Thanks So Much, Everyone
Thanks So Much, Everyone
We arrived in NYC Thursday night. 45 minute flight from Richmond, 25 minute wait on the LaGuardia tarmac for a gate.
We're staying in Gilman Hall, an apartment builiding for residents/interns, etc. It's just across the street from the hospital and the entrance from the ICU, so it will be very convenient for Noni next week. It might be a bit spare for me after discharge (the temperature is a bit hard to regulate, there's no remote on the bedroom tee-vee, no internet, and it's quite noisy) so we will likely move to a nice hotel downtown at that time.
Was poked and prodded today. Made as many photos as possible. The people at Beth Israel seem to be very wonderful. Found that Chad has been approved to make photographs before, during, and after my surgery. I think Dr. Stelzer pretty much gets what he wants at the hospital. He did say it would be impossible for me to take home my old valve, due to the formaldehyde it goes in being poison. He said that Chad will be able to get some photos of it before it's disposed of, however.
Ross procedure is the first choice, with a Medtronics stentless porcine valve as a backup. Stelzer's looking toward an echo for me on Thursday and discharge, hopefully, on Friday.
Several times during the day I was asked how I heard of Dr. Stelzer, or the Ross Procedure, and if I was nervous. Each time, I mentioned this site and the members who make it possible. I feel very at ease going in, and think I pretty much know what to expect afterwards, thanks to all of you. I know I've said it before, but I'll say it again: I can't imagine walking this path without you.
Thank you Thank you Thank you.
I imagine I'll get another update or two in before Monday morning. We were told to show up at 5:30a to beat the Monday morning rush.
Peace-
