Anyone else waiting

[Heartfriend]

Hello all. Is there anyone here from N.I. On a waiting list for open heart surgery..?

[nursenancy53]

Yes, I live in Northern Ireland - not waiting for surgery but had AVR in the RVH 3 years ago. At that time there was a 6 month waiting list but I was called in 2 months. All went well and I was home in a week. If I can help, give me a shout. In the meantime take care ❤

[Heartfriend in reply to nursenancy53]

Hi oh that’s good to hear you’re well and recovered well. I’m seeing Mr Graham a surgeon at the Royal on Thursday. I have already been discussed at MDM and agreed to go ahead with surgery. I’m symptomatic AS - I wonder how long it’ll be before surgery…Thank you for replying I will definitely be in touch x

[Tessie28]

Hi, I belong to a group on Facebook, facebook.com/groups/1864350... We have two members post op, one of whom was done in the last few months..... both in N Ireland. We meet every two weeks on a zoom [not all of course]. You may find our two members helpful to you.

Teresa

[Scottie3]

Yes I am on an urgent waiting list but god only knows when it’s going to happen.

[Heartfriend in reply to Scottie3]

Well I am too lol - how long have you waited so far..? Apparently my surgeon on Thursday will give me date. I’ve just done two weeks in hospital but was allowed home until I see him 😫

[Heartfriend in reply to Scottie3]

Are in NI..?

[Heartfriend in reply to Scottie3]

Hi have you heard anything yet…

[Belfast21]

Hi. Around this time last year I was told I needed an aorta heart valve replacement within 3/6 months. In August I was offered the surgery in Dublin which I accepted. Surgery took place on 3/9 and I was home in Belfast after six days. I can’t fault the care I received. If you would be happy to travel it might be worth while raising this with them. Obviously the medics will have priorities but it was an option I hadn’t considered but I’m glad I took.

[Heartfriend in reply to Belfast21]

Hi. How freaky..! I just phoned the Royal waiting list office and she asked me again if I would consider Dublin as they have some slots coming up. I said I would and she is phoning me back tomorrow. I am severe and she said it could be a long way off as she is only now calling people who went on the list in March time..! I told her I didn’t think I could wait that long the way I’m feeling. Her advice was take Dublin if she can offer it to me tomorrow or go to A&E and if they kept me in I would go as an inpatient from the Ulster. Six days isn’t long for you - I hope you’re ok. So you’d definitely recommend Dublin..?

[Heartfriend in reply to Heartfriend]

So The Royal will take ages but Dublin might be sooner..! Unless I go to A&E and they deem me more urgent in which case I’ll go as an inpatient to the Royal or maybe even Dublin..? I’m not sure. I told my husband on Saturday night when I felt unwell that if it wasn’t for Covid and the stress at A&E (for the staff and for me - I did it in October and it was too much) I would have gone Saturday night so I can’t carry on feeling like this.

[Belfast21]

Hi. I totally recommend.

I was in the Blackrock Clinic and the staff/facilities were terrific.

You need to make your own arrangements to get there and home again but it is quite easy to do.

The Trust also cover costs and accommodation for a relative while you are there.

If you need the operation my recommendation is to don’t over think it, just get it done as soon as possible.

Get it out of the way and move on…

I’m a reasonably fit 61 year old male and I’m still on the mend which will take some time.

I have no regrets…

[Heartfriend in reply to Belfast21]

Sounds like it was most successful for you. Certainly puts me at a bit more rest knowing you recommend it having experienced it so recently. So my hubby could stay in accommodation nearby..?

[Heartfriend in reply to Belfast21]

Hi so I got confirmation that I’m going to Dublin. Any tips..? It would be greatly appreciated. I don’t know anyone else who has been there - thanks

[Belfast21]

I had less than two weeks notice so I didn’t have too much time to overthink it.

[Belfast21]

They recommend a hotel that is about five minutes drive away. My wife spent two nights there and was pleased with it. When I had my op there was strictly no visiting because of Covid.

This had its pluses and minuses and my wife headed home once she knew I was through the op/ICU etc.

She then came back to take me home.

No point hanging around when she couldn’t visit. Everything is well explained once the decision is made to go. Once you’ve had your op I also thoroughly recommend the covid rehab at the Ulster Hospital. It will help build up your strength and confidence. You’ll also meet with excellent staff and with others who have been the through the same ‘experience’.