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The Road Of Life ~ Part 2 of 2

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Posted 10/21/2010 11:54 AM (GMT 0)
Good luck with your endeavors, Kitt and Barb! yeah yeah yeah yeah My husband and I are off today to help my son and daughter in law by cleaning their house. She's eight months pregnant and working full time. Actually she spends Thursdays in the OR, which is pretty intense at this stage in the game. She'll be on her feet all day. (She's a surgical PA for a plastic surgeon.) I figure if I can help them out when they're both working full time, it makes things that much easier. My husband will be helping out...he's the vacuumer and baseboard cleaner!

I heard from Janice. I contacted her about the Cleveland Clinic (which she highly recommends and thinks I should go) via her email here. She didn't see it for a long time, but when she did, began to offer a wealth of information and support.

She's working a lot, and really pooped, so she's not got the energy to post here regularly. She told me to say hi to all of you!

Take care everyone, and have a great day!
Denise turn
Posted 10/23/2010 1:25 AM (GMT 0)
Hi All,
Okay...I need to have some opinions.

I'm struggling right now trying to decide what to do about my wrap. I've got an appointment locally with a well respected surgeon who "does all the Nissens" in my area. There is a pretty extensive medical facility/university in the city near where I live. I'm going to meet with him on Nov. 9.

Then Janice gave me the name of the surgeon who did hers at the Cleveland Clinic (about four hours from here--although in the winter it could be a brutal four hours along Lake Erie, which is famous for lake effect snow. Lake effect snow is something to behold. You can't see your hand in front of your face when you're in it. Janice thinks that there is no doubt that I should go there for the surgery.

At Cleveland Clinic 27% of all the fundoplications they do are revisions. That's a big percentage I think. There's no doubt that they get a lot of other surgeon's problems.

The surgeon does all his revisions open, which is not really a concern for me. Actually, it seems to make sense. I do know that others will start laproscopic with the caveat that they'll switch to open if necessary.

The surgeon here is highly recommended, and I've moved to a larger city with a bigger and more advanced medical facility. Still, it's not Cleveland Clinic.

I'd like to visit the surgeon locally, then make a decision as to whether I should see what I think of Cleveland Clinic. My daughter in law has checked with the surgeons she works with and they all think that this surgeon is top-notch and definitely experienced and skilled in fundoplications.

She thinks a trip to Cleveland Clinic is unnecessary--that CC is a brand, and not necessarily any better. (She's a surgical PA, so knows quite a bit about the surgeons in the area).

Do you think I should make an appointment with the doc at Cleveland Clinic now, so I can meet them both? This is not fun. Honestly, I'd rather not travel for this, but as we all know, the better the surgeon, the better the outcome.

Any thoughts?
Thanks!
Denise
Posted 10/23/2010 2:28 AM (GMT 0)
It sounds like six one way and half a dozen the other.
If the local is highly considered I'd go with him.

I was going to town this evening with my nieces and nephew for some together time when my car started acting funny and the check engine light popped on. I immediately pulled over into this driveway nearby and shut off my car. I raise the hood and checked all of the fluids and found nothing wrong. My nieces said they heard backfiring just before

I shut off the car. I call my father hoping he was almost home (he had gone to Atlanta). He was 40 mins away. My niece called her daddy and found out he was 25 minutes away (he was back from Wisconsin). I stood there staring at my engine and scratching my head with worry. The owners of the home came out and kept us company until my brother and father showed up.

To make a long story short- my catalytic converter needs replacing! smhair

Also if I had drove it on my car would of caught on fire! mad

Shoot! I could of got $8000 for a new car! devil smilewinkgrin

My father says he can get the part for less than $200, but he's not sure if he can replace it himself yet. He has to see what type it is and how it's attached. We had to leave it in the yard of the man with a promise of returning tomorrow to pull it home.

What makes it so strange is my niece had just mentioned that I needed a new car.

Posted 10/23/2010 3:42 PM (GMT 0)
Denise,

Dang this is a tough one, sweetie.  I would meet with the local surgeon and see how you like him.  Take your list of questions and see how satisfied you are with his responses.  If you are still in conflict after seeing him then I would consider Cleveland Clinic.  I know it is a bit like Mayo as it's reputation proceeds it. 

In the end make your decision and go with it without regrets.  My daughter will finally toss a coin when it comes to 2 options being so close together and then live with her decision. Of course she is younger and much wiser then her Mom. 

I understand the lake effect as we have Gitche Gumee (Lake Supreior) on our North Shore and I have been there in a bad storm. 

I wish you the very best and keep talking with us.

Joy,

Perhaps you will be going car shopping with me LOL.  I am scraping to save to make a down payment this spring. 

Hugs to all,

Kitt

Posted 10/23/2010 4:20 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks, Joy and Kitt, for weighing in.

