time with surgeon

[TiredTickerInTx]

I am curious as to how much time you have all spent with your surgeon prior to surgery? I am hopefully going to have my procedure done December 7th and
I have actually only had 1 visit with mine although it was quite extensive and very informative. Since that time all of my inquiries have been handled with his nurse. I know that many of my questions are probably just routine stuff that does not necessarily require talking directly with the surgeon,but even so I just wonder if it is normal to not have a lot of direct contact with him. Don't get me wrong, I do not feel like I'm not being taken care of, I can set up an appointment to see him any time I want. I am very comfortable and have every confidence with him, I just want to know how much one on one time everyone has spent with your surgeons?

Kevin

 

[ALCapshaw2]

I'm curious about what Surgeon and Hospital you decided upon.

Did you ask this surgeon how much experience he had with:
BAV
Connective Tissue Disorders (how to recognize and treat them)
Surgery of the Aorta
and what were his outcomes?

Forgive me for being repetitious, but your issues are Complex and 'above and beyond' "mere" Valve Replacement. IF I had your issues, I would want to KNOW that whatever surgeon was going to operate, has Extensive Experience with patients with similar conditons, someone who does surgery on similar (heart) patients (BAV, Aneurism, possible Tissue Disorders) many times per year (50 or more would be nice... less than 10 or 20 would be a concern to ME).

I would also want to know how many similar patients are treated annually at this hospital. I would want Nurses and other Medical Personel to KNOW what to watch for and what / how to take care of 'complications', just in case.

If you are comfortable with the experience and outcomes of this surgeon and his staff, then go for it. If you have doubts, it would be wise to get a second opinion, preferably from an Aorta Surgery Specialist at one of the Major Heart Centers in Texas.

It is not uncommon for patients with complex issues to get multiple opinions and/or have more than one meeting with the surgeon they selected. Having a surgeon who will take the time to answer ALL of your Questions is a real plus.

'AL C'

 

[Lynlw]

I am curious as to how much time you have all spent with your surgeon prior to surgery? I am hopefully going to have my procedure done December 7th and
I have actually only had 1 visit with mine although it was quite extensive and very informative. Since that time all of my inquiries have been handled with his nurse. I know that many of my questions are probably just routine stuff that does not necessarily require talking directly with the surgeon,but even so I just wonder if it is normal to not have a lot of direct contact with him. Don't get me wrong, I do not feel like I'm not being taken care of, I can set up an appointment to see him any time I want. I am very comfortable and have every confidence with him, I just want to know how much one on one time everyone has spent with your surgeons?

Kevin

That is how it always has been for Justin's surgeries, we meet with the surgeon ( or surgeons) once and discuss everything and then usually do not see him until in the hospital. Everything else we discuss with his nurse or whoever handles what we have questions about.

 

[Lily]

I am curious as to how much time you have all spent with your surgeon prior to surgery? . . . I just wonder if it is normal to not have a lot of direct contact with him. Don't get me wrong, I do not feel like I'm not being taken care of, I can set up an appointment to see him any time I want. I am very comfortable and have every confidence with him, I just want to know how much one on one time everyone has spent with your surgeons?

Kevin

Hi Kevin - My experience was similar to Lyn's. My husband and I met my surgeon for consultation and he took a lot of time explaining things. He examined me, my tests, ordering more including an angiogram, and I was soon after scheduled for a much-needed surgery.

My earlier surgery with Dr. Cooley was similar to that also except I didn't meet him until I was already admitted to the hospital.

 

[Bill B]

I met with my surgeon only once but for almost 2 hours of detailed conversation before my operation, and otherwise talked extensively to his staff. I had more questions than most of his other patients. I felt his staff were good at handling nearly everything, but I still couldn't decide which valve I wanted on the day before surgery. So, I was told my surgeon would call me that night, which he did and we talked for another 10-15 minutes. I did not see him again until 5 days after the operation, although my wife saw him at the completion of the operation and he sat with her and extensively detailed what happened and dealt with many issues with her. During my hospital stay I saw his fellow and other staff each day.

I have since heard from other patients that my surgeon will visit you every day in the hospital if you are sick. If you are as well as I was (zero pain, setting lap records), his staff handles things.

