New member with pending surgery

[donjehle]

Any update on what you finally did, Girldad?

After reading this thread, the suspense is driving me nuts!  It's like reading a suspense novel with the last chapter missing!

[Girldad]

I'm sorry donjehle, I didn't think anybody would be following this thread anymore.  Here is a recap of everything since my last post:

I ended up not going to U of Iowa.  There was a winter storm on the date we would have had to travel, and they would not do a video appointment.  I never rescheduled my appointment.

I went ahead and took advantage of the free consult from Dr. Friedman at UC San Diego.  I was extremely impressed with him over the phone.  The whole process was very convenient from uploading MRIs, to the patient navigator setting up the phone consult. 

I also sent my medical info to the Mayo clinic in Rochester and did a video consult with a specialist from there. 

In the end, I decided to make the trip out to San Diego to have my AN removed by Dr. Friedman and Dr. Schwartz.  My surgery is happening in March.  The plan is to have it removed translab and do the BAHA at the same time.  Every time I start getting nervous about the surgery, I go to this site and start reading all of the wonderful posts about Dr. Friedman and Dr. Schwartz.  When I did the phone consult I really wasn't planning on going out there, but I was so impressed that I decided to.  I had additional questions after the first phone call, so I emailed them to the patient navigator, and Dr. Friedmen called me the next day to answer them. 

I will try to update this with my experiences before and after surgery.

[donjehle]

Thanks, Girldad, for the update!  It is great reading, not only what you did on getting the consults, but also on the confidence you have with Drs. Friedman and Schwartz.  It doesn't sound like you can go wrong with them, and it seems like it is worth the trip to San Diego.  Of course, San Diego is a wonderful place to visit anyway!

Best wishes on your surgery in March!  We will be rooting for you!

I will be looking for your update next month.

Thanks for sharing!
Don

[kcollette]

Good luck! I had a fantastic experience with my middle fossa surgery there last month with them. I recommend the La Jolla Family House too as a good place to stay. It’s within walking distance to all the appointments and less expensive and more convenient than a hotel, IMO.

[Girldad]

Thank you kcollette.  I read your post where you gave out your twitter info.  I looked you up on there to check out your story.  Thank you for sharing.  It really helps to read about other's experiences.  Unfortunately, my documentation will not be nearly as thorough as yours.  I don't really do social media.  I will try to give a recap on this thread at some point after my surgery, maybe when I get home. 

Right now we are on the wait list for the La Jolla house, so hopefully there will be a spot for my wife there while I am in the hospital.  We have backup reservations made just in case.

[kcollette]

No problem! I agree that it helps to read other’s experiences.

I’ll keep my fingers crossed for you to get into the family house and have a great surgery.

[donjehle]

When in March is your surgery, Girldad?  I want to pray that it goes well for you on the day of your surgery.

[Girldad]

My surgery is scheduled for march 17. I am getting anxious to get it done. Thank you for your prayers donjehle. I will be praying for you as well.

[donjehle]

Thank you!  I will put March 17 on my calendar.  I can understand your desire to get it done.  I'm looking forward to getting my CROS system fitted and moved it up a week (when someone canceled) and that's nothing compared to your surgery!  There comes a point where we just want to get it done and move on with our lives (even with challenges).  The next two weeks may be difficult while you are just waiting.

Thanks for sharing your surgery date.