Hey guys,
thanks for the info on scarring....it's been a good thing for me to kinda focus on the scar, as the surgery is oviously on my mind 24/7, and its a much better diversion than thinking or focusing on the high risk factors that are involved in pericardiectomys, so it's been healthy for me to try to think about the trivial factors, and plus, I am a girlie girl, and the thought of this hidious looking frankenstein type scar had me concerned, as the only one I had viewed before was from an older man whom had two open heart surgeries, and it went up so high, and was bumpy and red. So, hearing your comments without a doubt put my mind at ease, and I agree with you Teri I believe they possibly try hardier to not to go as high, and do a better job on females. It was true with the guy that showed me his "battle scar", he was quite proud of it...so men do think it can be a manly kinda thing. If I were to married for the this next lifetime, I wouldn't mind so much I imagine. Andrea, how soon can you use the strips, and what are they called, and do you need a prescription to get them? I do not wear low cut shirts, but, I would like to wear a vneck, and love tank tops.. and dont want a scar that comes out of the shirt. Don't mind as much the scar's that are not visable without removing your clothes..living in las vegas, it is quite warm in the summer, so tank tops are essential! Betsy, nice to hear from you, glad to hear you are doing well, I think good thoughts of you often!
But without a doubt this last week has been the hardiest. I am having episodes of shortness of breath, and I don't know if I am having anxiety attacks, or if its a symptom from the constricted heart. Nan, Dr. Lytle told me he would go in that way; and he will have the same access to the heart as if he went down the middle, how or why, I don't know, but he told me not to worry about it, that he will have full access, as I expressed my concerns, and do not want to sacrifice having to go in again later just for cosmetic reasons..so, he assured me that he is the "expert" at going in that way, and it would be great, and told me not to worry...ha, easy for him to say, he is always on the other side of the knife. Dr. Oh said they have done them at Mayo, but, they have not done many of them. That was in no way the deciding factor, as everything was booked, hotels/airline, along with everyone I know coming had booked their tickets, and it is just too difficult and expensive to change now, or I probably would, everything was non refundable, even the hotel because I booked it on the internet. That would have been awesome, as we would have both been at MAYO at the same time Nan, I would have loved to have met you. And rest assure if at anytime, I feel uncomfertable about anything at Cleveland, i will not hesitate to LEAVE that week before and jet over to Mayo, I am there seven days prior to surgery with testing daily, so I will get a good taste of what is to come before I actually go in, and there was an incident with Cleveland when we were there last, I won't get into it, but, we are hoping it was just the nurse having a bad day. Klein STILL has not returned my call, to find out how many they have done, and I had some other questions as well, it worries me a bit, as Mayo has been incredible, they wont stop calling! Lytle is cool about returning calls, I guess klein is too busy for me, I don't know. How many days has it been now for Mister? Seems like forever and ever, I will be very happy when we hear from him...:::pacing::: Peace! Cathy