopping so that's something. I'm going to leave all the talking to her I think because I will just clam up. Anyway Nic, I will definitely let you know how it goes and thanks again so much for your reply 😊😊😊

[Nic25 in reply to Hidden]

Great! And all sounds like you have it sorted! Yes for me surgery came up at the regular six-month check, which was a bit of a shock as I thought I'd done rather well on the exercise test! That was July and she said "if" they went for surgery I'd hear in Sept as there was still the option of going down to three-monthly checks so it wasn't a certainty. And a terrifying warning not to lift any heavy suitcases on holiday! Then next thing I knew in August got a call from the surgeon's secretary wanting to book me in for an appointment, two hours before the referral letter arrived that lunchtime. So that was quite a day... it all does your head in this stuff. But good luck with it all x

[Hidden in reply to Nic25]

Yeah Nic it does stress you out. I really don't know where I'd be without the support of people like you and others here. Just went to make a Cuppa and, just for a Treat, ate a big Jam and Cream Doughnut. I had too ha ha. Talk soon 😊

[TMeditation]

Well that is good news! However everyone on this forum knows the waiting is the worst bit. Once we know what we’re up against , its heads down and move forward! There’s no easy way to spend your waiting time but remember with each difficult moment - it will pass. When I was down I used to play music, really loudly and in my quiet moments play Scrabble on my iPad - they even let you win sometimes 😄. Stay in touch and remember this is your journey and no one will manage it as well as you can - you are amazing!

[Hidden]

Aww thank you TMed. I always have Music on as well. Cheers me up no end!! Usually listen to the Gold Station on Tele. All the old music, can't beat it 😊 I play Online Games also. Keep my Brain going and takes my Mind off things. Apart from that, I'm going to write a 'To-Do' List for each day. Whether I'll stick to it is a different matter mind!! Only logged on here now for a bit. Have to go to Dentist this afternoon and yes I will stay in touch 😀😀😀

[Ianc2]

Take a notebook/page a day diary andget your friend make notes so you can get an accurate recollection of what you are told.

[Hidden in reply to Ianc2]

Thank you and what a good idea. I will buy one tomorrow 😊 PS: By the time we come out, I think he'll need a lie down ha ha....!

[Hidden]

Wishing you all the best.

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Thanks a lot 😊😊