Rob -
Forgive my curiosity...
I'm wondering why you decided to go to the Cleveland Clinic
and if you talked with any of the Surgeons in Nashville ( / Vandy )?
Also where / who did your first surgery?
'AL C'
Hi Al,
Whew,... Ok.. I try and answer this one..I do find it difficult to explain exactly.
My decision to go to the Cleveland Clinic was a simple one. They are simply rated as the best hospital for Heart surgery in the country. After going there for preliminary tests, I must say that I was was/am totally impressed. Since they do so many open heart surgeries per year, they have seen and performed probably every possible condition that we can throw at them. People from all over the world come to this hospital for heart surgery.
Vandy is also a top rated hospital, and the one that saved my life when I had emergency open heart surgery 10 years ago. That one was totally unexpected, not preplanned, not time for choices, or thoughts. It was all about just getting me to the hospital after the 911 call before I died from my dissection that ruptured. One that I never even knew existed. The doctors that operated on me are no longer there. They have moved on to other hospitals and positions. My heart surgeon was Dr. Pierson, and my vascular surgeon was Dr. Passman.
My cardiolgist today is with the St Thomas hospital heart group. He is real good, but the hospital itself did not feel right for me for various reasons that I will not get into on here.
I feel very comfortable with my choice of hospital and also with the surgeons that will be on the team. The hospital is truly one that others should benchmark against, and the surgeons are tops.
It is true that I will have to foot some extra costs like for airfare, and hotel, (For my wife mostly, although she will spend most of the time in my hospital room). Also I know that my family and friends will not be close during the surgery. However, I would rather that I get though this surgery, and then see my family and friends for many years into the future after the surgery.
Frankly, there is only one me, and if I have the chance to go to the best place for my surgery, then I owe it myself to do so.
My surgery is a complex, complicated "re-do" surgery. My aorta is dissected from the heart valve all the way down, and on to my left knee cap. They have to work around this while replacing the valve, and a graft, and also try and repair a weak spot that could develop into an aneurysm within a few years.
My decision is purely a "personal" choice to select, (what in my opinion), is the best hospital and surgeons for me.
I hope this info helps answer your question,
Rob