I guess it's human nature to want to be close to home for a procedure like that. I guess that's why I'm not that gung-ho about jumping in the car and driving for four hours to see someone.

Also, I'm sure if I send all my test results to the surgeon there, he's going to look at them and wonder why I ever had a fundo at all! My numbers were always low...it's just that it didn't take much to get my lungs inflamed. They probably deal with cases like mine, too. Janice said they don't go with previous tests, and want to do them all themselves. So...if I go to the doc locally, and get the testing done here, it'll be repeated there. Not fun.

Still, I don't want to make that trip unnecessarily. I think your advice about writing down questions and discussing the situation thoroughly with the surgeon is right on. I will definitely go prepared.

Any other thoughts, anyone?
Thanks for taking the time to think about it and give your opinions!
Joy...bummer. Car trouble is not fun. Good luck with it!
Denise
Posted 10/23/2010 7:53 PM (GMT 0)
Denise,

Check out this thread in the Heart Forum as there is a post on CC.

https://www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=42&m=1934391&p=1

I agree with you that staying near home and your family is a huge factor when deciding which way to go.  I am lucky to be near the University of MN Hospitals and Mayo Clinic.  However, our general surgeon that does my hubby's surgeries is excellent so we did not have to go uptown at all for him.

Gentle Hugs,

Kitt 

Posted 10/23/2010 8:45 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks a lot, Kitt. It's very helpful to read that. Janice can't say enough good things about CC and the doc who operated on her.
I do have to consider it. Do you think I should schedule an appointment now, (I'll have to send all my tests, etc in prep for it) just in case I want to go? Or should I just wait until I see the local surgeon and get a feel for him?
Thanks again!
Denise
Posted 10/24/2010 3:05 AM (GMT 0)
First, I wish only the best for you Denise; I hope our conversations have helped more than harmed. I told Denise that the biopsies for bladder cancer appear to be okay..nice to have some good news. There are concerns about new spots in my left breast; I was scheduled for an MRI already on the 1st, so we'll see. The headaches are becoming so severe again; I don't have sustained pain free times to recoup energy; Denise is right, I am beat!. (On-line shopping is now my best friend for Christmas shopping)

I met with the Director of the Headache Clinic at Cleveland; he seemed helpful and has some treatment ideas that I'm interested in following up. Like Denise, though, traveling to Cleveland during the height of lake effect snow season is not appealing!

My GI at CC is excited (how strange) about my immuno-defiency; he thinks that there may be a connection to the continued gut problems; he did a scope and took 6 biopsies, I'm waiting for results. The diaphragmatic spasms have weakened the wrap and I'm having heartburn again..and some pulmonary issues because of it..a watch and wait game for now.

I wish the best for all of you; I'm planning on retiring on March 1st; I'm hoping that will help something!
You are all wonderful and working through tremendous burdens too; I'm proud of your strength.
♥
Janice
Posted 10/24/2010 1:43 PM (GMT 0)
Good Morning All,

Janice,

It is great to see you online Janice and to know your bladder biopsie were OK ! Please know I will be praying for you especially hard on the 1st.  I know your retirement will take a lot of pressure off you but also that you will miss that part of your life.

When I retired I did it as a knee jerk reaction in the only solution left 2nd degree to my health problems at the time.  So for me it was a huge struggle to change hats and become a person retired, at home with no other plans.

Adjusting to retirement can be an easy process if prepared well in advance, while for others, the shock of having to slow down on a hectic, fast-paced life can be depressing.  That was me, Ms Depressed.  I know you are wise enough and have many other interests that you will fine plenty to do as well as take care of your health. 


People who acknowledge the fact that they are heading towards retirement find it easier to get acclimatized sooner to a more relaxed life. Mental preparation goes a long way in building up self-confidence, positivity and faith in  one's ability to survive this difficult stage. I thought retirement was like a Hallmark Movie..........how wrong I was but also I was ill prepared.

Allow time to get used to your new daily routine.  Celebrate all the good you gave to your career and now move on with your next new career - retirement.

I love online Christmas shopping also.

Denise,

 

The 9th is not that far off, therefore,  it may be easier to see the surgeon at home first and if you are completely satisfied with him you may not feel you need to go to CC.  Take it one step at a time.  You could make an appointment at CC  keeping  in mind you may cancel. If you come away from your appointment and still feel unsure then move ahead with CC. 

It is your health so know whatever you choose you will do so with all the facts and information you can gather.  You will make an informed decision.

Bill,  Hope you are doing OK and wondering if you can cover the forum while I have to take my MIL to Doctor's office and to tests this week.  I know the members are awesome and keep everything running smoothly but sometimes we get spammers that pop in.  Thanks so much.

Kitt

 

Posted 10/24/2010 6:50 PM (GMT 0)
Kitt-
I just finished the moving and cleaning, so I am officially back and ready to stand guard.

