Met with surgeon at Cleveland Clinic..surgery next week

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barb

Well-known member
Joined
Jun 4, 2009
Messages
94
Location
cleveland,oh
I spent 3 full days and one night (unplanned) at the CC last week. It was intense but very comforting too to know that they were so thorough in testing. The Clinic was amazingly effecient through all of this and everyone we met with was wonderful. On the first day I met with a cardiologist, Dr. Stewart, who was great. I was not happy with the cardio that diagnosed and referrred me so I was in the market for a new cardio which worked out well.

On the second day I had a cardiac cath after seeing a geneticist (ruled out Marfan Syndrome). The cath went well but when trying to close up I bled internally so they kept me overnight.

Day 3 I met with the surgical team and finally Dr. Svensson. He was very nice and of course my big question for him was do I really need to be doing this NOW? He had zero hesitation in saying it does need to be done now. He actually measured my aneurysm at 5.7 at the largest point. He will repair the aneurysm and replace the valve with a bovine valve.

Surgery is set for July 7 and I will be admitted on the 6th for fluids (to protect the kidneys). Dr. Svensson says that I may be on the vent for an extra day due to this being such a big surgery but that they will sedate me as long as the vent is needed.

I do have confidence and peace right now that I will be o.k. I am terrified for my loved ones however. My husband isn't in the best health himself. He is diabetic. My adult aged kids will probably come and visit while I am in ICU (the younger ones of course will not). I only keep imagining this from their perspective.

I can't wait for the scary part of this to be behind us. Thank you for your support.

Barb
 
It sounds like CC did a thorough job of assessing your conditions, developing a treatment plan, and putting you in the hands of one of the Best CardioThoracic Surgeons in the World. Everything I read about Dr. Svensson is Very Positive.

I'm glad that you are happy with your Doctors and at peace with your decision to 'Get Fixed' and get on with your life. A Positive Attitude is a Major Contributor to a Good Recovery.

'AL Capshaw'
 
Barb,
I'm glad that you feel confidence in both your surgeon and the facility. I understand they are definately top notch there. Try not to fret too much (easier said than done). Just make sure your kids keep on eye on their dad so his sugars don't go whacky. Everything is be fine, maybe you can get one of the kids to keep us updated. I will be praying for you and your family on the 7th.:)
 
Good to hear you are confident and like your cardio and surgeon. You will be in one of the best hospitals. Ofcourse, you know that since your from Cleveland. Hope the time goes fast for you. Enjoy the 4th of July;)
 
i am glad that you are confident with your doctor and i am sure that you are very happy with your choice of going to cleveland clinic. i am a month out of surgery and also went to cleveland clinic and there is something comforting in knowing that you are at the best place for heart care. it may be hard on the family but the fact that you are at cleveland clinic may put them a little more at ease also. do not be shy about asking for what you need and be persistent. one time i had to call the nurse 4 times to replace batteries in the pain pump but that was really the only problem that i had. the one day that i was there i had the reiki they have. not sure on the spelling. but it really helped relax me and got rid of my nausea that i had right before they came in. best of luck. your in my prayers.
 
Barb--
I too went to the CC for my AVR in November of '08. They did a great job but I didn't feel that my pain control was so great--I was never given the option of having a pain pump, and when I complained of pain, it didn't seem as though they got me medicine that was strong enough or did it quickly enough. I'm sorry that I wasn't more insistent, but I guess I was too spaced and lethargic. My family didn't seem to believe me when I said the pain meds I was offered were enough (they figured that the docs and nurses knew best), so they didn't push for me, and I just didn't have the strength to do it myself. So--try to demand what you want and need to make your recovery easier. Good luck--it'll all be over soon, and you won't believe how relieved and wonderful you'll feel afterwards!!
 
Having just been released from there 2 weeks ago, I can say that you will be in good hands. Prayers to you and your family.
 
Barb, our prayers and support will be with you. My surgery for severe AS is tomorrow but I'll report back as soon as I can. My surgeon came to the hospital in New Jersey from the Cleveland Clinic and I have full confidence in the CC.
 
Like others above I had my surgery at CC. I, too, was in the "market" for a cardio and am using the one I met during my pretesting. My pain control was excellent. I honestly cannot say I remember any pain. I was sedated while the tube was in. My husband was alone while I was in surgery and ICU. The department holds informational classes for the family and keeps them both busy and very well informed. Prayers for peace of mind while you wait.....have someone update us.
 
Barb...my daughter was 10 when I had my first open heart and she was 21 on my second...so I know what you mean about the younger ones. If they see that you have confidence in the surgeon and in your decisions, they will see it too. I didnt see your age. I assume you are going bovine to avoid coumadin? Best wishes for a quick recovery.
 
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