I have a date!

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epstns

Premium User
Supporting Member
Joined
Dec 26, 2002
Messages
5,201
Location
Chicago area
I have a date, and have added my surgery to the calendar. (March 1, 2011)

I thought it would be a complicated decision, having met two excellent surgeons and their staffs. Either could do the job well, and both facilities are highly regarded. In the end, though, it was rough to choose anyone over the highly ranked Dr. McCarthy at the world class facility at Northwestern.

I'll know a lot more as the date gets closer, but so far the plan is to go with the Edwards pericardial tissue valve and, if possible, a partial sternotomy. Won't know about the degree of bone-cutting to be done until we have the cath and MRI results.

Now to the other tasks at hand. . . scheduling all the per-op testing and dealing with the mahyem that is sure to erupt at work once I tell them I'll be gone for a while. Not going to tell until Monday -- I don't want to deal with it until then. Why wreck a perfectly good weekend?
 
Steve,

You know the drill better than just about anyone else here, having been in the waiting room so long. And you've done your research for sure. It must still feel momentous to get the actual date, and it is indeed such a moment. All best to you as you go forward.
 
Steve, sorry you are having to have heart surgery to get a date. Its really alot of work to get a date. Have you thought about asking a girl out?

Just kidding. :D :D

Your day is the day after my B Day. Got your surgeon, got your date, sounds like you are all set. Now it seem a bit more real no doubt.
 
Good work! My surgeon recommended to me that I choose a Tuesday which, of course, I did!! He told me Tuesday was just his best day!! Maybe it's a surgeon thing??

You will do well!! Remember to exhale a lot...nice, slow.... stay steady. You sound great!! These next two months waiting are bound to drive you crazy! :wink2:

Best wishes.

Marguerite
 
Hi Steve,

Happy to hear everything is falling into place for you! Lets think about meeting up prior to your surgery. Throw out a few dates. I will make sure we pass them on to Cort and Lorraine :). And anyone else in the area that would like to join. If they don't read it here first!

You are in my thoughts and prayers. I would like to pass my contact info on to your family. If you need anything during your stay/recovery. Would be happy to come down for a visit. Talk to you soon.
 
I told my wife I want a "Hooters" there when I come out of treatment- This so either I will know I am back or in heaven. I am afraid the the hospital may overrule me to prevent a rash of heart attacks. Just waiting until the 17th of this month.
 
Steve,

You made a fine choice for a surgeon. I had a good experience at Northwestern and I'm sure you will too. I don't know how far you live from Northwestern, but I live about 35 miles northwest of the city. I put my wife and 4 children, ages 18 to 24 at the time of my surgery, up at one of the hotels just a block or so from the hospital. It made it a bit more convenient from my family to be near by those first few days after surgery. After I moved out of Intensive Cardic Care and into a private room my wife stayed with me until I went home. I spent 9 days in the hospital, 4 days in intensive care, before I went home. It was nice to have my wife with me 24 hours a day. She slept on a pull out sofa that they have in each of the rooms. As you probably know Northwestern is a teaching hospital, I had plenty of Northwestern Fellows check on me each day. When McCarthy came to see me he came with an entourage of assistants.

These next six weeks will go by fast. My surgery was scheduled two weeks after I had my initial consulation with McCarthy. During those two weeks I had an MRI of my aorta, an angiogram with my cardiologist, and an appointment with my dentist to make sure I didn't have any gum disease. While at the dentist I had my teeth cleaned and a few days before surgery I got a hair cut. :) I didn't venture very far from my home those first few weeks after surgery.

Good luck to you. Let me know if you have any questions.
 
Chris - I thought some very amusing thoughts about those nurses, as some are quite attractive. Then I mentally slapped myself as I realized that the cute ones are about my daughter's age!

Thanks for all the support, everyone. I thought Tuesday would be a good day as the weekend emergencies are all stabilized and the regular staff are likely to be on duty. Also, that way by the following weekend I will either be on my way home or close to that point, so I would not be waiting for any specialists to be called in from their weekend activities.

John - my schedule sounds like yours, except that there is a bit of additional time in the scheme of things. All the same tests and office consults. We also discussed having my wife and daughter stay nearby at a hotel the first couple of nights. Even though we only live about 15 miles from downtown, it would just make it easier for them if there are any late night speed bumps to deal with. I'm sure the hospital can suggest hotels, or we can find our own. My wife works downtown, so she knows her way around, too.

Now all I have to do is study for all these tests the doc's want me to take. . .
 
Yep, unfortunately my wife encountered the late night speed bump with me. Booking a nearby room for a couple of nights is really a good idea. There are plenty of hotels within a block or two of the hospital. When you are napping they can take a walk on the Mag Mile. I have four older children and I know they spent some time doing some window shopping while I slept in the afternoon. Towards the end of my stay my wife brought us take out dinner from Friday's just around the corner from the hospital. That was a real nice change from the hospital food.

By the way, a number of the hotels near the hospital give a reduced rate for family's of patients at Northwestern. It might be something to look into as you book a room. My family stayed at the Fairfield Inn near the hospital. Perhaps you have seen the following link http://www.nmh.org/nm/hospital+guide+discounted+lodging

No need to study for the tests.................I'm sure you will pass with flying colors!
 
John,

Thanks for the link. I might not have found it, or might have ended up emailing McCarthy's office for the info. This makes it easy!

Any other advice for patients at Northwestern?
 
Well, as I stated earlier I thought I was well taken care of while I was in the hospital. With that being said I really didn't know what to expect and I'm a pretty easy going guy that roll's with the punches when something doesn't go just right. My wife brought my laptop so that I could stay connected to the outside world, and that helped pass the time while I was in the hospital.
 
epstns said:
Chris - I thought some very amusing thoughts about those nurses, as some are quite attractive.
Click to expand...

*grins devilishly*

Ohhhh...indeed some are! Saw a couple cute interns when I was at my last checkup at NW a few months ago...lol.


CONGRATULATIONS, Steve, on the surgery date! GOOD LUCK ... and, of course, thoughts/prayers coming your way....



Cort | 37.m.IL.pigValve.pacemaker | 5 Monte Carlos + 1 Caprice Classic | * 07.30.2011_ColdTreatMeet
MCs.CC + CHD.models.HO.legos.RadioShows + RoadTrips.us66 = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort
"This heart is gonna mend just fine" __ Sawyer Brown __ 'This Night Won't Last Forever'
 
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