Leaking aortic valve worry

[Magicmog12]

Ive just been invited for my pre op to replace a quite leaky aortic valve, repair of a mitral valve and a hole in the heart from childhood. The surgeon deemed it as urgent and planned to operate on the 27th of this month. Nervous tho I was of surgery my motive from the start has been lets get it done and dusted as ive been unable to work since January. I got a call from the hospital yesterday. I sort of already had a warning as a friends mother was in there quite poorly and she couldn't visit her due to "Lock down" Sure enough it was my surgeons secretary saying that he had to cancel all his surgeries due to the coronavirus and a lack of staff {this coincided with the first day of the schools being closed] she told me to call in a few weeks to review the situation. Its worrying now and I keep having a bit of a weep. Is this going to take a while so do I go and see my consultant about whether I need a review of meds to keep things going? whats the worse than will happen? Im taking light exercise with my dog avoiding inclines where poss theres some space as im in a rural area so I can isolate. I rest in between if I do jobs in the house as advised by my practise and don't get to the stage where I become breathless but tryin not to get too worked up- initially the surgery was not going to take place until may but I guess it was pushed forward as my GP said the valve is not in good shape but my arteries were clear. Im attempting to be philosophical as now I suppose it could be May hope Im not waiting longer?

[080311]

So sorry to read your op as been put on hold, it’s such a difficult time, I know it’s easier said than done but try not to worry I am sure you will get the op sooner than later. Stay positive, once it’s been done you will be heart mended, and your life will be back on track.

Sending you very best wishes Pauline

[Healthyheart1]

Keep safe xxx

[Speakeazi]

I am so sorry this has been postponed, from my understanding the consultants are all being drafted in to help deal with Covid, so I am not sure you will be able to get hold of them. For guidance how to manage your condition you could give the nurses at BHF helpline a call or call your GP again and Take Care Sara

[Sunnie2day in reply to Speakeazi]

Excellent suggestion!

[Prada47]

Hello Magicmog

First off what a strong response you have to a very poor situation, you are to be congratulated for being so brave. It's not an easy time for us hearties,

I have an echocardiogram booked for Thursday and I am waiting for that to be cancelled. I have a follow up on Monday by the Heart Failure Cardiologist to see about fitting a CRT device so I expect that to be cancelled !! I have been on Entresto meds for almost a year and my Heart Failure has not improved.

After having an ECG last week I was asked how are you feeling " feeling OK was my reply " Well your ECG is not saying you are feeling OK, that's why the echo and consult only took a week to organise.

I put this because a little like you I am urgent but still expect it to be called off. I honestly believe our interpretation of Urgent is entirely different to our NHS consultants view of Urgent ! We may be urgent to his list but we are not urgent in the greater scheme of things !!

Take care I am sure it will all work out good at the end of the day, and we will be fixed.

Best Wishes

[Magicmog12 in reply to Prada47]

Yes it is interesting the interpretation of urgent one which I'm tempted to look into; when discussing my condition with my gp the other week he stated that the valve was really quite bad but I was still fit as my arteries were clear due to the fact I dont smoke and only drink on the very odd occasion . He stressed that I dont do any trekking over the hills near me as I usually do (I'm on the edge of the peak district) I assured him that I was doing shorter walks and avoiding gradients However when you hear as one is doing about panic buying where all these people are ignoring distancing in favour of filling their kitchen shelves to capacity and beyond despite NHS warnings and then beds aren't available........

[Lyndaloo494]

My valve surgery also cancelled for next week, just a few days ago I also had a wee cry when came off the phone. I've accepted this now, and I was not classed as "urgent" but it is still a worry. I'd hope we'll keep our places at front of the queue when all this situation is over. Take care x