Dennis McDermott's Page

once i left hospital i did not have any follow up care. it was down to me to get myself and my bloods checked at my local surgery. i did have to go back in hospital 6 weeks after my op i was in my colchester hospital for 9 days with annemia and my inr was very low. the nurses were very good at basildon hospital. i just think there should be more after care as i would not of become so ill afterwards. x

the convalescing bit sounds about right. I spent 5 weeks in Germany at the Ruland Klinik Falkenburg. in blighty i don't think you have such an option unless you pay for it privately...
take care,
r

yes its a great unit with all top heart speacilist. my surgery was done by dr birdi you can hardly see my scars now. i was in for 10 days but thats because i had 2 box leision on my heart too. after care is not great but thats where friends really helped. look up the unit on the web. hope this helps you. Tracie x

hey again dennis,
i read the comment you posted for tracie and i really would not worry about language. ask that anything important (or that YOU think may be important) be given to you in writing (hospital reports are a definite here and any other doctors you may see) and either use the consulate in marseille or the embassy in paris to seek assistance. contact information for both can be found at http://ukinfrance.fco.gov.uk/en/. i will have a poke around during the week and maybe call a few people i know over there (i used to live in france back in the day) and see what i can find out about the system.
are you often in montpellier? i was there for a long weekend, back when the rugby world cup was under way, watching south africa play the usa and found it a great city with a typically mediterranean (not necessarily your stereotypical french) atmosphere - quite a change from nantes, where i was when i taught english... unfortunately my french has suffered quite considerably since being in germany these past 8 years otherwise i'd have offered my help where possible.
keep smiling!
r

hi dennis, i did not have much of a choice as i became ill very quickly. i had my op at basildon hospital essex. if i had a choice i would look to having it done in france. x

Hi Dennis,

and a belated welcome to the Mechanical Heart Valve Group! Sorry for not welcoming you earlier but have been away for long weekend and not near a computer - by choice! As Richard said - have a good poke around the group and do not be afraid to ask questions, make observations, and in general add your thoughts and input to the group through the forums, groups or blogs etc. We are all here to help one another! I look forward to seeing your posts soon! Any questions - don't be afraid to get in touch with myself or anyone in the group!

Kind regards

Graeme Archer
Founder: Mechanical Heart Valve Support Group

I live in Germany and had mine replaced here after an aortic dissection. I think it is all pretty much of a muchness from the operation side - the only thing that would differentiate for me is if the french offer convalescent rehabilitation - then I would go for France... in the UK i think you would be in and out (barring any unforeseens), and i think it important to take some time and let professionals show you what you are capable of after such major surgery.
bonne chance!
r