Confused

[Laurensophie]

Hi everyone I’m a month in from finding out I have a moderate to severe regurgitating aorta and moderate stenosis. This was discovered after being sent for a echocardiogram after a routine drs check up early this year. I was referred to a cardiologist who sent me for a cardi MRI after this he said not to travel on my short holiday I had booked abroad as I will need surgery. He then referred me to a surgeon at Liverpool heart and chest hospital who has looked at the echocardiogram and the MRI scans and has said he may be able to repair my Aorta Valve, I am now awaiting a TEE ? 🤫. Has anyone been in this situation? … It has been a complete shock when I heard the cardiologist say don’t travel I need you to see a surgeon as soon as possible, to be told by the surgeon, it’s ok to travel and I’ll see you in 4 weeks after you’ve had the TEE 😳

[Laguna23]

Hi 👋🏼I have not been in the exact same situation. I have severe mitral valve regurgitation which needs repaired but at my first cardiologist appointment I asked about a long haul flight I had booked and he said “you may be ok” which freaked me out and I cancelled it. However when I finally met my surgeon a couple of months later he said it would have been ok to take my flight. I think the surgeons possibly are more hands on and may have a better insight, but I’m not a medical expert, it’s just my own thoughts. And I think each person has to be treated individually, so sorry this probably isn’t too helpful. Keep us posted on the outcome it’ll be interesting for others who may be in similar situations. Take care x

[Ja42]

I am in the same situation, the nhs consultant told me not to go too far from a hospital (I used to travel abroad every month), he was rubbish, I had to go privately at the end. He did all the checks again, same results., i need a replacement but have no symptoms. I got a good insurance and I have been travelling to Spain and even to Canada and the Caribbean. It is important to have a good quality of life, although is difficult to put it in the back of your mind. It takes time,

[Laguna23 in reply to Ja42]

Hi Ja42 do you mind sharing which travel insurance you have I’m assuming they know about your valve replacement? Thanks in advance & hope you get your op date soon.

[Slow-56k in reply to Laguna23]

Hi, Initially I thought I was not going to be able to get travel insurance and looked at nemourous companies etc. The good old Post Office who I would never have thought to use provided insurance at a very reasonable price. I hope this helps.

[Laguna23]

Thank you for this I wouldn’t have thought of the post office either! Take care.