ANA Discussion Forum
AN Community => AN Community => Topic started by: Kate B on August 12, 2009, 08:04:11 am
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Hi all,
After being through this insurance dog fight with my son's HMO, I am going to have a lot to write after all is said and done. He was approved Monday night at 9 p.m. to come to Toledo. Even though the diagnosis is different, the process or hurdles navigating insurance will be applicable.
I have learned more about heart valves, then I ever thought possible.
Keith finished two tests thus far. He has never had an IV before...I told him I would add that to his "baby book" <grins> All joking aside, I've already met the doctors and really like them and really believe that coming here was the right decision. Being that he is 26, the best valve brought us to Toledo rather than keeping us in Chicago. It is one put out by the Medtronic Corp.
The cardiologist who did the first two tests said that this Medtronic freestyle valve will give my son a completely "normal lifestyle"--like participating in triathalons. One of the nurses said that when she does echocardiograms for patients having the valve done by Dr. Moront, it is seamless and can't tell it from an actual normal valve. It has been 12 years since this valve was used in surgery and they have only had to replace one. Like all tissue valves, it has a life expectancy..this one is 15 years. It is the construction and shape of the valve that makes it different from most tissue valves. A tissue valve keeps him from a life of daily coumadin and restrictions in other ways.
Surgery is at 7:15 ET tomorrow.
Kate
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OH Kate...we were wondering about you guys - thanks for the update. You and your son are definitely in my prayers for a safe and successful procedure and PEACE today/night as you both anticipate the upcoming surgery...
K
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What Kaybo said!
Knowing you from here, I'm sure you have done all the research and put forth all the effort for the best possible outcome!
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Thanks for the update. More prayers are coming from Missouri.
Take good care of yourself, too, I know how stressed I have been from my daughter's surgeries this summer, and that was just for her feet!
Sara
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That is awesome that he will be able to lead such a normal life! Amazing what they can do now! Best to all of you tomorrow and during the recovery, Kate. Keep us posted,
Cindy
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Good luck and healing huggles go out to your boy, dear Kate. Please know we will all be thinking of you and sending prayers and good vibes your way.
Capt Deb
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Kate ~
Thanks for the informative update on your son's situation. I was pleased to learn that you finally conquered the insurance dragon. The fact that the new heart valve will offer your son a normal, active life is wonderful news. Apparently, his prognosis is excellent and he should do just fine. I'll add my hopes and prayers for your son to the those already offered and add that you'll be included as I know how much stress there is when you're dealing with a serious medical issue of a loved one.
Jim
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Kate... wellness wishes coming to your son.. and healing hugglez to you too. I'm so so sorry I don't get to meet you on this trip to CHI..... but, know you all are in thoughts and prayers. Hang in there, Mom!
Phyl
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Kate,
Sending lots of good thoughts to you and your son tomorrow.
Nancy
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Good luck and healing huggles go out to your boy, dear Kate. Please know we will all be thinking of you and sending prayers and good vibes your way.
Capt Deb
[Ditto what she said!]
Kate, We are all thinking of you and sending prayers, prayers and more prayers for Keith's successful and uneventful surgery.
Keep us posted when you can.
Sincerely,
Sue
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Kate,
I've been away and just read about your son's surgery. I hope all went well. Prayers to you all.
Wendy
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Best of luck to your son, and to you, Kate. Sending you good vibes from southern Ohio!! It sounds like your son is in good hands.
Kathy
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Kate,
From one mother to another, I know your son is going to be well. Just a little bump along the road we call life. :-* :-* :-* :-*
Anne Marie
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Saying a wee prayer for your son.
I am sure your love will see him through this.
Take care of yourself too!
Michelle ;D
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Kate,
My prayers go out to you and your son.
I am in the Toledo area and also work for the Healthcare facility most likely treating your son. I know of and have heard wonderful things about Dr. Moront. He's in good hands :)
Melissa
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Sending out prayers to your and your son for everything to go well and a great recovery.
