Myectomy scheduled for August

[Stuart Schwartz]

It’s been a long 10 days since I found this web site and a short 4 weeks since I was told I have HCM. Thank you for all the postings, PMs, private e-mails, & private phone conversations over the last 10 days.

I CAN NOT THANK YOU ENOUGH for stopping me from making a major mistake with the ablation her in Philadelphia. How close I came!

I did decide on Dr Lever and the Cleveland Clinic. I sent my records to him last week. He called me last Thursday and confirmed it.

I will be in his office on August 25th and my Myectomy is scheduled for August 31st. There is a chance of doing it on the 30th.

Stuart Schwartz

[shirleymahoney]

Re: Myectomy scheduled for August

Stuart

Good Luck, I m sure you are in good hands and hope for the very best, keep in touch

Shirley

[Reenie]

Re: Myectomy scheduled for August

Stuart, I'm just glad you're getting good care. That's what the HCMA is all about. I'm so happy you found us!

Reenie

[Cynaburst]

Re: Myectomy scheduled for August

Stuart - I am so glad that you are on the right path now. I feel personal responsibility in that I was the first person to post to you on the 4th of July weekend. I hope that everything goes perfectly for you, and you now have the satisfaction of knowing you are getting the best treatment by the best doctors possible.

Cynthia

[Lisa Salberg]

Re: Myectomy scheduled for August

This is why the HCMA is here - to help people find the best care and thereby improve the quality of life for those with HCM!!!

Best wishes,
Lisa

[Tigger1]

Re: Myectomy scheduled for August

Staurt,

Keep posting and let us know how your doing. It was good talking to you.


Tigger1

[Ralph]

Re: Myectomy scheduled for August

Stuart,
Keep us posted. If you end up in G54 CICU, tell them all hello from "King Ralph"

Ralph

[mtlieb]

Re: Myectomy scheduled for August

Stuart,

Good luck to you buddy... you are in the BEST of hands.

I was also on 'G' floor after my surgery (G80-07 to be specific) and found the nursing staff there to be excellent. I had a lot of problems getting to sleep that first night and i swear to God, there is a nurse up there who is the female incarnation of MacGyver. LoL. I was in tears from lack of sleep, and that woman... without the aid of pulleys and levers... was somehow able to fix me up in a chair in such a way that i slept like a baby. I only wish i knew her name so i could send her some flowers. She was definitely my 'angel' those first few nights.

By the way, they may not let you in on this secret, but they have a refrigerator there in the nurses lounge just chock full of popsicles and other assorted treats for the recovering patient. Just walk on down there and help yourself to whatever you want!

Please keep us posted on your progress.

Jim

P.S. I might BE in Cleveland for my surgical follow-up toward the end of August, beginning of September. If by chance i am there at the same time and it is not an inconvenience to you, i might be able to stop in and visit with you after your surgery. Let me know.

[Ralph]

Re: Myectomy scheduled for August

Stuart,

I will be thinking of you. If you wish give me another call and I'll be glad to answer any questions.

I am doiing well. My doctor has just given me the OK to resume kayaking. (He stopped me two years ago)

Remember, they are the best, in my opinion and will take the best care of you in CICU. Get up out of be when you can and do it often, it will help.

Ralph

[Ronnie]

Re: Myectomy scheduled for August

Stuart-

I know it's getting close to your Myectomy date & I wanted you to know I'm thinking of you. You've done all your research & you know you've made the right decision - it's out of your hands now. You've read everyone's stories & talked with people, so you're prepared, just don't become frustrated with your recovery, it takes time. My best advice to you - get out of that bed as much as you can, walk as much as you can, and sleep as much as you can!
You are in my thoughts & prayers

[mtlieb]

Re: Myectomy scheduled for August

Stuart,

As Ronnie said in her own post... we're all thinking of you and know that you are in great hands there in Cleveland. You may have noticed (what an understatement) that those of us who have been through it already have but one main piece of advice for you during you recovery...

WALK! WALK! WALK!

Take care,

Jim

[Stuart Schwartz]

Re: Myectomy scheduled for August

To all,

You guys are great. Your thoughts are appreciated.
Yes, time is closing in.

I (we-Barbara) will be in Dr. Levers office on the 25th. You know the routine from there better than me. The big day is the 31st.

I am staying very busy in my office getting things wrapped up. I am not as freaked out as I would expect (YET) thanks to all of you.

I will start a new thread before surgery. I wll have the nurses wheel me into the computer room on the way back from post op to ICU. I'll let you know how it went. I should be ok to type as long as they don't pass the breathing tube through my right hand.

Stuart

[Ralph]

Re: Myectomy scheduled for August

Stuart,

Try to take it in stride. I really wasn't freaked out at all. Honest! I was ready and very excited and optimistic concerning the outcome. Even with all the complications I had, I would walk back in there today to do it again.

About the compter. CCF will give you a web site at no cost. A great place where friends and family can keep up to date with your progress. My wife kept it going during my 28 day in CCF and everyone loved it. I loved all the comments from friends and family.

I'm excited for you Stuart.

Ralph

[patkir]

Re: Myectomy scheduled for August

I had my septal myectomy at the Cleveland Clinic on June 16 04. Dr. Lever was my cardiologist and exhibited great kindness and expertise. I have suffered with the condition for 22 years and in the last two years it had become very difficult to deal with. I had the shortness of breath, terrible chest pressure, chest pain and was having difficulty walking on the level. Dr. Nicholas Smiridia performed the operation and did a great job. I had some difficulty with AV block and had to remain in Intensive Care for four days. The care and kindness of the staff was great. I almost hated leaving ICU lol. I am now a little over 2 months post-op and have been able to start bike riding and climbing our mountains which I have not been able to do in years. It is like having a new body. I honestly feel 20 years younger. I will not lie. The first couple of days post-op are pretty rough but after the third day things improve rapidly. The day after I got out of the hospital I was able to walk a mile and the second day about 3. Currently, I am doing about 10 to 15 miles on my bike daily. So if you need the operation just do it. It will make a huge difference in your life. If Dr Lever or Dr. Smerida read this I just want to send a huge thank you to you and your staff. Patrick Kirk

[Tigger1]

Re: Myectomy scheduled for August

Patrick

That is great to hear. My septal myectomy was four weeks before yours (May 17). I may not be doing 15 miles a day, but I'm not to far behind you. It is truly amazing how much better I feel now compared to six months ago. Keep up the good work and stay positive.

Tigger1
Patrick Ekardt