Surgery & Scars
It is reassuring to know that surgery will only be undertaken if clinically required.
Surgery
Your case will be discussed by Doctors, Nurses, Surgeons, and Anaesthetists to make sure that what is being proposed will be a good outcome for you. This discussion will include looking at your medical history, your recent investigations and suggestions for further treatment to improve your condition. The team will agree on the next steps. For more information and explanation about the JCC click here.
After the JCC and with agreement from the team your operation can be scheduled and you will be given a provisional date for this. The next step for you will be the Pre-Operative Assessment Clinic or POAC. Here you will meet a Clinical Nurse Specialist who will explain the surgery, ask about the medications you take and check you have had an up-to-date dental check. In this appointment they can answer any questions you may have, so it would be a good idea to come with any questions that you want or need answers to. Some people bring in a notebook with their questions listed so they don’t forget.
You will also meet the anaesthetist who will explain the process of putting you to sleep for the operation and your recovery afterwards
An excellent surgery booklet can be found here.
During hospital stays your CHD Health Youth Worker can visit you on the ward with their Rescue Rucksack full of games to pass the time!
Procedures
Procedures are a little different to surgery and normally take place in the Catheter Lab (aka Cath Lab). In the lab,a small tube called a catheter is passed through your veins, usually through either the groin, arm or neck and into your heart to perform the procedure that has been planned for you.
You may be able to go home on the sameday or may need to stay overnight for observation or some tests the following morning. This will usually consist of an echo and an EGC. Once you have the OK you will be discharged.
Scars
We understand that scars can bring mixed emotions and feelings, some people are proud of their “zip”while others can feel a bit self-conscious or anxious about it. Camouflage makeup may be helpful and can be discussed with you if you want to find out more.
Explore Youth at Heart
Youth at Heart are a charity committed to young people aged 13-24, and their families, who are living with Congenital Heart Disease (CHD) in South West England and South Wales.
We empower, inform and support them to live their best life.
For young people
We are committed to supporting you as you start your Transition Journey aged 13 and leading up to your Transfer from Paediatrics to Adult Services and beyond, until your 25th birthday.
For the whole family
Youth at Heart recognise that congenital heart disease affects the whole family, which is why our Youth Workers are there for families too.
For professionals
Youth at Heart is a charity independent from the NHS that works in partnership with health professionals across the South Wales & South West Congenital Heart Disease Network.
Get involved
Youth at Heart rely on funds being raised through donations, grants, events and activities and for people to get involved to help us carry on our important work.