What comes first?

[breakingwaves]

When you go to the cardio visit, how do you introduce where and who possible might be the surgeon? Do you go in with research and a list, do you wait until you find out what they think? How does a cardio doctor work with a surgeon who isn't in the same state? I am sorry if this has been addressed before but I am trying to get mentally ready for my visit next week.

 

[Phyllis]

Our local cardiologist arranged an appointment with a CT surgeon affiliated with Yale New Haven. We kept that appointment but decided we did not want to use him (he did not do minimally invasive surgery and he had no knowledge of the new Edwards Magna valve that **** was interested in having), so we had done our research, found Brigham in Boston and Dr. Lawrence Cohn in particular was our choice and were lucky to get an appointment quickly through a friend. I am sure, had we suggested it to the local cardiologist, he would have made the appointment for us as well although they are partial to the surgeons they are use to using at Yale New Haven. After surgery, Dr. Cohn and Brigham contacted our local cardiologist to arrange ****'s follow-up care. Do your research to find the best hospital and best surgeon you can find within a reasonable travel distance (we went two hours away, but others have gone much further and it's doable). The important thing is to be informed and comfortable with your choice of hospital and surgeon. Wherever you have the surgery, they will arrange for follow-up care with your local cardiologist.

 

[Phyllis]

To help in your decision check out the best hospitals for cardiac surgery in US News and World at: http://www.usnews.com/usnews/nycu/health/hosptl/tophosp.htm

 

[geebee]

Hello

Hello

I think the procedure is what you want it to be. Especially if you have a good relationship with your cardio. I think it is best to do your own research and get a good feeling about who you want and where that surgeon is. Discuss it with your cardio and get his thoughts and suggestions as well.
When you do go to see the surgeon be sure and tell the person who schedules the appointment that you want some time to discuss things. Otherwise you will be given a short, hello how are you, visit that will leave you wanting. Surgeons are very busy but the good ones will usually take the time providing they know ahead of time that you mean business.
The last surgeon I had spent 1 1/2 hours talking to me and my SO because we were asking the questions that made him realize we had done our homework.
And don't forget that no question is too trivial or "stupid" if it's a question that concerns your life and well being.
Good luck,
Gina

 

[Bryan B]

BW,

When my cardio recommended surgery, he referred me to a surgeon and I saw him the same day. After meeting with him I decided to do some research before making a decision on what type of valve, where to have it, and which surgeon I wanted to use. That's when I found VR.com. I decided to have the Ross Procedure, then I decided to have it at Duke (close to my family), then I picked my surgeon who specialized in congenital heart surgery (for my VSD repair) and in the Ross Procedure.

From there I asked my cardio to contact Dr. Jaggers for a referral. Then I waited...and waited...and waited. After 2-3 weeks without resuts I contacted Dr. Jaggers myself, sent him my echo tape myself, and then things progressed pretty fast.