fabyan64
Well-known member
Brian,
Thank you!! I'm positive the nerves will return, but it will just take some time. In fact, a day after my surgery in 1991 I noticed a strange, burning pain on the top right corner of my head. Each day when the surgeon made his rounds I would ask him why I had pain in my head - on the skin, and would not get a reply. Eventually, after asking a 3rd or 4th time he told me he thought I had come to the hospital with some sort of injury. I told him I woke up with the pain. Over the next 6-8 weeks, possibly longer, the pain eventually covered 3/4 of my head before receding, and then finally disappearing completely. I believe that was nerve damage as well. The Phosphatidylcholine you recommend looks interesting and could be very helpful, thanks for the tip - I'll definitely check it out. I am planning on writing such a book. No reason not to start somewhere and possibly branch it out into specific areas. I am still amazed at how many people, even those who need heart surgery, do not have clue about what is going on. When I met Dr. Coselli, he asked me, "So, tell me Mr. Read, why are you here?" I explained my situation and he seemed pleased with my answer, though I was a bit miffed by his question. His nurse told me he asks everyone the same question and often receives the reply, "Ah doen knoooowww, Ma dokter told me ah needed surgery." I think that is sad, and if there is a chance to improve the level of understanding all the way around it could be beneficial for patients, doctors, and possibly even the medical industry.
Wanna hear something scary? I returned from a 20-year trip to Switzerland in March 2007 where I did my own INR testing and medication since 1999. Roche made me go to school for a week to learn all the details, etc. Anyway, the insurance took care of most expenses, with a deductible of around $450.00 per year. Last month, after arguing with my idiot internist, I called Roche in Switzerland and asked them about the special deal on the new Coagucheck XS. They told me it would be no problem at all, but could not send the device to the U.S. I had someone nearby take delivery, who kindly brought it back to me. I only paid $600 for the device. Here in the U.S. the same device is something like $2,950 or so? What a rip-off!! I have also heard the insurance companies here do not cover much of this expense. I'll save for later more of differences I've seen between the Swiss and U.S. insurance costs.
I'd like to hear about the recall of your Bjork-Shily valve. Did you receive the valve in 1984 then have to get it replaced with something else in 1985? That must have been awful.
Regards,
Roderick
Thank you!! I'm positive the nerves will return, but it will just take some time. In fact, a day after my surgery in 1991 I noticed a strange, burning pain on the top right corner of my head. Each day when the surgeon made his rounds I would ask him why I had pain in my head - on the skin, and would not get a reply. Eventually, after asking a 3rd or 4th time he told me he thought I had come to the hospital with some sort of injury. I told him I woke up with the pain. Over the next 6-8 weeks, possibly longer, the pain eventually covered 3/4 of my head before receding, and then finally disappearing completely. I believe that was nerve damage as well. The Phosphatidylcholine you recommend looks interesting and could be very helpful, thanks for the tip - I'll definitely check it out. I am planning on writing such a book. No reason not to start somewhere and possibly branch it out into specific areas. I am still amazed at how many people, even those who need heart surgery, do not have clue about what is going on. When I met Dr. Coselli, he asked me, "So, tell me Mr. Read, why are you here?" I explained my situation and he seemed pleased with my answer, though I was a bit miffed by his question. His nurse told me he asks everyone the same question and often receives the reply, "Ah doen knoooowww, Ma dokter told me ah needed surgery." I think that is sad, and if there is a chance to improve the level of understanding all the way around it could be beneficial for patients, doctors, and possibly even the medical industry.
Wanna hear something scary? I returned from a 20-year trip to Switzerland in March 2007 where I did my own INR testing and medication since 1999. Roche made me go to school for a week to learn all the details, etc. Anyway, the insurance took care of most expenses, with a deductible of around $450.00 per year. Last month, after arguing with my idiot internist, I called Roche in Switzerland and asked them about the special deal on the new Coagucheck XS. They told me it would be no problem at all, but could not send the device to the U.S. I had someone nearby take delivery, who kindly brought it back to me. I only paid $600 for the device. Here in the U.S. the same device is something like $2,950 or so? What a rip-off!! I have also heard the insurance companies here do not cover much of this expense. I'll save for later more of differences I've seen between the Swiss and U.S. insurance costs.
I'd like to hear about the recall of your Bjork-Shily valve. Did you receive the valve in 1984 then have to get it replaced with something else in 1985? That must have been awful.
Regards,
Roderick