Re: Maze Procedure plus a whole lot more!

Subject:

Comments:
: : Wow, Harry, you are certainly getting the full treatment, but will probably look back on the experience as a "bump in the road" relative to the exhilleration of feeling "good" again. : : You are going to receive awesome care at the CC, as you might well have at some of the other centers. I was very impressed with their efficiency and care in January. : : One suggestion: In lieu of the Guest House, where I stayed, I would opt for the Intercontinental, about 1-2 blocks farther down Euclid. : : The facility is nicer, the service better, and all-in-all, worth the extra $, if your wife needs a comfortable place to relax. : : We stayed at the Guest House, but discovered the Intercontinental the night before my surgery, when we went to dinner, using the CC shuttle bus. When we were leaving, the doorman noticed us waiting for the shuttle and offered their limo so we wouldn't have to wait. I explained that we were not staying with them, but he insisted, so we gratefully accepted. : : Subsequently, my wife went there for lunch while I was in the hospital because it was sedate, quiet, and moderately priced, and she received the same offer, in addition to an offer of transportation to a museum. I can only imagine the service might be better if you were a paying guest, rather than just a restaurant patron. : : Best of luck, and have someone post progress reports here, or use Thestatus.com, which can be accessed through the computers in the CC library by whoever accompanies you. : : : To make a long story short--I have HCM and developed A-fib about 5 years ago. I had tried all rhythm medications to include Betapace, Amiodarone, and the new drug Tikosyn. None would convert me to NSR or after electro-cadioversion maintain NSR. My chest pains. dizziness, and loss of strength and stamina finally brought me to the decision to undergo the Maze Procedure. My doctor, Mark Cohen is the Chief of Cardiology at St Josephs Hospital in Atlanta and he recommed me to Dr McCarthy at the Cleveland Clinic. All my records and tests were forwarded to his office about 2weeks ago and I waited with a bit of apprehension to hear if I would have the Maze Procedure and if so, when. Yesterday I was called by Dr McCarthy's scheduling folks and give a date to come to Cleveland for surgery. Talk about recieving a shock--not only are they going to do the Maze Procedure but also a Mitral Valve replacement, a bypass, and finally a Myectomy to reduce the size of the obstruction caused by the HCM-- four for the price of one--lucky me! Actually, it is a real blessing to have all four procedures being done at once and not have to face another open heart operation in the near future. I am very pleased with my dealings with The Cleveland Clinic and Dr Mccarthy's staff. I will start testing the 6th of June and have surgery on the 12th. We plan on staying at the Guest House at the clinic. I have tried to follow all the postings of you that have been to the clinic--any advice you have or things you think I need to be aware of--please don't hesitate to post a message to me. I want to take time to thank all of you who have taken the time to share your experiences here on the board--it made my decision much easier and I now have a better feeling as to what to expect. God Gless Harry : Carl, : Thanks for all the good info--we had kind of wondered about getting a decent meal for the family while I was in the hospital. I'm sure we will try the place you suggested--thanks again!1 Harry

Optional Link URL:
Link Title:
Optional Image URL: