Missouri Baptist Med Center

[csutherland]

We're coming up on Jerry's 6-mo CT scan on 9/7 for the ascending aortic aneurysm. We've been rocking along with life as usual, but I'm starting to imagine what will happen if the scan shows significant change in the aorta. It was 5.2-5.3cm in March.

As posted at that time, we were uncomfortable with the surgeon here, just because of the complexity of a 3rd heart surgery and the surgeon's somewhat pessimistic attitude. We were steered to Dr Kouchoukas in St Louis by a VR member and Jerry had a CT scan there in Mar. My question: Has anyone had experience with Mo Baptist Med Center? The facility seemed a little old, not exactly rundown, but in a state of constant repair perhaps. Granted we were only on one end of the place for this consult. I guess we're just needing a little reassurance that this is the right place. If we're going to complicate things with the logistics of going out of town we at least want to be in a good place.

Would appreciate any input.

 

[Mary]

I had valve replacement there on June 7. The hospital is being renovated and the cardiac unit still has some construction going on. I didn't notice any portion of the hospital appearing dated until I left the 4th floor for a trip to x-ray. It was a little yucky. When I went back for my postop appointment, we visited the cafeteria (again in the basement) and it is in need of renovation.
However, my medical care was excellent, and I was very happy to have my surgery performed there.

By the way, while I was waiting for my postop appointment, I talked to a man who has had his entire ascending aorta replaced by Dr. Kouchoukos over a span of several operations. He has Marfan's, and they are following him pretty closely.

I hope this helps.
Mary