Sheila Burger sent your letter on to me. Sorry to hear about your problem but our God is the great healer and our protector and I know that your faith amd trust in Him will bring you through with flying colors. Will
be praying for you and Patty. Remember Ps.121 From an old friend Leona
On May 3, 2010...
Hi Don..My name is Dodie Clapper, from Billings Mt...have you checked the hospitals in Billings? We have 2 excellent hospitals here both known for their Cardio Department..Billings Clinic and St. Vincents Hospital. I have heard very good things about the Billings Clinic. Hope you find something real soon..Prayers are with you.
On May 3, 2010...
Dear Don,
I guess it was naive of me to think that with all of your running, you wouldn't have any kind of stenosis. Thank God that we can look forward to resurrection bodies, but meanwhile we can also be thankful for amazing medical advances. My mitral valve repair was done well and medicare was a great help in paying for it, but I've had some episodes of fibrillation since that I didn't have before. Sounds like the work in Bangalore was better for much less. I have been happy having my dental work, including crowns, done in Bangkok, esp. since I need to travel there anyway.
We will certainly be praying for you and Patti, Dick & Sandy
On May 3, 2010...
Dear Don and Patti, We were happy to read that you are going to be going to Bangalore to have the surgery. There has been a lot of information in recent years about procedures and surgeries being done in other countries and done well. Our prayers are with you and Patti as you prepare and plan for the trip and all the details involved. Sending our love, Barb and Norm
On May 3, 2010...
Don...Susan and I will be praying for you as you sort out what to do. You've placed your confidence in God and you know he'll be with you through the whole process - Psalm 16:8. Blessings on you and your family as you find our Lord sufficient for this time.
Roger Garland
On May 3, 2010...
Hi, Don,
I am just echoing what my husband wrote yesterday. We love you guys and are praying for you, and we will be following your journal with interest.
Barbara
On May 2, 2010...
Hello Don,
Thanks for including us in your mailing. We were unaware of what you were going through, but we are with you and will be following your progress. May God bless and keep you and Patti and bring you through this for his glory.
Bruce & Barbara
On May 2, 2010...
OOPS...forgot to sign the last guestbook entry for you, Don
Jim Patrick - Tucson Arizona
On May 2, 2010...
Don:
This lady (see below excerpt) from England had the same problem with cost...and is going to India. I have also heard positive things about the quality and low cost of surgery in India. See her blog journal and mmaybe you can get in touch with her.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
I spent the past 2 weeks basically doing a lot of research into what options I have available...
After not getting anywhere with the NHS who just put me on a 18 weeks waiting list and realising that I would have virtually no choice/control over who the cardiac surgeon would be or whether I would have Minimally Invasive Surgery or the conventional 12 inch scar down my chest (No thanks!) OR over whether I would have the recommended valve REPAIR or REPLACEMENT (with valve replacement you're then on rat poison (Wharfarin) for the rest of your life...) it became very clear that I had to find something else.
Well, private treatment in the UK is around £50-60,000...
So, after a lot of internet research I have decided to go for Dr Vivek Jawali at Fortis Hospital in Bangalore, INDIA! He has pioneered minimally invasive MV ops in India and comes highly recommended at a fraction of the cost of private treatment over here. I am now what they call a 'Medical Tourist' I believe...
Fortis Hospital is one of the 10 top internationally recommended hospitals and about 50% of their patients are Americans...
Ever since I made that decision (and I'm in extensive email correspondence with them) I feel very okay about it all... almost looking forward to it... As many of you know, I was at Sri Shivabalayogi's Ashram in Bangalore over 22 years ago... so it definitely feels right and a bit like 'home'...
Hoping to fly out as soon as possible and get the operation done - haven't finalised the actual dates yet - but any time after 11 May... will keep you posted:)
test
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On May 2, 2010...
Hi Don and Patti:
So sorry to year of Don's heart condition, although you had mentioned it to us some weeks ago.
We know we are all in his hands--so reassuring at such a time as this. But that doesn't mean no concern.
So be assured of our prayers for Don's future, and for God's guidance for whatever surgery is necessary.
Love, Ann and Bryan Norford
On May 2, 2010...
Don,
This is big news. I'll be praying as you investigate options. May you be given great wisdom, the ability to seize a good opportunty and good surgeons, at a good price.
Love from Russia,
Donna
On May 2, 2010...
Thanks for letting us know about your condition. My wife Lucy has had heart surgery very successfully. Tell you more later. The doctor should pay you for the opportunity to operate on a heart like yours! We will certainly be praying for you especially for the research you are doing. More later. Love and blessings, Don and Lucy Lindholm
On May 2, 2010...
Dear Don,
I am so sorry to hear about this! We wish you and your family strength in the coming time. Love Inge and fam.
On May 2, 2010...
Don, you are the man. I am praying for you. I love ya dude. Jared Heidinger
On May 2, 2010...
Hi Don!
I was only thinking of you a day or two ago. Isn't that amazing how God puts someone on our mind. I was wondering if I would ever hear from you or Patti and how you are doing. Well now I know. You will be in my prayers, staring tonight. Keep the faith.
Rebecca Miller (Marsh Lake, YK)
On May 1, 2010...
Hey Don!
So you are about to embark on a medical triathlon. May God grant you the wisdom, the patience and His grace to see you through to a successful end result.
Blessings,
Jack and Jo
On May 1, 2010...
Hi Don, Glad you found our site. I know you have national health care in Canada, but aren't patients triaged according to need? Seems it's pretty imperative you be seen sooner with your aortic valve opening. Hope something will work out for you soon.
By the way I had a new mitral valve and tricuspid repair on March 18th at the Clevelad Clinic.
Fran Z
On May 1, 2010...
Don, this is a real shocker -- you, one of the most physically fit people we know! Is there no other Alberta cardiologist who can see you before July 15? Please add us to your emailings on progress. Our prayers are with you. -- Warren & Mary Anna Harbeck
On May 1, 2010...
Don,
Our prayers and best wishes are with you and Patty!!
Get well so we can get out for a bike ride real soon!
be praying for you and Patty. Remember Ps.121 From an old friend Leona