decision to not have surgery

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Hi Gail and welcome, sorry for the circumstances.

Give "Jim" a couple days - time to think. Then hand him some tough love, but don't forget to ask "why' he feels that he doesn't want the surgery.

Tough love and a sympathetic ear just might work.

Good Luck and lets know how you are doing and what "Jim" says.
 
Someone mentioned "sudden death," which reminded me of something I once read, that said that, sometimes the first time a person passes out with a failing bicuspid valve is when they expire. It's a horrific thought.

Which reminds me, Gail, of another memory I was mulling over when I read this thread and some of the other replies, including the one on depression. When my valve was heading towards failure, and was evidently dramatically deteriorating, inside of me I really felt like I was dying. I had no idea that a new valve could make me feel so much better. When I got the new valve, I didn't have that awful feeling anymore. I hope your friend doesn't have that bad feeling that I had.
 
thank you for your kindness

thank you for your kindness

Hello Everyone,

Thank you for your kind replies.

Because I also will require valve replacement in a few years, I was in the unique position of being able to discuss this with "Jim" some months ago. His stated reason for avoiding the surgery is a friend of his died on the table during the same surgery. Jim has a wife and a son and is very loved by his entire extended family. I have recommended that he see my surgeon at the Cleveland Clinic thinking that the prospect of going to such a fine heart center would encourage him and give him more confidence in the procedure. His reply was that I was fortunate that I could go to such a fine place for my surgery. I wondered if that was his way of saying he can't afford the surgery. He has managed a small shop for many years and I wonder if maybe he doesn't have insurance. I'm sure his income is not very high. It could be he is also worried about strapping his family with high medical expenses, but he doesn't want to say that. I believe he is the sort of person who wouldn't want to do that. What is available to a person in this situation? I'm hesitant to say any more about this to him if he is unable to have the surgery for financial reasons.

Many thanks,
Gail
 
Gail,

There are some Low Cost options available overseas.

I remember discussion of a First Class Surgical facility in India some time ago. The Father of an American Cardiologist went there. I will try to find the details.

'AL Capshaw'
 
Gail K said:
...His reply was that I was fortunate that I could go to such a fine place for my surgery. I wondered if that was his way of saying he can't afford the surgery. He has managed a small shop for many years and I wonder if maybe he doesn't have insurance. I'm sure his income is not very high. It could be he is also worried about strapping his family with high medical expenses, but he doesn't want to say that. I believe he is the sort of person who wouldn't want to do that. What is available to a person in this situation? I'm hesitant to say any more about this to him if he is unable to have the surgery for financial reasons...
Click to expand...
Connected to and/or depending on his residency/citizenship, there is surely something available to him. But I don't know what it might be. Hopefully another member here will have an idea. Oh, I see AL has replied also...
 
Here are some links to discussions of Low Cost Surgery


The cost here (in Singapore) was about 32,000 USD all in. If you are seriously considering Thailand or India PLEASE drop me a note to discuss. I have lived in and had medical services in both locations and have some opinions and experiences to share.

dan777
------------------

Here is the article on overseas surgery that is in "Good Housekeeping". If someday I don't have health insurance and I need surgery I would travel overseas.

http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/heal...timonials-1007


http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/heal...alth-care-1007

(Rebecca from Georgia)

------------------------------
Here is a link to an article that ChristineL posted a while back. I just did a search and found it. It talks about how fantastic heart surgery is in India.

http://www.denverpost.com/ci_5491281?source=rss

Adriene

---------------

Did you see the recent thread entitled "Cleveland, Denver, or India?" started by ChristinaL in the Heart Talk Forum?

Here is the link to the article she referenced

http://www.denverpost.com/ci_5491281?source=rss

Bottom Line: You can get Valve Replacement Surgery at a TOP RATED Hospital in India for $15,000 !

Catheran Burnett, R.N. and Promotional Manager for On-X told me she has been there (in the O.R.) and the facility is
OUTSTANDING.

'AL Capshaw'

-------------------
 
Hi Gail-

You are a wonderful friend to try to help.

The statement, "It could be he is also worried about strapping his family with high medical expenses" got me thinking.

If he does not have this surgery, he will not go quietly into that good night. He will most likely have several years of failing health and many, many medical problems. He will also probably have to give up working.

His medical problems will make him uncomfortable enough that he will need medical care for them, and possibly multiple hospitalizations.

So, the financial drain will be substantial. Maybe more than surgery.

One could say, "well, his wife could go out and get a job to help with the finances", however, she will probably be needed at home to care for him 24/7 until he reaches the end of his life.

Not that I want to be morbid, but this is the most plausible scenario.

If he has surgery, yes, it could be expensive. But it will no doubt also fix his problem and he can go on with his life and his work.

Payments can be worked out, have him look at what Al Capshaw posted, have him talk to the hospital social work staff. They can give him some good ideas.
 
Do you have a cardiac center on your beautiful island that performs these heart surgeries or is travel absolutely necessary?
Seeing as Virgin Gorda is a British Island is there some way "Jim" can participate in Britain's public health program by possibly traveling to London, for example?
 
The National Health System doesn't work that way, unless it is an emergency situation when someone is visiting for some reason there are residency qualifications etc. For people from overseas they are likely to charge for the treatment and even visitors need to consider taking out travel insurance to cover such costs.
 
But if he resides in British Virgin Gorda (British Virgin Islands), is it possible he is a British citizen?
 
Jkm7 said:
But if he resides in British Virgin Gorda (British Virgin Islands), is it possible he is a British citizen?
Click to expand...

Might we be jumping the gun here? Gail the original poster lives in BVI; how do we know Jim lives there also?

It seems the healthcare set up on BVI is US reliant. This from a travel website There is only one hospital on the British Virgin Islands. Certain cases may be transferred to hospitals in the US Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico or mainland USA. I'm sure Gail will be along to clarify:)
 
surgery

surgery

My husband and I live in the BVI, but we are originally from the US. Jim lives in the US. I think the clinic in India is definitely something to consider. All of your points are well made regarding the financial and other problems his family would have if he becomes ill. I will talk to Jim or someone else in the family about this. I appreciate everyone's input and the links very much. I'll take a look at all the links you've posted. In answer to your question regarding health care in the BVI, it is o.k. for day to day situations, but something like OHS or care for serious injuries and health conditions would be out of the question here. Like many expats here, we have medical flight insurance to take us to US hospitals in emergencies or we go to the US for more serious medical care. I plan to go to CC for my OHS surgery.

Many thanks,
Gail
 
So sorry to read this post, it makes me really sad. Sending hugs, prayers and best wishes to Jim and his family, hoping for a good outcome.
 
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