Gransnet forums

Chat

Heart surgery

(10 Posts)
boheminan Fri 12-Feb-21 17:36:00

I really don't know what forum to put this on, but I just need some reassurance from someone, anyone.

My lovely partner has cancer and also has heart problems that need resolving quickly - he requires open heart surgery for a new valve and by pass. However, because of covid overload, his long awaited heart surgery hasn't been able to go ahead (we've been waiting 9 months now).

So far over the last couple of weeks he's had appointments booked four times to go in for surgery (plus he has to have a covid test pre every admission). Twice the hospital have phoned literally an hour before he was due in to cancel, and twice he's gone to the hospital for 6.30am only to be turfed out, even getting as far as being given a bed, tagged and visited by the anesthetist(sp) before being sent home (today).

I watch him getting weaker and weaker and feel so frightened and helpless. He's such a lovely person and to have to see this happening is so awful.

I hope no one else in GN is going through anything near the same. I just need to unload. Thank you

silverlining48 Fri 12-Feb-21 17:39:01

It must be so hard waiting and wanting this to go ahead. I send my best wishes and hope that you hear very soon and that it all goes well.

keepingquiet Fri 12-Feb-21 17:41:51

I am so sorry you and your partner are going through this. Covid has caused so much disruption and I'm sure people going about the place with a cavalier attitude (like my neighbours and also who I thought was a good friend) really have no idea how much misery and anguish it is causing.
I really hope your partner gets his surgery soon.
No wonder you are offloading, it must be such a strain for you too.
Wish I could help xxx

GreyKnitter Fri 12-Feb-21 17:47:15

My very best wishes to you both at this very stressful time. Difficult enough without COVID complicating things even further. Hopefully he will get the procedure done soon. Virtual hugs from afar.

Esspee Fri 12-Feb-21 17:52:34

In your position I would be sending emails to my MP, the Minister of Health, the Prime Minister, the head of hospital administration, his consultants, everybody I could think of stating everything that you have told us and asking every single one if they can help him.
I once approached the Scottish MOH now 1st minister on a medical issue. I was given an appointment for the procedure the next week.
Fight for your man.
We are with you all the way.?

polomint Fri 12-Feb-21 17:56:07

My heart goes out to you. It must be so stressful especially when he was given a bed and all set for surgery. It's the ups and downs of it all that will be so upsetting. I hope he doesnt have too long to wait and of course the stress is on you too , to keep on a brave face for him. This virus is causing so much misery

Oldbat1 Fri 12-Feb-21 18:05:14

How very stressful. Every op is daunting and you gear yourself up. It has been happening for years though not just because of Covid. My daughter when aged 11 had her open heart surgery postponed just days before she was due in theatre and my other daughter had even had her premed ready for major spinal op when it was cancelled. It was on her 6th birthday. I really really hope for you both that it goes ahead very soon.

Marilla Fri 12-Feb-21 18:11:43

I agree with ‘Esspee’. Put your frustration into fighting your husband’s corner. Phone the consultant’s secretary every morning, write or email the most senior consultant in the cardiac department with a copy sent to senior manager of the hospital trust.

Happyme Fri 12-Feb-21 18:12:57

So sorry to hear of the delay to your partner's surgery boheminan.
Mr H was shocked to be told he required a new heart valve 3 years ago and that his valve was severely blocked. I recall that the 3 month wait was horrendous so can imagine how frightening this must be for you both. And how frustrating for his surgery to be cancelled at such a late stage. On the day of his surgery DH and I sat for 6 hours after his pre op prepping, dreading that the earlier surgery would overrun and his op be cancelled. So strange to be apprehensive of him having such a major operation whilst also dreading it being cancelled! It was 3pm before he finally went into surgery and after 8pm before his op was completed.
We are grateful to our NHS and the wonderful surgical team who looked after him, they work incredibly long hours.
All best wishes to you both, I hope your partner does not have to wait too much longer and has as successful an outcome as Mr H.

boheminan Fri 12-Feb-21 18:22:17

The staff are very stressed out, and even the surgeon came and apologised that the Op couldn't go ahead. Everyone in the hospital is under a great strain and are doing their best under horrific circumstances. We won't complain.

Oldbat1. How kind of you to respond. What an awful experience for your little girls and you to go through. I hope since, you've never had to go through anything like it again.