Timothy R's Guestbook

Hello, Timothy, from a fellow Canadian heart valve patient. Your story grabbed my attention. I was especially intrigued by what you said about interviewing 3 surgeons as part of your preparation for treatment. In Canada you say? Wow! My heart valve operation was performed a little over 8 months ago, the health care environment here in my city, London, seems to preclude any serious notion of patients doing comparative evaluation of surgeons. The waiting times for diagnostic procedures and surgeries were already brutally long 2 years ago when I was first diagnosed with severe stenosis of my bicuspid aortic valve. With the arrival of the Covid crisis delays were extended and one's options seemed more than a little scarce. Fortunately, my cardiologist had referred me to a highly respected heart surgeon. I researched my options regarding valve procedures and gave my surgeon input about preferences. During the 14-month period between my diagnosis and my operation, however, I felt as though I were on a sinking ship that had a glaringly insufficient supply of lifeboats aboard. Not exactly Jack Dawson of "Titanic" fame, but you get the idea. Nonetheless, I was extremely fortunate to have been referred to an excellent surgeon, Dr. Chu, a leader in a renowned cardiac program at University Hospital. I believe that Dr. Chu and his staff did excellent work on my heart. The backlog of surgeries here, however, and the pervasive sense of doom emanating from all points north, south, east, and west seemed so dire during most of 2020 that, if I had been offered (and thankfully I wasn't!) I believe I would have considered accepting a surgical operation booked and performed by a 4th year veterinary student or a usually-sober dental hygienist. I admire your approach, but am also a little envious of your cool-minded approach to seeking the best practitioner during these chaotic times. Your situation sounds unique, Timothy. I hope the lead-up to your operation is as smooth and as stress-free as can be, and that your outcomes are excellent.