Update on Husband

Parent Cafe
21

<p>Well, lol, as nice as it is to hear all those nice things about being strong, and all. I will be honest and tell you that I am NOT!! lol, I am a wreck during severe times of stress…for some reason, I manage to handle the crisis as its happening, but I completely collapse into a crying mess when alls clear again, lol. I was talking to my husband about how much we went through, and ya know…we realized, that as crazy as things have been, they could always be much worse. I feel like everyone has their own personal “heavy” issues to deal with…no one burden is heavier then another really. This thread is really a true example of how and why people manage to get through difficult times. There are support systems, that we all depend on. I’ve had an amazing family and freinds…then came the internet, which only broadened my access to wonderful people. I have learned that, when things are good for me, but hard for someone I know…try my best to be there as much as they want me to be. Sometimes, being a great freind is being the one that doesn’t call you every 15 minutes to see how you’re all doing, lol. I know those people just want to make sure we know they care…but, it’s stressful to constantly answer the phone when your dealing with stuff like a scary illness, or crying babies…(My dad is most guilty of this out of everyone, lol)</p>

<p>Anyway, I actually said a thank you to God that I have such nice cyber freinds, helping nudge me through this difficult time:) Who knew a college thread could lead me here, lol:)</p>

22

<p>So glad to hear the news but hope you will still keep the Cleveland Clinic (CCF) in mind. As good as Beth Israel may be, the very top heart docs in the US are at the CCF.</p>

<p>Like many great teaching hospitals and because the CCF is a not-for-profit foundation, while it pays very well, the professionals who work there could often make significantly more money elsewhere. Without trying to sound too altruistic, the docs who work at the CCF Heart Center are there because they are the best and want to be around the best, leading edge technology in the world and truly want to make a difference. While many hospitals have great doctors they don’t have absolute world best facilities and after care that is offered at the CCF.</p>

<p>A close family friend who heads the transplant team at the top Dallas heart hospital and is who referred my dad to Dr. Lytle and the Clinic, told me straight out that while there are good doctors at other hospitals, the real differentiator for patients like your H and my dad, was the Clinic itself.</p>

<p>The cardio and cardio thoracic surgery residencies and fellowships at the CCF are the most sought after by graduating med students. They are filled by the number one grads from Harvard, Johns Hopkins and other top med schools. They just get the best med students and best doctors, period.</p>

<p>I recently saw an article recently about that top “Heart Hospital” in the Dallas-Ft Worth where I live, and it listed the number of procedures done for 2008. It was very proud of the fact that they had performed several hundred of a certain"difficult" procedure. When I looked it up on the CCF FAQs I discovered that they had done several thousand during the same period. That’s a BIG difference and when something is routine the outcomes are often very different as well.</p>

<p>When taking to the Doctor at Beth Israel, discuss the severity of his case, how often they see and treat similar cases and most importantly the historic outcome for cases like that of your DH if he is seen and treated by their team. Then ask him point blank about getting a second opinion from the CCF.</p>

<p>If he pooh poohs things, or tries to dismiss the CCF, his ego is getting in the way and RUN don’t walk away. I say this because it happened to a relative who was told by UCLA and Stanford Med centers to start getting her affairs in order because she was inoperable due to the high risk and severity of her condition and had a short time to live. That was over five years ago and before being seen and operated on by Dr Bruce Lytle (who is the Chairman of the Heart Institute) and his team and who also performed the aortic valve replacement on my then 83 year old dad.</p>

<p>I’m sorry to sound like I am on a soapbox. Please know that I wish you and your DH only the best. My thoughts and prayers are with you.</p>

23

<p>Are u talking B.I in Boston or N.Y.?</p>

24

<p>eadad, </p>

<p>I truly do hear what you’re saying, and actually have a freind who’s wife is a cardiologist at CCF. We have by no means ruled them out…and my husbands doctor didn’t question the quality of the care he would receive there. He simply suggested that we meet with this doctor at Beth Isreal, because he has seen my husband before. I have a list of 4 names of top doctors at CCF:). I do understand that you are trying to help us in a positive way, and I hear what you are saying. I have been to the Cleveland website and have also been in touch with the cardio nursing staff, who explained alot of how things work there. </p>

<p>Part of me, beleives that our insurance may have something to do with being referred instate before being able to go oos, for medical care. So, we will follow the trail where it leads us.</p>

<p>Some good news today, is after having the meds adjusted yesterday, he seems to be alot more alert and physically “moveable” lol. Plus he’s not so gloomy and is getting a sense of humor again. </p>

<p>I don’t think you are on a soapbox. I understand your motives and appreciate them:)</p>

25

<p>papangena, I’m so glad to hear that your H’s condition has improved to the point where he can come home and you will be able to weigh options for treatment in a considered way, rather than under the stress of an emergency situation. I’m so glad to hear of all the wonderful support and encouragement you’ve received throughout this trying ordeal. Continued best wishes, thoughts and prayers.</p>

26

<p>Thanks for the update. Location matters- closer to home can make it a lot easier to deal with. There is a shortage of hearts out there (sign your donor card today- have your kids sign theirs), and risks with any transplant, hence the priority list. For transplant purposes matching matters, as does distance- the time window to get to the hospital. One has to weigh the benefits against the costs- a good facility closer to home may increase the quality of life when dealing with the hassle factor of the best place further from home. Let’s hope that the NY evaluation puts your H into the uncommon, but not rare, category they are comfortable with.</p>

<p>Aside from your H’s heart problems, you are so lucky- you got to have 3 kids. I was only able to have one. It’s amazing how well preemies can do.</p>

27

<p>I just saw this thread. Thanks for the update. I was quite concerned when I read your initial thread about this. </p>

<p>It sounds like a good plan to me.</p>

28

<p>How considerate of you to come back and give us an update! Thank you, and know that there are lots of cyber-buddies out here sending good vibes your way…</p>

29

<p>I’m so glad that you let us know what’s going on. I’ve definitely been thinking about you and worrying. It seems like you have things planned out (I love a plan!) and reason to expect a positive outcome. That’s just great news. I’m going to continue to keep you in my prayers. (Now: triplets and a hubby with a heart attack five days later? And you are still sane, reasonable and pleasant? I bow down before you!!)</p>