Denise- I would see how you feel about the local surgeon first and then weigh your options. I went to Loyola because no one in my area was able to do revisions and a surgeon I trusted recommended a surgeon up there.

Take care,
Bill
Posted 10/25/2010 7:16 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks Bill and I will try to read everyday and chase spammers although we get very few.

I have Drs. appointment on Friday and need a tune up on meds again..............

I appreciate everyone here so much.

I will start a new part to this thread this week one day.

Gentle Hugs,  Kitt

Posted 10/26/2010 1:07 AM (GMT 0)
Janice♥,
Your help and support have been so appreciated. Knowing that there is a skilled surgeon at CC provides me with a definite option should my local surgeon prove an unacceptable option. Believe me, I know full well the importance of having the best possible surgical care. Having your support and advice is so comforting to me. Thank you for taking the time and effort to provide me with suggestions and information. It makes CC a real option for me. Without your firsthand experience, I'm not sure I'd have had the courage to consider a trip to Cleveland. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

As far as retirement--if you prepare yourself, and are ready for it, you will really appreciate the flexibility and time it affords you. When you need a trip to the doctor, you don't have to schedule it with your job in mind. You can relax in the evening knowing you don't have to get up at the crack of dawn for work the next day. You don't have the stress of work responsibilities on your mind constantly.

A dear friend of mine gave me a great book as a gift. It's called, "How to Retire Happy, Wild, and Free", by Ernie J. Zeliniski. It's definitely worth a read.

I retired from teaching in June. I loved my job, and didn't retire because I was burned out. I was just getting too tired to continue at the intensity I required of myself. I had very high standards, and it was just getting harder and harder to live up to them. I still enjoy teaching without the responsibilities, as I volunteer in my son's third grade class a day a week, and tutor a young learner.

Retirement requires preparation. You've got to practice for it--get your mind and body ready and willing!

Thanks, Bill and Kitt for your advice and support as well!
Janice, best wishes with your medical challenges. I'll be thinking of you.
Denise
turn
Posted 10/27/2010 4:03 AM (GMT 0)
Hi all I have been busy organizing the house and scrapbook room. And we are trying to decide what vehicle would be a good one to drive down to Indianapolis to pick up our granddaughter for Thanksgiving. We've had lots of fires too since it had been so nice. Well I am off to bed. talk to you all later. Barb
Posted 10/28/2010 11:05 PM (GMT 0)
Hi everyone. I spoke to the GI Secretary today (we've actually become friends over the many, many times!) I should have received a letter by now; Dr. Shay was not to happy to hear that I hadn't.
Unfortunately or maybe fortunately, these biopsies all proved negative. We're now on a path of exclusion and becoming more and more sure that it's immune system; some type of immuno-defiency. I see someone there in the spring.

I really like the Director of the headache clinic, having a different take on the migraine is nice; I was having up to 7 a day for the last 3,4 6 , 8 months, I don't remember; he started me on Lithium (yep, the same stuff for bi-polar or m-d)....it's working; it's working. I'm having maybe one or 2 significantly painful headaches a day, and I can deal with them (read..I don't feel like jumping off the building anymore).

I have the MRI on my left breast Monday; hopefully the findings from the CT won't be replicated in the MRI..but hey!

Biggest news, is that I have decided to retire in this "incentive" period (trust me, it's more of a disincentive if you stay). My last day is December 31st.

I'm thinking of all of you ♥
Janice
Posted 10/28/2010 11:10 PM (GMT 0)
I'm glad the medicine is helping you.
Good luck on the MRI results.
Wow! Retirement... lovely thought... I've got 19 more years to go. :(
Posted 10/29/2010 1:32 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Janice,
I'm glad to hear you have some control of those headaches. I do think headaches are one of the most debilitating conditions there are--you just can't get away from a headache. I'm sorry you have ANY, but you must feel amazing relief. I can't believe what you've been through with them.

I hope they find an answer to your immune system problems. You're obviously a puzzle, but it sounds like you've got some tremendous medical firepower looking for answers.

Good luck with your MRI Monday. I hope things go well there. Keep us posted.

Retiring December 31st! I personally love retirement. I loved teaching, but I also love the freedom that retirement offers. Not as much money, but lots more time, and that's worth more than money. Kitt is right, though. It requires that you prepare yourself, and have a positive take on the change in your job title. I'm still a teacher...Kitt is still a nurse. It's just that now we can enjoy so many more things without the stress of working every day. Considering reading the book I recommended. It's got a lot of wisdom in it!

Hang in there, Joy...unfortunately those years will go by far too quickly! Enjoy each and every one.

Take care, Janice.♥
Denise
Posted 10/31/2010 12:52 AM (GMT 0)
Part  2 is CLOSED

 

Link to Part 3:  https://www.healingwell.com/community/post.aspx?f=45&r=n

 

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