Valve Surgery delay for Coronavirus?

[Lyndaloo494]

I am less than 2 weeks from my long awaited valve surgery. Would I be mad still considering this right now.? I am currently feeling fit and well pre surgery but this has already been delayed long enough. What would others do with all this Coronavirus? Do I ask to delay my op even further. How can Dr's really say all will be OK...or is all surgery likely to be cancelled.

[Mobiscum]

If it were me, I'd go ahead, especially if you've been waiting a long time. If you postpone, then you'd more than likely find yourself at the back of the queue again. If the procedure is delayed by the hospital due to C19 related pressures, then that is different.

[Hidden]

I would put my trust in the surgeons hands, if they say it is okay to go ahead then I would. All the best Lyndaloo 🌹

[Purplecross]

Hi I would jump right in you cannot survive without it and you all ready had a wait. At the moment the virus hasn’t hit us fully so this is the best time. Our hospitals are safe and you can self isolate at home if you put it off you may have a long wait and could be more at risk. I hope it doesn’t get cancelled with any luck it won’t the drs have got your best interest. Good luck safe journey

[Qualipop]

I would say it's completely the surgeon's decision. I was due some tests this week tat were invasive and not urgent. The hospital suggested postponing but yours is a completely different case. After waiting so long I suspect the surgeon would want to go ahead

[Tickertalker]

Hi Lyndaloo,

I know just how you feel. I'm having elective open heart surgery next week and this Coronavirus thing has added a whole new layer of anxiety. The thought of developing a nasty cough while my breastbone is trying to heal is more than a little worrying. But, truth is, the Coronavirus is going to be with us for quite some time. I read somewhere that next winter is likely to be the mother lode of infections. I feel that we have no real choice but to leave any decisions in the hands of the professionals. They have our best interests at heart and I have no doubt that they are keeping a very close eye on developments. If they feel that the risks outweigh the benefits or if they are overwhelmed by victims of the virus then they will cancel anyway. So, yes, as others have said, cross your fingers and your toes and go ahead. My thoughts are with you.

[Vrouse]

Go with the advice of the professionals, we cannot live our lives based on the "what ifs". You are possibly more at risk of catching it if you don't have the surgery.

[Tickertalker]

A quick update on my last reply. My hospital have just phoned me and postponed my surgery because they are only doing emergency work. No idea when they'll do it now. This Coronavirus thing is sure to get a lot worse before it gets better. Obviously I have no idea if you'll also be put on hold but I wouldn't be surprised. Good luck.

[Lyndaloo494 in reply to Tickertalker]

I'm so sorry to hear this. I know how disappointing it will be. Today my official letter arrived in the post with my date in 10 days as planned. Letter was posted 2 days ago though so things have changed a lot since then. Are you in England? I'm in Scotland but expect a cancellation on the cards 😕

[Tickertalker in reply to Lyndaloo494]

Yes, I'm in England. Do let us know how things progress. We're all rooting for you.

[Lyndaloo494 in reply to Tickertalker]

It's been cancelled due to the Coronavirus 😢 can't believe such bad timing for my date. I was upset yesterday but bigger things going on in the world. Hopefully not too many months but I'll be surprised if even this year x

[080311 in reply to Lyndaloo494]

So sorry it’s been cancelled, fingers crossed that things will get better sooner than later.

Keep safe. Pauline

[Lyndaloo494 in reply to 080311]

Thanks. You just couldn't make this up eh x

[AyrshireK in reply to Lyndaloo494]

Sorry to hear your op been cancelled. Hope you are keeping well enough.

It looks like my Dad will finally escaping from the Jubilee tomorrow - he's been there for 3 weeks. As posted before he needed external pacing following his valve replacement then they decided he needed a permanent pacemaker fitted due to heart block. He developed a couple of infections and only finally got go ahead for pacemaker op this Tuesday, had the other pacing wires removed today and hopefully getting out tomorrow after physios and docs sign him off.

Fingers crossed you get yours a.s.a.p. and you have a speedy recovery.

Katie x

[Lyndaloo494 in reply to AyrshireK]

That's good to hear as I was thinking about yous. Wishing your Dad all the best for a speedy recovery x

[080311 in reply to AyrshireK]

So pleased to read your Dad is finally leaving the Jubilee, I have been wondering how is was doing.

Just remind him baby steps!

Best wishes to you and your family stay safe Pauline

[Prada47]

Hi Lyndaloo

Only question I would ask is do you have someone who can look after you when you are discharged from Hospital ? if you do I would go for it, Long term I think there may be quite a lot more people being added to the Lists in the near future !!! Personal View .

Regards

[Lyndaloo494 in reply to Prada47]

I have a lot of support ready to help, but they then worry about bringing any risk to me

[Lyndaloo494]

Thanks everyone for your replies. All of you and most of my friends and family agree I should go ahead. But as Tickertalker has had surgery cancelled, I think it may be out of our control now.

[Lyndaloo494]

Tickertalker your spot on. I had a dark day or 2. I don't think I'm considered in immediate danger. But that messes with your head a bit as by the time I get this surgery it will be well over a year since the diagnosis. So although I still feel fine, I know inside its not the case and I do worry. I hope I stay at the front of the queue and my health doesn't suffer in the long run....

[Tickertalker in reply to Lyndaloo494]

Tell me about it. It's six months or so since I was first diagnosed and I've been psyching myself up for the big day ever since. Having the rug pulled out from beneath me so close to the finish line is a bitter pill. I'm looking at replacing a moody aortic valve and repairing a thoracic aortic aneurysm. If the aneurysm ruptures while I'm waiting it's goodnight Vienna. Still, the whole world is in crisis right now and, as important as it is to me, my story doesn't really amount to a pile of beans in the bigger picture. I'm sure that we're not the only two people with last minute postponements and long delays but do keep me posted about how things are progressing if you have the time. While I wouldn't wish heart surgery on anyone and my friends and family are all being very supportive, there's a strange comfort in knowing that you are not alone in your journey. Somehow it changes the 'Why me?' into 'Why not me?' if that makes sense.

[Lyndaloo494 in reply to Tickertalker]

I can relate to all that. Makes perfect sense. Take care and we'll see where this takes us x