Dental exam before AV surgery.

[tapfoot]

I had my AVR pre- op assessment yesterday. I was surprised to be told a dental check is necessary as part of the pre- op work- up. No one had mentioned this before yesterday and with the op imminent I can’t find a dentist who can do it. Even the hospital one was fully booked. Am I the only one who didn’t know about this requirement? I’m disappointed and baffled as to why is isn’t clarified much earlier. I understand the risk of infection from poorly controlled gum disease. Had I known earlier I would have arranged to have a check and report made as soon as I was told I needed surgery.

Has anyone else come across this? I’m so disappointed.

[Smarticus]

Yes, standard procedure. I didnt know either but was lucky they could do it at the hospital. This time around I was given a form to give to the dentist to record the outcome of the assessment and then send it back to the hospital. Have you explored going private and telling them what it is for? easy money for them, just having a shufty. I'm not sure what would happen if you didnt have it done? In an emergency there wouldnt be any time for that! HTH

[080311]

I was already in hospital when I was told I needed AVR and bypass, the dental check is something that needs doing before your op. Mine was a bit different to Smarticus I had what they called a deep clean as well as the check to make sure you don’t have issues with decay and no chips off your teeth. This is to make sure there is no plaque even under the gum line where germs could lurk and compromise your valve, ( I had a tissue valve)

The problem is you can’t have the check to far in advance as the check would run out.

I would get in touch with your cardiology department explaining you are having problems with getting an appointment and maybe they can speak to the hospital dental department to get you an appointment ready for your surgery.

I wish you lots of luck with your upcoming op, believe me you will be fine.

Best wishes Pauline

[tapfoot in reply to 080311]

Thank you Pauline. I rang round to see if any others would take me and found one for SaTuesday morning. When I called the surgeon’s secretary to let her know she said they are admitting me Monday. No time to panic!

[080311 in reply to tapfoot]

I know it’s easy for me to say because I am through mine but the thoughts in your mind are so much worse than the reality. You will come through your op and have a mended heart, just remember when you get home it’s baby steps, listen to your body rest when your tired. Recovery isn’t a sprint, it’s slow and steady.

I wish you lots of luck let us know how you go, I for one will be thinking of you.

Best wishes Pauline

[Ageingfast]

I didnt know about the dentist thing. I was advised after the op. I now have a regular dental appointment next month.

Delighted that you are to proceed on Monday. Less time for panic mode.

I am ten weeks on and so much has improved. I can breath freely, sleep much better and my addled brain is retrieving its natural level of common sense. The recovery process for me has been good. But no rehab due to Corona, What is lovely is that, once home from hospital and once the anaesthetic is wearing off, then doing the xercises etc brings immediate results. I need three months of recovery. But those three months are passing quickly. I am contemplating using the Dyson this morning. And next week the lawn mower.

Good luck.

Do let us know how you get on.

Colin

[tapfoot in reply to Ageingfast]

Thank you so much for sharing your experience. It is very reassuring to know. Good luck with the lawn!