This was my first time as a patient in a hospital, although I worked in a teaching hospital for 10 years some 25 years ago. Things have changed dramatically since then. Nurses carry far more responsibility for assessing condition. The surgeons hardly touch you after the operation. The surgical team is much more responsible for daily care decisions, although they consult with the surgeon and he calls the shots. He appears to make his own separate rounds on the sick patients or, in my case, just prior to discharge. At times I wished I had had more time with him, although I took advantage of the time I had. I will get to see him in a follow-up visit in 6 weeks.

Anyway, I have heard from patients at other major medical centers, that this is quite common and typical. The surgeon did a masterful job on me and I will be eternally grateful to him. Had I not met him when I did and followed his advice, I would likely be dead now or in a few months.

 

[TiredTickerInTx]

Thanks for the input everyone. I feel a little more at ease after reading your replies. I am now officially scheduled for surgery on December 7th. My surgeon wants to see me again a few days prior to that. I am having the procedure done through the Seton Hospital system here in Austin. The actual surgery will take place at their newest facility which is basically brand new. The surgical staff is not brand new though and has a very good reputation. I feel as though I will be in very good hands. They have worked with the Heart Hospital of Austin among others and are now running this unit.
I am still seeking a second opinion. It surely can't hurt especially with my past history. By the way Al. I appreciate your suggestions for things to check on with the surgeon. Pretty much everything you brought up has been addressed and I do feel good about it.
I am going to try to get to the hospital this weekend to talk to the ICU and rest of the nursing staff whose care I will be in. Can't hurt, right? I'm sure they can give me insight on what to expect as much if not more than the doctors.
Thanks again everyone

Kevin

 

[Lynlw]

Thanks for the input everyone. I feel a little more at ease after reading your replies. I am now officially scheduled for surgery on December 7th. My surgeon wants to see me again a few days prior to that. I am having the procedure done through the Seton Hospital system here in Austin. The actual surgery will take place at their newest facility which is basically brand new. The surgical staff is not brand new though and has a very good reputation. I feel as though I will be in very good hands. They have worked with the Heart Hospital of Austin among others and are now running this unit.
I am still seeking a second opinion. It surely can't hurt especially with my past history. By the way Al. I appreciate your suggestions for things to check on with the surgeon. Pretty much everything you brought up has been addressed and I do feel good about it.
I am going to try to get to the hospital this weekend to talk to the ICU and rest of the nursing staff whose care I will be in. Can't hurt, right? I'm sure they can give me insight on what to expect as much if not more than the doctors.
Thanks again everyone

Kevin

I think going and touring the CICU, floor talking to the staff is very helpful.. BUT (theres always a but, isn't there) I personally would not go on a weekend. Many centers there aren't as many people to talk to and much of the staff isn't the regular staff, either part time or temp, during the weekends. You probably could learn more if you could go during the week during day shift when they are fully staffed and all the other workers, like social workers that can answr alot of questions are around. Also since there is usually less staff on weekends they might not have as much time to answer your questions, show you things ect like there is during the week.

 

[Bridgette]

Hi Kevin
I'm from NZ but thought I would tell you my experience because it's not dissimilar from what other people in this thread have described.
I had one consultation with my surgeon before my surgery, then after the operation, he and his registrar (fellow) would do the rounds every morning visiting me and the other patients he'd operated on. 5 days after my surgery he went overseas, but other surgeons at the hospital oversaw his patients, so I still got a visit from someone every day. The registrar handled all the discharge requirements.
BY the way, good luck!
Bridgette

 

[westie]

contact

contact

.
initial consultation with surgeon was approx half and hour, another half hour consultation a few months later, he spent a further half an hour with me the day prior to surgery, then twice daily hospital visits while i was in hospital and then he personally discharged me when i left the hospital (to make b sure i left!) then rang me at home 3 times to make sure i was ok and also phoned our family doctor and finally my final check up 6 weeks post operation when he confirmed i was his worst ever patient and that he hoped he never had to see me again.

i had no complications, he is just an old school surgeon who keeps total control over his patients care and makes 110% effort

 

[ALCapshaw2]

My friend in Austin mentioned the following Surgeons
and stated that "they are all great".

