In Arizona… Bruce Friedman, 76, Praises Dr. Jack Copeland After Mitral Valve Repair
There is nothing better than clicking my inbox and reading a patient success story from one of my readers! Thanks Bruce!
Hi Adam,
Just a note to give you a fast update.
Prior to my mitral valve repair on the 17th of August, we did a lot of endless research - including online information from The Cleveland Clinic, a few New York Hospitals, and, we read your book and subscribed to your blog.
Bruce Friedman - Heart Valve Repair Patient
I cannot speak highly enough of the staff and care in my own backyard, at the Sarver Heart Center, at the University Medical Center here in Tucson. I was indeed fortunate in having Dr. Jack Copeland as my surgeon.
He was able to do a mitral valve repair. The attention and patient care during my week’s stay at the hospital was absolutely “top of the line”. Elsewhere, I think I may have felt like just another number, but at Sarver I had a distinct feeling of caring from everyone with whom I came in contact.
As a former East Coast resident until ten years ago, I have experienced hospitals in New Jersey and New York, and I can not speak highly enough of the cardiac medical and nursing care here in Tucson.
Dr. Jack Copeland - Bruce’s Surgeon
Following the surgery, I found a four-day stay in the Healthsouth Rehab Center really helped prepare me for the adjustments and transitions of my homecoming.
Also, I spoke to Dr. Copeland about the Incision Shield. He had never seen, or heard, of the product and had no objection to me trying it. I am seeing Dr. Copeland again on September 14. At that time, he wants to see the Incision Shield and hear my feedback on the product.
As a 76-year old patient, I feel that I am among your older readers. I want to compliment you on your book, which I suggest could be a “MUST” for all pre-Heart Valve Surgery patients.
Thanks for your role in making this letter possible.
Bruce D. Friedman,
Tucson, Arizona
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September 8th, 2009 at 1:30 pm
Adam
This piece reminded me that I wanted to update you and your followers of my mitral valve repair surgery. If you recall several months ago I asked if anyone had experience with Health Net as I had been denied the use of robotic-assist (the DiVinci robot) approach to my surgery. I cancelled my surgery on June 16th and spent 5 weeks diligently pursuing the appeals process. It was a spiritual, emotional and physical journey but I did succeed in having the denial overturned. On July 31st at Hoag Hospital in Newport Beach CA, Dr, Aidan Raney and his amazing team performed the six hour repair with robotic assist eliminating the need for my sternum to be broken. 72 hours later I was released from the hospital with a repaired valve, virtually pain free and a handful of small scars on my right side and groin. Within 2 weeks both my surgeon and cardiologist released me to resume full activities. Three weeks from the day of surgery I was kayaking with my daughter. I will be on a few meds for 3 months but other than that the surgery is a distant memory. If anyone has the opportunity to be a candidate for the robotic-approach I would most definitely suggest they pursue the option.
September 8th, 2009 at 5:37 pm
When I had a quadruple bypass in 1997, I was closed and sewn up with my ribs wired together and to my sternum. I spent a LOT of anxious moments (but no problems) with my ribs/sternum “interacting with each other” until everything knit back together, in about six weeks or so. I swear, I felt them rubbing against each other! Fast forward to March 2009, and my “pig” valve installation, during which time a shield was used to re-attach my ribs and sternum. NO COMPARISON! I have had NO anxiety about my ribs/sternum this time - no rubbing, popping, etc. Even though this means TWO foreign objects installed this time, I’m really happy now compared to 1997. I’d recommend the shield, for sure.