Hello lovely community
I was diagnosed with Atrial Fibrillation and had my open heart surgery in July 2024 to repair my mitral valve, I’ve had an echocardiogram since then and completed a cardiac rehab course but haven’t see the consultant since the surgery.
I’m going okay ( I think) so not unduly worried but just wondered if this was the norm and what everybody else’s experience was of seeing their consultant after surgery?
Thank you 😊
Pretty sure that's normal , unless you had been experiencing problems that warranted an appointment, you can sometimes get a six month appointment but commonly you might get 12 monthly follow ups until they want to sign you off.It's worth ringing your local Cardiac unit to find out if you are meant to be getting a follow up appointment and when just in case you have been subject to delays.
Take care , Bee
Thank you so much for replying, thought that might be the case 😊
I had a 6 week follow up with the surgeon (after which he signed me off), and I have a 6 month follow up with my cardiologist. Those are on the private system.
I’m currently doing cardiac rehab on the public system — the nurses there have done blood tests, had me wear a 24-hour BP monitor, etc., so I feel pretty well looked after.
Thank you that’s helpful to know 😊
I had a 13 week post op with my consultant’s registrar. Will be 12 months next week and was expecting to hear about a follow up but nothing yet.
After I had my OHS, I had a follow up phone call with my surgeon, because it was during COVID. Since then I've had an echocardiogram about everything 18 months & seen my Cardiologist 2 or 3 times. Have you checked your surgeon referred you to your Cardiologist for follow up checks ?
I’ve been told I’m on the waiting list as the cardiac rehab checked for me - I’m sure it will be fine but thank you 😊
That's good, sometimes you have to keep pestering them!
I had a 5 minute phone call from my consultant (who I never met anyway) 9 months post OHS and he signed me back to the GP
Thank you for replying, guess it will come down to us to be body aware 😊
I had an app with Surgeon 3 months after surgery. Should've had a 12 month app with cardiologist but cancelled twice now. Feel ok so not too worried. I'd rather my app be cancelled rather than someone waiting for surgery.
Yes that is my thoughts too 😊
Saw my surgeon at 7 weeks who discharged me back to my GP. Cannot get an appointment with GP for my long term condition review for the foreseeable future.
Thank you for taking that time to reply , sounds like you have been doing really well though 😊
Hi,
I had mitral valve repair and cardiac ablation for my AF in November and I’m due to see my surgeon on 5th February so it’s sooner than I was told but I think bc I’m still on Amiodarone, it will be to discuss taking me off it and I imagine another follow up in 3 months to see how I am once it’s worn off.
Have you been on anything like Amiodarone post-surgery?
B 😊
Hello Thank you for your message , I like you also have AF but it’s never really been discussed with the consultant other than putting me on Edoxaban bisoperol and furosemide - did you find the cardio ablation helped you ?
I’ve not been on Amiodarone but my mum was for a short while, I got the feeling it’s not a medication that they want you on for too long and if I remember correctly you cannot be out in the sun whilst taking it so definitely wouldn’t suit me 😊
Hi,
I’ve been on Amiodarone for almost two years and I’ve learned how to sit in the sun without getting burnt as I’m a big sun lover 😂 it has given my an under active thyroid so I’m now on medication for that too. I’ve had a failed cardioversion, 4 failed ablations and now this surgery - really hoping that this is it as I’ve spent my early 40’s in cardiac limbo.
I hope all continues to go well with your recovery ❤️🩹
Hi
The Af does seem to be difficult to successfully treat, it’s going to be something we have to permanently manage I think.
I’m certainly ready for some sunshine, spring cannot come fast enough 😂
Same 😆
Hi there. I had my Aortic Valve replaced in September 2021. Six weeks later I met with surgeon and also completed all rehab on offer. Since then I’ve had no reviews or scans. Apparently I’m in a list for a scan but as I’m feeling pretty good I’m not concerned about the delay. I imagine if my cardio health deteriorates I’ll be well looked after. Life’s too short to worry about what might happen, so, long as you’re feeling good make the most of it. Life’s too short! Best wishes. Paul.
Yes that’s my thought too, get on and make the most of every day 😊
Hello, I had an aortic valve repair in July 24, follow up appointment was meant to happen within three months of my Op (I expect this varies in different areas), I chased mine up and it very nearly happened within that time. Surgeon signed me off and back to GP. I then chased up on a consultants appointment for the post op atrial fibrillation that I had acquired. Had cardioversion in December, so far so good, I have chased up on every appointment. I am fortunate to have a very accessible GP. Recently had an echocardiogram at local hospital, they call it 'putting in a base line' for any future investigation should they become necessary. Best of luck.
Thank you for your reply that’s very helpful , it just shows that it is really down to us to take responsibility for our heart ❤️
I hope the cardioversion has sorted out your AF wouldn’t that be wonderful 😊
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