Telephone appointment with consultant

[Dearnechick]

I have my telephone follow up appointment tomorrow following open heart surgery to remove a tumour from my left atria. Does anyone have any tips on questions I should ask due to me not being seen in person.

[Supernanu]

I have a tel appt on 27th following ohs for avr. Already started making notes!!

If you have a blood pressure monitor then note down your last few readings. And ditto for oxygen and pulse if you can.

Tell the consultant about any pain or breathlessness and explain what exercise you are doing and ask what else can be done. And have a list of all your meds and check they are ok.

I was supposed to have chest X-ray and echocardiogram but that is now cancelled so I will also ask whether it’s ok not to have them.

These are my suggestions and not all of these may apply to you, but hope this gives some ideas. Other people will probably have more input.

Hope all goes well tomorrow.

[Dearnechick in reply to Supernanu]

Thank you for your reply, really helpful 🙂

[Jebri]

Ask him about type of surgery you will have ( robotic or open heart) and all.the questions that you may have in mind . There are not silly questions, there is silly people not asking . I had an open heart surgery for a myxoma in left atrium. Are you having the same ? Just trust that everything will be fine and be calm. Anything you need to know , ask me if that can help .

[Dearnechick in reply to Jebri]

Thank you for your reply, I've already had the surgery.

[Jebri in reply to Dearnechick]

From my experience, just stay calm and relax. Let your body heal at its own pace . Have a lot of contact with friends by phone and rest as much as you need . Glad that everything went well !

[Jebri in reply to Jebri]

One thing , ask for a MRI after 6 months post surgery. It is better than an echo. Just to check

.

[Dearnechick in reply to Jebri]

Thank you so much, I appreciate your advice 🙂

[R1100S1]

Had any talks re chemotherapy ?

[Dearnechick in reply to R1100S1]

Thank you for your reply, as far as I know the tumour was benign so no need for further treatment. I have read on here that the tumour grew back for one member, keeping my fingers crossed that doesn't happen 🙂