Day 56. . . tick, tick, tick

[MelissaM]

Today is Day 56 of the newest phase in my life, called: Trying to Get Surgery Scheduled " This has been one of the most grueling experiences of my life. My patience is so o o o limited to begin with, so to have things moving so slow is pretty much driving me nuts.

It took a month for my cardiologist to actually SEND my test results to the surgeon. Then, after the local surgeon looked at it said I needed surgery in two weeks (!), but it took my insurance company another full two weeks to approve going to the Cleveland Clinic. When it got to CCF, marked "urgent," it took a week for the surgeon to review my case and agree to schedule me. Now, it turns out that scheduling is "understaffed". I've been waiting a week to get my surgery date, and will probably have to wait several more days before landing a date sometime near the end of August - total waiting time to date, 56 days.

In the meantime, I field somewhere in the neighborhood of five inquiries a day asking me if I have got a date for surgery yet. That is approximately 280 times I've had to say "nope, still waiting." You can imagine what that does to the psyche.

I'm tired of telling people I don't have a date, tired of waiting, and tired of living in fear that my heart will suffer permanent damage because of all this delay. So if you are the praying type, say a little prayer that I might have the patience to see this through and that this gets resolved sooner rather than later.

Thanks,

Melissa[

 

[Ross]

A BIG DODO bird told me that you will be fine. I know the waiting drives you insane, hang in there.

 

[Nancy]

Hi Melissa-

You will be just fine. It takes some time to get surgery scheduled. They have to coordinate all sorts of people and equipment. Lot's of time the ORs are booked far in advance, as are the hospital ICUs and patient rooms and then there are emergencies that happen to gum up the works. It's not just something that can be done in a flash.

It sounds as if no matter how hard you push, you will still have to wait until all is coordinated, and all of your records are reviewed. Believe it or not, the surgeons, in addition to doing lots of surgery and having office visits, and hospital visits, still have to spend some time reviewing your records and looking at whatever test results you had sent. It's time consuming and very meticulous work.

So relax and put it in the experts hands. You will be hearing soon.
Waiting is the hardest part.

 

[MelissaM]

Hmm.. . what else does that DODO BIRD of Ross' know?

I got a date!

August 18th.

The end. . .or the beginning!

Melissa

 

[bvdr]

Great news!

Do you go in on the 18th or is your surgery the 18th?

I go in on the 24th for surgery on the 25th. I have a lot of stuff being done on the 24th but no cath is scheduled. How about you?

 

[Gail in Ca]

Don't worry too much about the wait.
If it was really that crucial, they would do the surgery pronto.
When I checked in from Er with BP at 90/19, I still waited until the next day at 7pm for my surgery.
When I had my first surgery in 89, my heart was enlarged and my aneurism was at 6, but I waited 6 weeks for the moon and stars to line up, I guess, I was fearful of even vacuuming, but I made it fine and my heart went back to normal after the surgery.
Best thing is to think positive.
Gail

 

[Susan BAV]

Melissa - BEST WISHES!!! Hope all goes well!!! ~Susan

 

[sylviayasgur]

great news that you got a date, melissa!
not too far away either...
we'll keep you company while you wait.
be well, sylvia

 

[DANIEL]

You WILL be fine

You WILL be fine

Breath in - breath out.

You WILL be fine. Take this time to chill and collect yourself mentally for the OP. Yes, if super critical they would do the surgery NOW. Appreciate and use the time you have now to do what ever you need to do prior to the OP. Get your home in order. I was advised to get a recliner (La-Z-Boy type chair) and this was the best advice - was not comfortable laying horizontal or sitting up in a chair for the few 10 days or so. Also, for me it was best to learn as much as I could about the procedure, really put me into a very confident state of mind.

In no time at all you will be grumping about waiting on lines at the bank, supermarket, rush hour traffic, etc

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Ross]

I promise to keep her company if she feels the need to talk. You got my number, so don't hesitate to use it. You don't have to wait for a panic to set in either, I can just talk and believe it or not, I can actually do that without being a screwball.

 

[Georgia]

HEY, MELISSA

HEY, MELISSA

A week from tomorrow! I'm sure you give a big "gulp" to think that; but let me reassure you that this week will go fast; and many of us have found that as the date approaches we find a deep calm. I guess you just can't be totally wound up for so long; and the inevitability kindof flows over you.

Just 7 days left to shop for all the stuff you need. And have nice luncheons and dinners and drinkies . . . take my advice and make the most of the next week. Your taster will be shot for a variable length of time (mine was shot for a REALLY long time - like nearly 6 weeks until everything was back to normal).

I don't know that I've ever known anyone who appeared more ready and prepared for a major medical event than you are; good for you. I most truly hope you're able to have the repair (I was supposed to and the repair didn't take so I was MOST shocked to wake up with a mechanical).

I hope you know how lucky you are to have found this site prior to surgery. We know how lucky we are to have you find us; and how blessed with your presence.

 

[Ross]

I hope you know how lucky you are to have found this site prior to surgery. We know how lucky we are to have you find us; and how blessed with your presence.

God brought her to us because he thinks I'm getting a little out of line. He knows I need someone like her to keep me in check.

 

[Marcia]

surgery

surgery

Good luck on your surgery. Like everyone else has already said, you will be fine. I Had to wait through the holidays last year. Found out on 12/6 that it was time and didn't have the cath and TEE until 1/7. Had to go in for a vascular study on the 14th and then saw the cardio on the 21. Set up appointment with surgion on 02/4 and surgery on 02/27. Couldn't do a repair so I know have a St. Jude's valve. Coumadin is not as bad as it was years ago. In one respect I am glad that I got the mechanical because one is enough. I will say a prayer for you,

 

[Peggy in Alaska]

So glad to hear the surgery is finally scheduled. Won't it be nice to be viewing "post-surgery" forum for a nice change from "pre-surgery"!

Good luck and let us ones here that are still waiting for surgery know what it was like.

Take good care. . .

 

[MelissaM]

Ross, did you say something about a check. . .?

lol. Thanks guys, for all of your support!

Melissa

 

[fyrfytr]

Hey Melissa,
Good Luck with your surgery. I hope all goes well for you and in no time you will be on the road to a speedy recovery. You are in our prayers.

Dave
_______________________________
Surgery: 4/21/03
Aortic Aneurysm Repair
AVR, with a St. Jude Mechanical 27mm

 

[Jane]

Good Luck Melissa!

Good Luck Melissa!

I send you every good wish and prayer for your surgery.

I think for me the waiting was far worse than the surgery as it was stepping into the unknown, also I was frightened of doing too much. Once you have had the surgery, all you have to do is get better. (Easy, when you say it quick like that!!!??)

I wasn't given an exact date for my surgery. I was called on my mobile, while I was shopping in town, and told they wanted me admitted in 90 minutes time. (That was a Friday and I had the surgery on the Monday.) I was lucky in that respect as i didn't have time to get nervous.

Thinking of you, a lot.

 

[medtronic of borg]

Aug. 18th

Aug. 18th

M,
I don't pipe up very much any more on here because I think some of the people on here are addicted to being victum , rather then moving on with life. But there are a handful who seem to really care. I only have one thing to say.

Good luck.

Medtronic.

 

[fyrfytr]

Hey Medtronic,
I think you are totally wrong. People are on here because it is a Great Site and they care about other people. I know I have appreciated everyones posts. And I think we have all gotten on with life have you!

Dave
_______________________________________
Surgery: 4/21/03
Aortic Aneurysm Repair
AVR, with a St. Jude Mechanical 27mm

 

[medtronic of borg]

moving on

moving on

Yes I think so. I have plans and projects I am very involved with. What I don't do is look for comfort from this page. Only information. Which is what I try to offer for the newbe's. They have a lot to learn. Those of us who have been born with our problems have had to always move forward!!!!