Debbi in WV with more news from Cleveland Clinic

[dj/utvolsfan]

Are there stages regarding preparing for surgery? Right now I am feeling abnormally giddy at times, teary at other times regarding my upcoming surgery. I don't quite understand my emotions right now. I am unusually happy about getting my life back. It is as if a life sentence has been commuted out of the blue.
Anyway, I received more news today from Dr. Stewart!!! All my blood work came back normal, no blockages and the big one...my aortic and m itral valves, if anything, might possibly need a slight touch up repair job. He said it isn't likely, but wanted to prepare me for the slight possibility. So bottom line, a snipping of the subaortic membrane and possible repair jobs on the two valves is what I am facing in March. They have also scheduled my surgery with Dr. Gosta Pettersson in late March...exact date still not known. He told me Dr. P is world renowned, world ranked as one of the top 5 surgeons in the world. Ok, I can handle that!!!! I was told I would be in Cleveland about two days for pre-op interview with Dr. P and pre-op workups before being admitted on third morning for surgery. If you guys want to comment on the best and worst of your OHS thoughts, feel free to. Thanks again! I am going to sleep now! Still so wiped out from my trip to CLeveland.
Debbi

 

[Phyllis]

Sounds like it was well worth the trip to Cleveland! All good news and you have to feel relieved and looking forward to getting your health back. Let us know when you have the date.

 

[AtlantaPat]

Cleveland...me too

Cleveland...me too

Maybe I'll see you up there, Debbi.
My cardiologist gave the nod late yesterday afternoon to Dr. Smedira at CCF repairing my mitral valve. I called up to Cleveland as soon as I heard that, but the doctor's assistant had left for the day. Imagine that: she didn't wait for me to call! Someone else in Smedira's office said he's scheduling surgeries now for the middle of March, so I hope to take a number and get in line as soon as they open Monday!

Anyone stayed at the Cleveland Clinic Guesthouse? http://www.clevelandclinic.org/maps/buildings.asp?building=uu. My wife and some other family members will be coming up for my operation and we like how close it is (and how much less costly than the luxury Intercontinental hotels on the Cleveland Clinic campus). I know not to expect the Ritz, but I'm wondering what the Guesthouse compares to. A small town Comfort Inn? A Days Inn along the interstate? Better? Worse?

Also, if we go another route, anyone know of a good extended stay hotel that's not an awful drive from the Clinic?

Thanks
Pat

 

[geebee]

Maybe I'll see you up there, Debbi.
My cardiologist gave the nod late yesterday afternoon to Dr. Smedira at CCF repairing my mitral valve. I called up to Cleveland as soon as I heard that, but the doctor's assistant had left for the day. Imagine that: she didn't wait for me to call! Someone else in Smedira's office said he's scheduling surgeries now for the middle of March, so I hope to take a number and get in line as soon as they open Monday!

Anyone stayed at the Cleveland Clinic Guesthouse? http://www.clevelandclinic.org/maps/buildings.asp?building=uu. My wife and some other family members will be coming up for my operation and we like how close it is (and how much less costly than the luxury Intercontinental hotels on the Cleveland Clinic campus). I know not to expect the Ritz, but I'm wondering what the Guesthouse compares to. A small town Comfort Inn? A Days Inn along the interstate? Better? Worse?

Also, if we go another route, anyone know of a good extended stay hotel that's not an awful drive from the Clinic?

Thanks
Pat

Pat,

I have never been to the CC, so I cannot comment on the Guesthouse, but here is a link to the area hotels and rates. This may help you in your search.

http://www.clevelandclinic.org/socia...htm#near ccf

Good luck.

 

[ArleneT]

Stayed at Guest House

Stayed at Guest House

We stayed at the Guest House before I checked in here and I will be returning there after I check out today. The GH has a shuttle that takes you right to the front entrance of the hospital and it runs about every 15-20 minutes. It's not a fancy room, but has been totally adequate for the amount of time we've spent there. My husband went back there after leaving here every night and was here by 7:00 most mornings. He basically needed a bed.

There is a Deli in the hotel that has good soups, sandwiches, and full meals. This was really convenient since we didn't want to go far when we didn't use the hospital cafeteria.

Please let me know if you have any questions I didn't answer.

Good luck and best wishes.

Arlene

Maybe I'll see you up there, Debbi.
My cardiologist gave the nod late yesterday afternoon to Dr. Smedira at CCF repairing my mitral valve. I called up to Cleveland as soon as I heard that, but the doctor's assistant had left for the day. Imagine that: she didn't wait for me to call! Someone else in Smedira's office said he's scheduling surgeries now for the middle of March, so I hope to take a number and get in line as soon as they open Monday!

