Papworth or the Brompton Hospital?

[Bbbananas]

Has anyone on here had personal experience of either of the above two hospitals - specifically the Heart Unit? either the Papworth at Cambridge or the Royal Brompton in Chelsea.

Any personal experiences of, or opinions on either would be helpful to me, Thanks xx

[Sqad]

salla...no personal experience recently, but both EXCELLENT units.

[Bbbananas]

Thanks sqad - I've been referred to Papworth, with which I'm more than satisfied (far better than the local hospital) - but Plaid "wants the very best for me" - has done some internet research & come up with the name of a specialist from Royal Brompton. Is it really worth having to travel right into London when I can just scoot down the A1 (and pop into that nice French cafe on the way back.....)

[Sqad]

salla....from Lincolnshire.......I would go to Papworth..that is the Unit that Terrence English set up.

If you do decide to go to the Brompton, I know a superb Indian restaurant close by, so please let me know.

[Bbbananas]

Thanks once again - the Indian is indeed a consideration in the final decision...
However, I do have a preference for French, so - Papworth I think it may well be. x

[Sqad]

OK salla.

[marval]

Someone I know had a quadruple heart bypass, they had the best of treatment at Papworth. I don't know anything about the Royal Brompton.

[Mr Veritas]

Hello there sall,
Sorry to hear you have to go into hospital.
One thing that might sway iit is the fact that the Brompton is within the London Congestion Zone ( 7am to 6pm Monday to Friday) & within these times the charge is £8 per day!
Just thought I would mention it,I don't know how much you and yours would be driving to the Brompton (i you choose it),but I think the Papworth is easier of access etc.
Good Luck whatever you decide.
PS:~
Sqad has the "insider" knowledge(medically) in this respect,so I would let him advise you.

[mrs.chappie]

Hey sal, it sounds flippant to say I hope it's nowt serious, but you know what I mean, don't you lass?

Hope everything's okay. xxx

[albaqwerty]

^ what mrs c says
hope all goes ok sal xx

[Nannyjill]

I'm not sure about the parking at Papworth but can tell you the Royal Brompton is a nightmare. There are a few spaces but I think they are for disabled badge holders or the parents of children. The nearest car park is about 5 mins away and is expensive.

I know the Brompton have been doing alot of clinical research into heart conditions and are recognised internationally but I would assume Papworth would be the same ???? My father was treated at the Brompton but he is much nearer there than Papworth and his care was excellent.

Hope you receive the same care whatever you decide.

[smudge]

I have had heart procedures at the Royal Brompton & Harefield Hospital a few times now & have received excellent care & attention, from the Consultant down to the tea ladies!

I realise this particular hospital is nowhere near the Royal Brompton in London, but if the one I was in is anything to go by, you've nothing to fear salla.

Good luck & hope you'll be feeling much better soon. -xx-

[Bbbananas]

Thanks for all the concern and advice guys 'n gals - I'm fine - just a problem I've had since I was 12, is getting worse now I'm (cough) a little older and now got to the stage were medication isn't controlling it so I need some RFA (radiofrequency ablation....!).

It involves catheters in the groin and neck, inserting some rf device to destroy the abnormal heart tissue. It's not major surgery, but can take between 3-5 hours and I have to lay still for all that long - can it be done?!! I'm very fidgety and don't think I'll be able to read while it's being done. I wouldn't say I'm scared; people have far worse things done - but like any procedure, there are risks.

I'm booking in for Papworth. Ta all xx

[Sqad]

salla...good morning my love.

As you know, I am no Cardiologist and would not like to play down any surgical procedure ( I am scared of the dentist), but who has told you it takes between 3-5 hours?

[Bbbananas]

Plaid and I have both done our internet research which quotes around 2-3 hours. And I have liaised with 2 patients (1 on here) - one whose took 5 hours, the other 3. So, I'm just taking an average. If it's far less - great. Can't say I'm looking forward to having to lie still while parts of my heart are destroyed and burnt. Oooh - my back.

[Sqad]

Right salla.....thanks.

[Bbbananas]

I haven't agreed to the procedure yet sqad - I'm just seeing an 'expert' who will advise me whether, first of all I'm a suitable candidate and it's the best option, and secondly I want to know ALL the risks etc - cos I'm a coward and I don;t want to suffer extreme pain or die !!!

Plaid is pushing for me to have it done, because I have daily symptoms now (& come close to fainting quite a few times which is worrying if I'm driving) - but I am not going to let anyone pressurise me. I think it is a procedure that is inevitable at some stage - so perhaps while I'm still relatively young & fit would be best?

[smudge]

Glad you're booked in now salla.

As you may (or may not) have read on here, I had a similar procedure done in the Royal Brompton & Harefield Hospital some time ago. I'm a bit rushed at he moment, so in brief, I was in theatre for five hours, laying perfectly still, until they found & ablated the 'extra' electrical connection - awake, but with some sedation to relax me.

I'm still here to tell the tale, so I'm sure you will be fine salla. -xx-

[Bbbananas]

I remember you telling me that smudge a few weeks ago when I first mentioned my little problem.

5 hours? How can you lie still for that long? Can you read while it's going on?!!

[smudge]

salla - I think it may have been me who wrote on one of your previous threads about the procedure I had done.

You have all the symptoms I've experienced, including when driving, not pleasant. It also took me some time to decide whether to have the procedure done or not, but my consultant assured me it was for the best.

I'm literaly flying out of the door now to pick up my car (after a service), but if you need a shoulder, we're all here for you. -xx-

[smudge]

Sorry salla - crossed posts there - the phone rang & I left my pc!

Don't ask how I managed to lay so still for so long!

Personally, I couldn't read whilst it was being done as the sedation made my eyes go hazy after a while! Also, the medical team were so tasty (including my consultant), I wouldn't have been able to concentrate on a book! ;o}

Must go, daughter's beeping for me outside........