Posted by Judy Guerrero on August 01, 2004 at 19:29:30:
In Reply to: Dr Ralph Damiano Jr,----- St Louis posted by Patrick Haley on July 28, 2004 at 17:03:32:
Patrick,
I was a couple of days away from a valvue repair and Maze with Dr. Damiano in January when my situation changed and the repair was deemed unnecessary at that time. Medication also started to help the afib so further treatment for that was put on hold also.
I had every confidence in Dr. Damiano and had done much research about surgeons. I decided I would get the same level of care that I would at the Cleveland Clinic (my other choice) and would not have to deal with the travel after open heart surgery.
Dr. Damiano was most thorough, took a lot of time talking to me and helping me understand all of the changing factors in my situation, and spoke to me several times on the phone during these very stressful days. He also impressed my other doctors with his ability to work with them to gather information and make decisions.
So, although I cannot speak as a person who actually had the procedure, I can say I was prepared to have him perform my surgery and if it turns out that I need the surgery in the future, I hope he is still in St. Louis to do it.
Good luck.
Judy