I think I might have chosen. For now.

[Bina]

Freddie, my wedding car was our 1966 powder blue Rambler Classic.
I never had a Matador, but I still have a 1963 Rambler American and previously had a 1966 Marlin and 1963 Rambler wagon (groovy car). I stupidly sold the AMX.

 

[lbecker]

Bryan - A lot of us have been looking for some good news re: the Ross Procedure. Glad to hear that you were a good candidate and it's going well for you.

Andy - What the hell is wrong with some of these guys?! So much of a patient's well being depends on the relationship they have with their doc. I still meet lots of docs who don't get that. I have taken to treating my physician as I do my mechanic. If I don't think he has my best interests in mind when we talk, I will absolutely walk out of his office.
My last cardiologist walked into my first and only examination on the cell phone. He held up a finger to indicate that I should wait. He stayed on the phone for 7 minutes by the clock on his wall. He was on the phone with a friend or broker discussing his investments. At 7 minutes, I started getting dressed to leave. He hung up asap and proceeded with my exam without apologizing. Rather, he explained by saying " Big investments" or some BS. He had me schedule another appointment which I never did. I switched docs without even calling his office. I'm not at all impressed by where a person went to school - I've met waaaay too many Ivy League morons. I can only get comfortable with a doc if I can feel he/she has a great record, is taking me seriously and has some degree of empathy for my situation.
If I could have Heidi's gynecologist, I'd be ecstatic. He's a great guy who listens and empathizes and reassures his patients that he's a part of their emotional landscape. For a Pap smear, that's no big deal - For a hysterectomy, it's invaluable.

lbecker - Lyn's right . It's my aortic valve that won't behave.

Thanks for keeping me straight, guess I wasn't thinking, I do know what
valve the Ross procedure involves. Guess after reading so much you
get a brain freeze. On the subjects of doctors who really show they
care. I couldn't agree more, there are some good ones out there, but
as with any profession I guess they may be in the minority

 

[tobagotwo]

Actually, a modification on the Ross Procedure has been done for the mitral position. It's certainly not as common, and one would reasonably want to find someone with significant experience with this technique. I don't recall the success levels for this procedure at this time, but I'll bet you'll find some info if you Google "Modified Ross Procedure Mitral Position"

Best wishes,

 

[lbecker]

Really, I did not know that will have to look it up and get educated!
Something I wonder, Bob H. you chose a tissue valve at 52 for the
aortic position, but I am told that at the Mitral position the tissue
won't last as long. Is there any specific evidence that you know of
for that? I feel like I get told to go with the mechanical, yet when
I told my cardio. that I wanted to discuss different valves he said,
that he did not have that much knowledge about the different ones
and talk to the surgeon about my questions. So why is he recommending
a mechanical?

 

[BDMc]

David, My knowledge of Charlton is from taking my parents there over the past12 or 13 years. Lost my dad to a stroke in '97, and at that time loved Charlton. It wasn't free of problems, but there was a different level of care in those days. My mother has been in there every year since. She was there again just before Christmas. The doctors and nurses wouldn't listen to what my brother and I know about her case, the hospital had lost her records, and ended up tripling her stay because of their choice to ignore us. She has had a few bad experiences there over the years, and now really hates the hospital. There were two good nurses I met during her last stay, but the others weren't qualified to be nurse's aids in my opinion. I'd stay away from Beth Israel Deaconess too, and I say that because that's where I go. Some great staff, but many who just don't care. From what I hear the two best hospitals for thoracic surgery are the Brigham,(Boston) and Mt. Auburn(Cambridge). If you ever need orthopedic care go to the New England Baptist. It puts all other hospitals in Massachusetts to shame. "Boat Porn" is something I can really relate to! Love that Buzzards Bay 25! PS: Sorry to rant, but I'd like to save others the suffering we went through. If you need more specifics I can provide that too. All the best, Brian

 

[Ross]

Stop talking about Porn. Your getting me all excited here.

 

[Alerion]

Stop talking about Porn. Your getting me all excited here.

Ross you sick Puppy!!

Brian- Aaargghh. I was hoping the place would get uniform good reviews. I've heard great things about their cardiac unit and I met with the surgeon there and really liked him, but I'm uncomfortable with tales of crappy patient care, bad customer service and the rest.

When my dad was dying of cancer, he went to Mass general, where the worst oncologist in history managed to weasel a job. This guy and his staff of sycophants were among the worst medical professionals I've ever seen and I've met and interacted with a lot of docs and nurses through work. He was such a jerk that I kicked his arrogant ass out of my dad's room ( I was on the verge of punching this creep) and told the charge nurse to either call my dad's surgeon or a transport ambulance to take him somewhere else. I've seen first-hand what bad care is. I'm not into suffering that myself.

Guess I'll have to take a harder and closer look at Charlton and Dr Carr.

Thanks for the info.

David

 

[Duff Man]

Jim;

"If you develop AF..."
What is AF?

Here's a glossary of terms and common acronyms my friend: http://valvereplacement.com/forums/showthread.php?t=27461

EDIT: I just figured out I was looking at the first page thinking it was the last and I thought Dmcginn's reply was the last..

 

[ruthienc1]

David- I would put in a strong vote for BWH and Dr. Cohn. He did my surgery last May (old facility) and everything in the entire experience was first rate! From what I hear, the new facility is something special- but it's the folks inside that make the difference..... As the Michelin guidebooks say, "worth a journey!"