Pre Op at Papworth

[Bumpitybump]

Good morning All. I have a Pre Op coming up at Papworth, heading for an AVR. May I ask if anyone has any insight as to what the Pre Op will involve please?

[DodgyTickerMum]

Hi, had an M.V.R last year - not at The Papworth but I expect it’s much the same.

Mine involved a chat with one of the ward Nursing Sisters. Blood tests, swabs from nose & groin, height & weight taken. They ask about any allergies, anaemia etc. You will also be presented with a special anti-bacterial body wash to use when showering - on your hair as well, both the day before the op and on the morning of the operation itself. (To complete the ‘Glow-up’ - you’re then given a hairnet to wear when in theatre. Glamorous - it is not! 🤦🏼‍♀️)

The Nurse will then answer and queries or concerns you may have and you’ll be given a booklet detailing what to expect once admitted.

I hope it all goes smoothly for you. It’s an anxious time - as we all know. Invest in a V- pillow to take into hospital with you - as you’ll be resting upright and they do help. A pic of your family to have with you in I.C.U. after. Might help you get through the tough bits. Visitors & phones weren’t permitted in my hospital, whilst under their care. Some loose nightwear, as you may well retain fluid for a few days post op and some noise cancelling headphones for once you’re back onthe ward. All the beeping - both yours and other peoples, does rather get on your nerves after a while!

Take care.

[Bumpitybump in reply to DodgyTickerMum]

Fantastic info, hints and tips too, thank you!

[Survivor1952]

I had 2xPCI, AVR and CABG at Papworth. All the staff were brilliant.

AVR workup was post PCI, so swabs from nose and groin had been done earlier.

Height and weight were being monitored weekly.

BP checked, bloods done to match blood type for transfusion as there is blood loss during the operation (I can no longer be a blood donor).

Physical check on leg and arm veins and pulse at ankles. Asked about allergies. Anti-bacterial wash was already in the shower. Not given a hair net but I do have short hair! Shaved neck to toe the night before the op.

I had my laptop, tablet and mobile phone with me for the 5 weeks I was there as well as a wifi hotspot as the wifi there is not good, cuts you off every 15 minutes. TV is indifferent as not all freeview channels are set up so prepare to be disappointed there (that's why I had my laptop).

As said by DodgyTickerMum the beeping of monitors is annoying (including my own especially when the ECG wires came adrift) as was, in my case, being woken every 4 hours through the night for my BP to be taken (6, 10 and 2 day and night). Breakfast was from about 6:30 or so.

Going to theatre for the op was a bit unreal, taken down in a wheelchair, asked to climb on the operating table, told to lie down and given entonox, a few deep breaths and that was it, out for the duration.

Post op I don't recall being intubated so I assume I was breathing well before coming out of the anaesthetic. The one awkward thing was the urinary catheter, not painful but I was glad to be rid of it. Likewise the chest drains. I didn't need a V pillow in hospital but definitely needed one once I was back home.

I didn't know but it turned out I needed hypoallergenic ECG pads as I quite quickly reacted to the adhesive on the normal ones. I still had some weals after 5 weeks though ...

I'm just over a year on now, the scar on my leg where the saphenous vein was taken (donor for the CABG) is barely visible, my chest scar is still visible in part but only noticeable if I get cold, it goes purple. I finish my 12 months of blood thinners on Sunday and I'm looking forward to not finding unexplained bruises (found another one today on the sole of my foot). I'm back to a level of fitness I last saw over 10 years ago, life is back to being completely normal.

[Bumpitybump]

Thank you so much for all this, really good to get an idea of what to expect. Great to hear you are doing so well too.

[Traveldreams]

pre-op at Papworth, you get a tick list and basically have a number of visits to make depending upon your condition.

If I remember from January it was chest x ray, blood tests, weight etc with HCA, ecg, and then quite a long stop with cardiac nurse who gives you lots of information and goes through the paperwork. An appointment with anaesthetist, pharmacist and finally with my surgeon’s registrar. Mine was the day before due to short notice.

Once you have all your ticks you are on your way.

They tell you which medication to stop and when. Explain the medicated wash and shaving routine and you leave.

Hope that helps.

[Bumpitybump in reply to Traveldreams]

It all really helps, thank you for sharing. I hope you are doing OK now.

[Traveldreams]

yes thank you, op on January 31st (mitral valve) back at work full time, walking 5 miles a day, looking forward to the summer. Good luck to you and keep in touch x

[Bumpitybump]

excellent result, good on you!