MarkG's AVR on Thursday--Feb.8

[StretchL]

Mark-

Glad those photographs gave you a little heads up on what to expect. I know it's a very personal journey, but, from what I've experienced, it ain't all that bad.

Gosta Pettersson is indeed one of the best out there. You're in good hands.

Now fasten your seatbelt and enjoy the ride!

All the very best-

 

[PegB]

Hi Mark,

From what I hear, Petterson is the best. Since Cosgrove has been getting out of the surgery field, Petterson is getting all the referrals, and some have said he has been the best there for a long time. The cardio. I used to work for in Scottsdale, AZ sends all his difficult cases to Petterson, and claims he is a genius. You are in very good hands. Now just relax, and it will all be over before you know it. After you check in at 5:15, you will then be called to walk up this long corridor with a few other early surgeries. It's very surreal...there's a lot of nervous laughter, and you will probably feel like a lamb being led to slaughter, but it gets better once they get you into pre-op, and you start getting more personal attention. The ICU nurses are wonderful, and you will have one assigned just to you. Be careful of the meat based dinners -especially the turkey- it just won't go down after being intubated. Stick with the pastas. Enjoy...your new and improved life awaits you!

 

[Nan]

Hi Mark, it seems like you will be in the best of all possible places in the best possible hands. Good luck to you, will be sending you positive thoughts tomorrow!

 

[MarkG]

The after surgon visit report

The after surgon visit report

Talked to Dr Petterson this afternoon. I enjoyed his dry humor and very straight forward answers. He had moved the surgery to 10am, so at least I get to sleep in a bit. Hopefully the caffeine withdraw will not start then. While I was talking to him today, that was the first time I started to worry about this surgery. But I do feel good about doing this and it is normal to feel this way. He did leave me with some homework this evening; I have to decide on the type of valve to get, bovine or mechanical. When I got back to my roomthis afternoon, I got on VR and did a search on the choices. I read tobag's posting of the benefits of both, good read, but I still have to make that decision. It is a personal decision I have to make and it is hard one. I see benefits for both and negatives for both as well. I will do some more research and make my decision when I wake up tomorrow morning.

I will let you know the decision if I still have internet connection here in the room tomorrow. Otherwise it will be a few days before I go off radio silence. Good luck to all.

 

[StretchL]

He did leave me with some homework this evening; I have to decide on the type of valve to get, bovine or mechanical... I will do some more research and make my decision when I wake up tomorrow morning.

Wow! And I thought I was a procrastinator!