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What a difference a day makes. Less than 24 hours ago he was just finishing his procedure. Today he has been sitting up in a chair most of the morning and they are going to move him "step down" to a regular room. His incision was only 8 cm!!! unbelievable.
Thank you for all of your care and concern.
Kate
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Oh Kate! I have been checking this thread and am SO HAPPY your son is doing well!
He sounds like he had a GREAT DAY, considering 24 hours ago.
Now more prayers for his continued speedy recovery, so he can get back to whatever and wherever his passion and fancy take him!
Sincerely,
Sue
PS -Take care and get some rest, too!
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Kate ~
Answered prayers! I'm pleased to share in your happiness as your son quickly recovers from his heart surgery. May his future be unlimited. Thanks for the update - and please take Sue's advice!
Jim
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Unbelievable...my son is recovering ahead of schedule. Today at 10 am, the Dr. came in and gave him the go ahead to be discharged sometime today should he choose! If I count the hours, it is 45 hours after valve surgery.
Right now he is resting comfortably after all of the tubes and wires were removed.
This center in Toledo, Ohio is a progressive center for heart surgery. Under Dr. Moront's charge, my son has had a minimally invasive procedure and will exit the hospital with a 3.5 inch scar. He is so happy to have come here and have a freestyle stentless valve...as the Chicago teams wanted him to have a mechanical valve which would have relegated him to a life of coumadin and restricted activity---for a 26 year old that would be limiting..
I know more about valves than I ever thought I'd know.
Again, my thank to all of your supportive words.
Kate
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Just great news, Kate! Unbelievable that he can leave today! How long will you stay in OH?
Cindy
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Congratulations on the amazing recovery! The procedure and the results are so perfect for an active young man. Best wishes for continued healing ahead of the curve!
Priscilla
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Kate - prayers coming your way from NJ via Chicago
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So glad to hear he's doing so well. I will continue to keep you in my prayers
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Kate, so glad to hear it!
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This is the first thing I checked on when I returned home from Chicago today. I am so pleased that everything is turning out well. Will continue prayers for speedy recovery.
Sara
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Kate -
glad to hear that Keith is doing so well. We can all brief a collective sigh of relief.
We missed you at the symposium; you'll have to make plans for Cincinnati in 2011.
Please keep us updated on Keith and his progress. Prayers to both of you.
Jan
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Kate, what terrific news! Those healing hugglez continue for your son and I'm sure you are very relieved that things are progressing so nicely for him. :) I'm sorry to have missed you this past weekend, but extremely well understood! Hang in there and please keep us updated on progress.
Hang tough "Mom"!
Phyl
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Kate -
glad to hear that Keith is doing so well. We can all brief a collective sigh of relief.
We missed you at the symposium; you'll have to make plans for Cincinnati in 2011.
Please keep us updated on Keith and his progress. Prayers to both of you.
Jan
Kate, More good news - so glad Keith is able to go home already - AMAZING!
More prayers coming your way for Keith, you, your husband, and your extended family.
Sincerely,
Sue
PS - Ditto what Jan said - and hope to see you in Cincinnati!
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Kate, glad to hear that things are going so well. So for heart surgery, is it just the first 2 days that don't count?
We missed you at the symposium, I hope to meet you in person sometime.
Steve
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Good news,
It is two weeks and two days past my son's open heart surgery. He had his post-surgery echo and all of the meetings with the surgeon and cardiologist this past week.
His aortic valve is looking great.
We drove back from Ohio on Thursday and he is now back in Bucktown. (an area in Chicago).
I can't say enough good things about Toledo Hospital (a highly regarded cardiac center), the staff, Dr. Moront and Dr.Hussein.
Kate
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Kate ....
During the symposium (and subsequent vacation) I was out of email contact for over a week and missed most of this thread until tonight. What good news about Keith and how well he is doing! I did ask someone about you during the symposium so I knew he had come through the surgery OK.
So glad you sought out the best possible medical care ...... the end results can be so different.
Thoughts and prayers continue.
Clarice
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Glad to hear it, Kate. I wonder if I have a good looking aortic valve? :)
Steve