step mom to have high risk operation 5/18/04

[Marvin]

I went with my dad and step mom to her heart doctor appt. yesterday. They will be doing surgery on her on May 18th. She was previously turned down by another surgeon because of a high risk factor. She has just turned 80 this past April. She has 95% blockage in one artery and 85% blockage in 2 others. Her aortic valve will need to be replaced along with her mitral valve. The doctor said she will have 4 to 5 bypass also. One reason also for the high risk is that the lower part of her heart has been damaged by a heart attack and isnt working. I would appreciate all of your prayers for her. Since Marvin just went though this it is hard for all of us to go thought it again so soon. If you have any suggestions for us on helping her with her recovery please let us know. I am trying to find out if her insurance will cover her going somewhere for a short time after the surgery to help her with the recovery or have someone come out to her house to help out.

 

[Ross]

You got it, but please tell me that she's going to Cleveland or Mayo for this. I would not trust anyone else with these problems.

 

[hensylee]

call up Medicare - they're in the phone book. They, upon orders from dr, should cover her for a period in a nursing home for some recovery time. However, if she goes there, be sure to keep constant track of all that goes on.

She is in danger, what with her age and the other things that are going to be done (bypasses), however modern medicine does some great things these days. You will be in my prayers. Make Marvin behave and not try to do too much during all this. And you take care of yourself, as well. This is a biggie surgery for your mom, so you need to be in good shape for it. Please let us know how she gets on. Prayers.

 

[tobagotwo]

There is no question this is a tough surgery your stepmom faces. We wish her great success in getting through it, and strength for you, your husband, and your father for the trials that come with it.

I agree with Hensylee about a facility, but feel you should be there to watch her back, as it can be tough getting the appropriate responses from personnel even in the hospital setting, sometimes. An example would be the many people who have had cardiac effusion and other fluid problems, which are too frequently pooh-poohed by nurses and even doctors.

Don't take what the caregivers of the facility say as gospel, because they frequently learn over time to play down symptoms that their charges complain about. Perhaps make a list of things about her you want to check on, for each time you visit. You might ask the caregivers if they have had to contact any doctors for her, or if she has any planned visits by professionals, or if she has had any complaints about pain (which she likely will) or difficulty breathing. Sometimes, they may not be aware of, or think to share obvious information with you.

Best wishes for your Stepmom,

 

[medtronic of borg]

To late for change ...I think

To late for change ...I think

Not sure how large of Hospital you are sending her to, but inbetween is U.O.I. . One of the most respected hospitals in the nation. And it is five hours saved, if you were considering St. Marys. Its history goes way back to I think 1823. My Dr. built one of the first heart lung machines himself, and used it succesfully on june 22 1955, on a five year old. He only concults with the other cardios being 83 yoa . I could go on and on but i have said enough you should have the pic. by now.

Med

 

[Granbonny]

Hi Barb

Hi Barb

Medicare will pay for 3 weeks of your Mom going from hospital into nursing Home. Then, ask for sitters from Nursing home. they should have names of people who will come in and sit. At least, they would be able to call nurses's station if your Mom needs something. I would hire them 24 hr. clock...She will need someone in room with her. Bonnie

 

[Marvin]

Naomi's surgery will be at Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis. I tryed to get them to go to Cleveland but she didn't think she could travel that far. I also tryed to get them to see the same surgeon that did Marvins operation but the choice had to bee theirs and they decided on the one from Methodist. This is a large hospital in Indianpolis. Both Marvin and I will be down there with her for the surgery. I will also put a call into medicare about the stay after she is released from the hosiptal. Thanks again for all the support.

 

[Guest]

Best wishes for your step-mom and her surgery
Methodist is a fine hospital with a an outstanding reputation. My dad had his 5-bypass done there 13 years ago and he is still doing great.
I'll keep your step-mom in my prayers that everything will go well for her!

 

[catwoman]

Barb:

My husband & I will be praying for your stepmom and family.
John's dad went through similar surgery in 1989, at age 74. Needed 2nd MVR (porcine), plus at least one, maybe 2 other valves; 4 bypasses; aorta rebuilt. We weren't told/don't remember exactly what "aorta rebuilt" meant. Surgery was lengthy, but went OK. That was at Medical Plaza Hospital in Fort Worth.

Please let us know how your stepmom gets along.