Self-isolation

[Potter52]

I only learnt this week that anyone going into Hospital for planned surgery must now self-isolate (and their families) for 14 days prior to admission to Hospital. I had aortic valve replacement surgery cancelled last Friday and now I have to await a phone call from the Hospital telling me to isolate for 14 days leading up to surgery. I hadn’t really heard anything about this before but, apparently, this was decided by NHS England in May.

[StevepH2012]

Hi

That does seem to be the case :

hsj.co.uk/coronavirus/patie...

Although implementation of this guidance will vary between Trusts. My wife is an infant school teacher and I'm waiting for a date following angio yesterday - two week isolation will be inconvenient!

[Potter52 in reply to StevepH2012]

Yeah I had my angiogram 3 weeks ago and my pre-op last week. Still awaiting a phone call to start isolating.

[Kristin1812 Heart Star]

Not exactly the same thing, but I’m going in for angioplasty very shortly. They are giving me a corvid test three days before the procedure, but no mention of 14 days isolation.

It’s usually just a day case.

[Potter52 in reply to Kristin1812]

Yeah day cases are ok Kristin but if you need surgery you will be told to self-isolate for 14 days before your Op. This guideline has not been well publicised in my opinion.

[Kristin1812 Heart Star in reply to Potter52]

It’s not always easy to do is it?

Maybe it will get better publicity now Hospitals are beginning to return to some normality.

[Potter52 in reply to Kristin1812]

Let’s hope so Kristin. Many people will be shocked when they are told to isolate. Hope your Angioplasty goes well. It is also now the new norm to have a COVID-19 test 72 hours before surgery. I asked how this would be possible if I’m isolating and the Nurse told me this would be a drive-through test. Take care.

[Kristin1812 Heart Star in reply to Potter52]

Ah! A drive through sounds good.

I hope it all goes well for you.

[Potter52 in reply to Kristin1812]

Thanks Kristin. You take care and stay safe too.

[Nic25]

Hey Potter52. I don't have any advice to offer I'm afraid (having had my AVR in 2018) but just to wish you luck and fingers crossed everything goes ahead as planned for you. I remember the build-up to the op was almost the hardest bit, and that of course was without having to worry about coronavirus, so I feel for you! But hope it a) happens, b) goes smoothly for you and c) that you're back home and on the mend quickly. And if you do need any advice on the op very happy to try and help if I can.

Good luck. Nic x

[Potter52 in reply to Nic25]

Thanks very much Nic. Much appreciated.

[marypw]

This was discussed on Newsnight last night.

If you're going to have surgery, you can either self-quarantine ie stay in one room in your house with the rest of the family staying away from you (presumably bringing you food etc), or the whole family can stay at home with you for a fortnight.

I would just hope surgery isn't cancelled after that!

[Potter52 in reply to marypw]

Just caught the back end of Newsnight Mary. I’m just awaiting the isolation call now. Can’t wait to get it done and dusted to be honest.

[marypw in reply to Potter52]

Very best wishes! My husband had a triple bypass nearly 3 years ago and did great. Be kind to yourself and do lots of walking afterwards.

[Potter52]

Thanks Mary. All the best to your and your husband too.