A million new questions

[bejaxx]

I saw my card today, she's looking for the best surgeon she can find. Does anyone know of any really good surgeons in the Memphis, Tn area? She wants to find "one who's not old and not young. Someone with experience that is also up to date with the latest technology."
Iwas looking on the Baptist Hospital website and they are now doing OHS with the daVinci Robot. Any one know anything about this? It's less invasive and that sounds good to me.
I'm the only patient this office has seen with scar tissue encroaching on my valve (The group was founded in 1920), so she's been really cautious, which I do appreciate. However, I am willing to travel to Birmingham if I need to.
She told me today that the surgeon would do a heart cath to measure the gradiant(?). I've had 2 heart caths before, not sure what this other is.
Hope everyone is feeling good tonight.
Thanks ,
Beverly

 

[Phyllis]

Beverly, check out this thread: http://valvereplacement.com/forums/showthread.php?t=9111&highlight=tennessee
You can try to contact one of these members by private message.

 

[bejaxx]

Thank you

Thank you

I feel like a dummy asking so many questions
Thanks,
Beverly

 

[Phyllis]

No question is never too many- that's what the forum is all about!!

 

[ALCapshaw2]

After reading your history, I would say you need to be looking for a "Best of the Best" type of Surgeon with LOTS of experience doing repeat and/or high risk surgeries.

I went to the University of Alabama at Birmingham for my Valve Replacement Surgery after having Bypass Surgery in Huntsville (ALA). UAB has been rated as high as #10 in the nation for Heart Surgery.

The Top Two Surgeons currently at UAB are Dr. James Kirklin and Dr. David McGiffin. Both have performed surgeries on members of this forum.

Dr. Kirklin is head of the Heart Transplant Team. The downside of this is that if a heart becomes available for transplant, that will take TOP priority and your surgery could be set back.

Dr. McGiffin is a bit younger with a delightful Australian accent. He is highly regarded, especially for high risk surgeries. When it comes to Bedside Manner and Listening to Patients, he is a Role Model. He will answer all your questions.

'AL Capshaw'

 

[catwoman]

Beverly,

Some of the cardiologists & surgeons whom I've researched around here have trained at UAB (Birmingham). If I lived in Memphis area, I'd definitely look into surgery there.

Check out the list of the top heart hospitals in the U.S.:

http://www.usnews.com/usnews/health/best-hospitals/rankings/specihqcard.htm

There should be excellent surgeons at the top several hospitals who are well-qualified to do re-ops.

 

[Granbonny]

Beverly

Beverly

sounds like UAB in Birmingham is your best choice. Ask your Cardio what she thinks?It cannot be that far from where you live.....Many have rode back home ..after their surgery that far...just taking frequent stops home.I'm sure that the members that have had their surgeries there..can fill you in on nearby motels, ect. for family.....Let us know? bonnie

 

[TammyM]

I don't know about Memhis, but I am in the Nashville area. I had Dr. Michael Petracek. He is an excellent surgeon. His nurse told me that when Clinton had his surgery, Dr. Petracek was on stand-by. He was at St. Thomas, but his surgery group relocated to Vanderbilt in the last year.
I haven't read up on your exact situation yet, but just wanted to say that i will be praying for you!