Anyone stayed at the Cleveland Clinic Guesthouse? http://www.clevelandclinic.org/maps/buildings.asp?building=uu. My wife and some other family members will be coming up for my operation and we like how close it is (and how much less costly than the luxury Intercontinental hotels on the Cleveland Clinic campus). I know not to expect the Ritz, but I'm wondering what the Guesthouse compares to. A small town Comfort Inn? A Days Inn along the interstate? Better? Worse?

Also, if we go another route, anyone know of a good extended stay hotel that's not an awful drive from the Clinic?

Thanks
Pat

 

[barbwil]

Take that wheelchair!!!

Take that wheelchair!!!

Debbie and Pat, When my husband had a heart cath. there three years ago we stayed at the guesthouse and found it to be very nice, two queen size beds, small table and chairs, TV, ironing board and iron, not elegant but nice.

When I had my mvrepair (Dr Gosta Pettersson) 6 months ago we were met at the door by a woman who asked if I would like a wheelchair. I asked her if it was very far and she said no, not very. If you are the least short of breath on walking grab that chair and let them take you there; when we left the same woman was there and I told her that her idea of a short walk was far different from that of someone who needed open heart surgery! That place is HUGH and they have a large staff who do nothing but transport patients from place to place all day.

The nursing care was excellent but no place is perfect; some of the auxiliary help sometimes left something to be desired. It helps having a family member to be your spokesperson when you are under medication. As soon as you are out of bed, walk, walk, walk those halls!!

The whole experience is not nearly as bad as you are imagining it to be so try to relax and look on this as another adventure. God loves you so trust yourself into His keeping.

God bless, Barb

 

[John & Joann]

Dr Gosta Pettersson was the surgeon for Joann. HE IS THE BEST! His knowledge, personality, dedication, and compassion are OUTSTANDING. He did come back to see Joann many times, but her problems were significant.

He remembers Joann because he was one of his first major surgery patients after he came from Copenhagen to Cleveland.

We thank God every day that he sent Dr. Pettersson to Ohio to help our family. The thought of his kindness brings tears to our eyes!

 

[dj/utvolsfan]

Still waiting on date....so what else is new!!!???

Still waiting on date....so what else is new!!!???

Hey there, Well it is a snowy day in West Virginia which means I am inside with too much time on my hands!
ATLANTA PAT, I had reservations at the Guesthouse, but opted for the Lakeside Holiday Inn after GeeBee sent me a link. It was cheaper. The Holiday Inn was nice. The shuttle hours weren't the most convenient for me, but I survived. While waiting for my shuttle to the Holiday Inn, I have to admit I saw several shuttles heading to or from the Guesthouse. I am making reservations once again for the Holiday Inn for my family and for my pre-surgery interview, workup, etc. Now that I am familiar with the routine, I won't worry so much about everything.
Don't you wish all of us valve replacement.comers could somehow identify ourselves while at Cleveland??? If we were little people we could wear our yarn necklaces with vr.com on the attached card, but that might be a bit much. Maybe just the confidence on our faces is the better sign!!
It is so encouraging to hear of so many others who have used Cleveland Clinic as well as those who have experience with my cardio, my surgeon, etc. I am still waiting on a date for my surgery. Every one of my co-worker's first question is "Aren't you scared half out of your head?" I just have to say no, not really....more excited than scared.....but then I cry at the drop of a hat for whatever reason. LOL!!! Perhaps I am in denial just a tad.
Hope everyone is keeping warm. I am getting ready to copy a link of items to take to the hospital with me.
Debbi

 

[dj/utvolsfan]

Gotsa Pettersson

Gotsa Pettersson

It is amazing how many wonderful comments I have received regarding Dr. Pettersson. My Dr. Stewart told me Dr. P. is ranked #1 in America for heart surgery. He is the main reason why I can walk around with excitement in my heart (so to speak) preparing for surgery instead of the usual dread. I KNOW I am in the best of hands. I KNOW I am going to feel like me again. What could be more exciting than that?? With God's blessings, my surgery will be uneventful and I will be another one of Dr. Pettersson's success stories.
I am happy to hear that he took such good care of Joann.
Debbi

Dr Gosta Pettersson was the surgeon for Joann. HE IS THE BEST! His knowledge, personality, dedication, and compassion are OUTSTANDING. He did come back to see Joann many times, but her problems were significant.

He remembers Joann because he was one of his first major surgery patients after he came from Copenhagen to Cleveland.

We thank God every day that he sent Dr. Pettersson to Ohio to help our family. The thought of his kindness brings tears to our eyes!

 

[Georgia]

Hey, dj - you know there are tshirts available from vr.com?????

 

[dj/utvolsfan]

Georgia, We have t-shirts?????

Georgia, We have t-shirts?????

Hey there, I didn't know that. More info please!!!Deb

 

[Georgia]

Deb, click on the valvereplacement.com icon at the top of the page and click on "officialvalvereplacement.com merchandise. There are all sorts of fun things.