Dr's Dewan, Oswalt, Hume, Kessler, Felger

Is yours among that group?

If you are still interested in a Second Opinion, I would suggest contacting one of the well known Aorta Specialists in Texas such as Dr. Coselli or Dr. Ott at Texas Heart Institute in Houston, or Dr. William Ryan in DFW.

FYI, you can probably just 'self refer' to their offices. All you need to do is say that you have BAV and an Ascending Aortic Aneurism that need surgical attention and that is all the referal you will need. They will want to see copies of your latest Echo tape/CD and Cath tape/CD which you can obtain from the Records Department at whatever facility performed those tests.

'AL C'

 

[TiredTickerInTx]

Hey Al

Although my surgeon (New) is not among those you listed he is from that same group. I have also already sent copies of both items you suggested as well as reports to Dr. Coselli at THI in Houston. Just wanting to see what someone else has to say about it all. I also sent them a brief history so they have a general idea of what I'm all about. Hopefully I hear back from them real soon.

Kevin

 

[ALCapshaw2]

It sounds like you have covered all the bases Kevin.

I'll be interested in the response you get from THI if you care to share it. (Your choice!)

SO, just Relax and have a nice Weekend
(thinking about something else!

'AL'

 

[COLLEEN S]

Best wishes Kevin and prayers for you. Come back after it's all over and let us know how it went.

 

[spartangator]

Hi Kevin,
If one more experience helps, my surgeon experience was just what you described pre-op: a thorough Q&A session followed by staff contact for routine matters.

While in the hospital, the surgeon spent some time with my family and came to visit to check in. All that was useful and helpful, of course, but I would strongly suggest requesting your cardiologist visit you soon after surgery, too. It's normal for that to happen anyway, but just to be sure, it'd be worth your time to confirm that the cardiologist visit will definitely happen. The in-hospital visit'll provide him/her some firsthand experience concerning how you'll be doing immediately post-op (wonderful, of course).

 

[Danny]

I spoke to my surgeon twice on the phone, then for about 1 hour the day before my surgery at the hospital. I went to THI, and have absolutely no complaints. They are very professional, and have wonderful cardiac nurses. Good luck wherever you go!

 

[traveler]

My experience was different. But I tend to do things differently.

I met with and left a left surgeon. I then went to Mayo. 3 appt's before with surgeon, each at least 1 hour. A couple of emails. After surgery daily visit and then a quick final good by.

 

[acr]

I has one meeting with the surgeon pre-op. I was given a 2 hour appointment slot. Of course you think you'll be in/out in 10 minutes. But it was a 2 hour meet, with him talking 90% of the time...absolute blow by blow details....here's the condition you have, here's why you have it, here's what we're going to do about it, here's what we'll do if it all goes tits up etc. I'll confess I felt quite queasy as it was all rather too much info. However I guess it's best to have all the details. Ade.

 

[kpearse]

I met only once with my surgeon before the surgery. I can't remember how long that was, but he answered all my questions. He told me about what valves there were, and the pros and cons of them. I had my surgery on a Friday, I now am told to never have surgery on Fridays because the hospital is short on nurses? I couldn't tell you, I remember nothing until waking up, or coming to, on Monday morning. One thing that bothered me was the surgeon didn't go out to speak with my wife and Family, he used a phone. I asked why, he said he had an emergency, who knows?

 

[coach14]

TiredTicker,

Good luck with everything and prayers will be with you.

I am one of those who definitely does not get into the exacting details of anything. I really admired those here that do extensive research and background on their situations. I met with my surgeon (Dr. Duke Cameron) for about 20 minutes prior to my surgery. He answered what questions I had and I did not see him again until 6 weeks after my surgery (he left for vacation the day of my surgery). Frankly, I had some basic questions and that is all I wanted to know. It is what it is and I knew he was one of (if not the best) the best valve surgeons in the country. No need to stress about anything else beyond my control, after I made my valve selection, which was tissue - bovine 29mm.

 

[soccerdad]

I met with my surgeon last Friday had a lot of questions and concerns as we discussed my issue, procedure, choices, etc. We spent about an hour with him. I'll not see him again until Dec 29th for the surgery. Went with St. Jude mechanical (minimally invasive). Looking forward to getting it done so I can feel better.