So near and yet so far

[Jewel7]

Hi everyone,

I really don’t know where to start. My husband had his pre op about 10 days ago ready for his aortic valve replacement. He was due to have his operation in about 3 weeks but because of the covid-19 we are not sure if they will still do it as he would need an ITU bed for a possible 2 nights. He has severe regurgitation of the aortic valve and is getting so breathless now. I’m worried because if he has the procedure he’s at risk of catching the virus and because of his co morbidities could be very sick and of course at risk, but if he doesn’t have the procedure for another day 3 months or so his valve and heart will get worse and again if he was to catch the virus would be very sick etc. Any suggestions...

Secondly, because my husband had become sick with his heart, he’s unable to work and also because of the virus and because he’s at risk if he was to catch the virus he has also self isolated. This means he cannot work. Is there anything he could claim to help for household bills etc. He had worked all his life, 64 years of age and never claimed benefits before.

Thank you all,

[Nic25]

Hey Jewel7. Really sorry to hear this. The waiting and build-up to having the whole operation was one of the worst bits for me personally, and that was without having to worry about a pandemic. Hopefully you'll get some clarity from the hospital but, as you say, either option brings risks in the current situation. So my commiserations but good luck!

On the work question, is he an employee? If so he (or more precisely his employer? could then be eligible for the government's 80%-of-salary support announced yesterday?

If he's self-employed, the support currently is much less, basically to go onto Universal Credit at a rate of Statutory Sick Pay, which isn't great. But clamour is building for more to be done.

There have also been things like tax deferrals and mortgage holidays that have been announced that may be worth investigating?

So hope that helps, at least a bit. But difficult times for you both, on many levels. Hope things start to come clear and work out for you.

Good luck again.

Nic x

[GracieOS]

I'm so sorry to hear of your situation, it's truly difficult. I'm afraid I can't be of much help but I have been thinking of people caught in your situation awaiting 'standard' cardio health care and not being able to get it because of the situation we find ourselves in. I have rheumatoid arthritis and have not been able to access my rheumatology clinic (all clinics here have been cancelled) leaving me without treatment and in pain, it's not as bad as your situation but it is another example of the collateral damage of this virus. Thinking of you and your husband. I hope others can advise on the financial side of things.

[JayceeW in reply to GracieOS]

Have you considered Attendance Allowance?

[Munkyboy]

Hi jewel7,

Afraid I can't help on the benefits but can talk about my recent experience with avr. I'm just over 4 weeks out of that operation and had a very leaky bicuspid aortic valve. The hospital and staff were fantastic and if I hadn't over done it the other week with trying to do too much too soon I'd be further along the recovery process but that's my fault. At 3 weeks I spoke to my cardiologist and asked about covid and the risks. He said I was in a much better position now than pre op.

All I can say is listen to your husbands cardiologist and surgeon they'll be able to advise you best and don't be afraid to ask them questions.

I've a young family and one of my kids has additional support needs and associated issues which puts him in the high risk group. We're all currently locked up together to try and protect ourselves and stay sane. It's going to be difficult for a while but we'll get through it together.

If you all decide to go ahead with the operation the hospital will not release him until they are happy that everything is in place to keep him safe.

Take care

[Qualipop]

You need to urgently apply for PIP but it can take months. It MUST be done before he's 65. You could try for carers allowance but that too takes a while. While he's of working age, the only one is Universal credit or ESA but do get advice on filling in he forms. Join the benefits and work website. IT costs a small amount but worth its weight in gold

[Qualipop in reply to Qualipop]

PS IT's you who would have to claim carers allowance. Ring citizens advice to see where t o start

[Tickertalker]

Hi Jewel7, I was due to have an aortic valve replaced and a thoracic aneurysm repaired five days ago and my surgery was cancelled at the last moment. I have no idea when it will be rescheduled for but I'm guessing that, with the pandemic taking priority, it won't be for some time. Waiting is scary but it is what it is and it seems I have no option. To be honest, I would be equally worried about going ahead right now. Catching the coronavirus shortly after surgery would be very bad news. There are risks both ways. I've been chatting to someone else on this forum who has had exactly the same experience so I guess there are quite a few of us in the same boat. Obviously I have no idea if your husband's surgery will go ahead. Ultimately you'll have to trust the judgement of the professionals as they have your best interests at heart. But, to be honest, three weeks from now the NHS will be overwhelmed by the pandemic so don't be surprised if you're put on hold. Best of luck.

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Just trying not to have a heart attack and die in the most inconvenient time.