Waiting times for OHS

[Slangy2011]

Hi we have an appointment with the surgeon next week. In everyone's experience, how long did you have to wait until the operation for OHS. My husbands valve is now at the severe level. The waiting is so stressful! TIA

[PadThaiNoodles]

It was shorter than I expected, maybe 2 months?

[Ageingfast]

a few weeks.

You will have three tests before your op. Often these tests will not be at the hospital doing your op. But when you start on these three tests you should be imminent.

Waiting is the pits.

Once you get to having the op, the anxiety might well melt, well it did for me.

Sooty

[Slangy2011 in reply to Ageingfast]

Thanks Sooty. The waiting is really getting to both of us now. Him more than me obviously. It's not easy. At least we should get more information in a week anyway.

[PadThaiNoodles in reply to Slangy2011]

When it got to the last week I couldn't even read the paper. It was like my attention span had shrunk to 2 seconds. Not a very pleasant time, but you do get through it.

[Ageingfast]

Gosh yes, reminds me of my waiting for the op. I was in a right state, couldnt think straight, just wanted to curl up and sleep.

But then when the day came to enter the hospital, all the stress melted and the op was marvellous.

Most heart wards have single rooms and the very best of the staff.

The cooks, cleaners and all vital staff were very good at placing me at ease. And it was the beginning of a great recovery.

Be strong.

Best wishes

Sooty

[Skiffrower]

I saw the surgeon end of Jan 2024 and op was beginning of June 2024 .Twice cancelled on the day because of emergencies , one being transplant. But though my valve was severe I was still active so not an emergency. You can't argue with that so 4 months. But they were still catching up on COVID delays last year.

[Donny64]

I waited two weeks in hospital after my heart attack for triple heart bypass. I don't consider that a long time. They were excellent in those two weeks as always.

[Audi1955]

Hi ...l was diagnosed in Nov 23 and had my mitral valve surgery in march 24 so 4 months wait for me . My valve leak was serious and my cardiologist kept in touch throughout asking if l was getting more breathless and when l said l was she got me into hospital as an in patient and pushed to hurry my op ...l had my op within 2 week's of been an inpatient.

[Slangy2011 in reply to Audi1955]

Yes they did ask if he was breathless but at the moment he only gets a chest pain if he walks fast so he has slowed down a bit.

[devonian186]

If the opportunity arises, become an in patient as otherwise out of sight out of mind.

Also be willing to be put on any cancellation list if you are able to get to get to the hospital quickly although that requires a mental adjustment

[Slangy2011 in reply to devonian186]

Ok thanks that's a good suggestion. He wants it done as soon as possible so would be happy to try anything!

[Thesnowman51]

I waited 15 months to see the surgeon and the CABG operation was 6 days later!

[GWebster01]

Hi, I would make sure you explain you situation clearly at the consultation regarding after care, work, current limitations, all is then considered.

I had a double bypass last week and it was 18 Weeks (Advised 16 Weeks) from my consultation, emergency cases will be prioritised so dates may change even up to the day, which I totally understood.

Hope this helps.

[Lexi72]

Hi Slangy2011, there is no one size fits all answer hospital waiting times in the NHS vary from trust to trust. My hospital classifies patients into P1, 2, and 3 and 4. Priority 1 very urgent where the plan is to operate within 72 hours. P2 within 2 weeks. Priority 3 where the aim is 3-6 months and P4 6 months plus. The hosptial then has an app in which you give them details of symptoms every week. With valve issues usually they will not operate until the condition is severe and levels of severity vary. I have severe aortic valve regurgitation and am classified as P3 and have been waiting over 5 months. However your husband may may be operated on much quicker if there is medical need. If the surgeon recommends surgery it is then necessary to have a number of preoperation tests. Most of mine were on the same day but they picked up some other issues so I then needed further different tests. Cases may be reviewed in multidisciplinary team meetings when the team will consider the availability of ITU beds and which cases to deal with nextAdmin can go wrong so you should try and get a number for the surgeons secretary or scheduling team to make sure that your case is being progressed. I agree all of the waiting it is very worrying and stressfulHowever if the case is really urgent the case should hopefully have a much shorter waiting time than mine. When you see the surgeon make sure you ask about likely times. The surgeon controls his list and will have the best idea of when you may reach the top of the list. It is often difficult to get answers about timing from anyone else.Take care Lexi71

[Scho1]

Will this visit be pre op or just a consultation with the surgeon? My husband had a triple CABG last year. He met with the surgeon in April and had his pre op in June then surgery at the beginning of September.

It does all depend on how quickly the surgeon deems surgery is needed. Hope this helps a little.

[OK10 in reply to Scho1]

Hi. How is he now? I had my cabg4 in september as well and the pains on my left are getting less and less now. I am 71 and retired. Still hesitant to do heavy work but walk for about 40 mins most days and attend exercise classes once a week as part of phase 4.Thanks

[LadyZ13]

I was 6 weeks from my pre-op to the OHS, but in the middle of my pre-op the surgeon decided I needed to wait a bit longer to recover from a small heart attack I'd had the previous month. If you're having any tests as part of the pre-op (e.g. blood tests) they'll want to have up-to-date readings and I think hospitals would consider them 'valid' for a month or two.

The waiting is awful - you're carrying so much anxiety and on a practical level you feel like you can't make any plans. Even once you get a date you hold it lightly just in case something causes you to get deferred. But once you go down to theatre it's quite a relief! Good luck to both of you - I'm sure the amazing surgeons, doctors and care team will take great care of you.

[El-Tel1990 in reply to LadyZ13]

I have to agree with you about going into surgery, I was so relieved to get there. You’d never think it !!!!

[El-Tel1990]

My OHS was 4 years ago, met the surgeon in October and he gave me a November date but I wanted it after Xmas so the family could enjoy the festive season. It was the worst decision ever. The waiting was terrible for my mental health. However my January 19th date was brought forward to 4th because of Covid increases. I did meditation and massage to help and it worked for me. Best wishes !

[sjs1me]

I was told it would be 2 weeks but it was 7 in the end.

[Reggaelover]

Hi Slangy2011,

I was referred for surgery to repair my mitral valve in September 2022, when my leak had become severe. Fortunately, I have always been fit and active and had only minor symptoms. I had my surgery in April 2024 - a wait of 19 months. I’m 65 years old.

Best wishes for your Husband’s health 🙏

[Fountainsfewston]

similar to others, it can take a while but once they call, it goes quick!

I had endocarditis in Sep 22, and found I had severe mitral leak, was told it would need fixing at some point.

In June 2023 at a follow up it was decided I should have OHS, to fix or repair, and I had the surgery at end of May 2024.

When they called, it was a case of, can you come in a couple of weeks, which was great but also stressful as we moved house the following week.

Surgery went great though and all the staff were amazing and they also supported my wife throughout. The nurses in high dependency were amazing too.

Try not to worry, before you know it, it’s all over and you’ll both be feeling much better.

[Fountainsfewston in reply to Fountainsfewston]

In fact, I should mention that I’m writing this from the gym now, so it definitely helped.

[Cat04]

Surgeon appt to surgery was 5 weeks for me for AVR (including Christmas & New Year holidays)

[Grimmer]

The waiting times for cardiologist are ridiculous. I waited over 12 months for initial consultation then 4 months for investigations. Not had results yet !Try contacting Pals or secretary

Good luck to you hope all gets sorted soon

[Carrotcakemad]

Slangy2011, I was given 4 - 8 months wait at the beginning of the year. So far I have had angiography.

[Pefki]

Three weeks wait after meeting surgeon at St Barts.