I'm not much of a social media poster, but I just had my TAVR procedure on New Year's eve and released the next day. I don't post much but I want to thank each ...Read more
I'm not much of a social media poster, but I just had my TAVR procedure on New Year's eve and released the next day. I don't post much but I want to thank each and every one of you for all the info and encouragement that I see here. The fear and anxiety is horrible not just for patients but for loved ones also. This site has been such a blessing for my wife to calm her fears. I've been trying to maintain stoicism so I don't get her anxiety up but the fear was still present. The blessings and experiences you all share are so comforting. Feeling ok my first day home except for chest pain and entry wounds. Just wanted to thank everyone and wish a healthy new year.
Grace Mason Welcome to recovery James. Wishing you a smooth one❤️🩹
I haven't talked to anyone about this, but does Medicare get involved in the decision making process when choosing the hospital, doctor, and type of procedure. ...Read more
I haven't talked to anyone about this, but does Medicare get involved in the decision making process when choosing the hospital, doctor, and type of procedure. Will they nudge you into a TAVR if you want to go with something else or whatever?
James ciecalone Thank you. I'm at the very beginning of this process and not sure about what to do and if Medicare ha ... Read more
James ciecalone Thank you. I'm at the very beginning of this process and not sure about what to do and if Medicare has guidelines we have to follow. What a blessing it is to have this community. So glad it's here. Warms my heart and calms my fears..
J Alexander Lassally Just think this. The hospital has to do "all the work" to get things approved. So you pick the place ... Read more
J Alexander Lassally Just think this. The hospital has to do "all the work" to get things approved. So you pick the place and the doc and the surgeon and work with their teams getting all of that set up and pre-authorized ! It does take time and wrangling for sure !
Annette Sterzel My surgery was almost 2 years ago Medicare doesn’t get involved where you go but when you pick a su ... Read more
Annette Sterzel My surgery was almost 2 years ago Medicare doesn’t get involved where you go but when you pick a surgeon and he checks your insurance (there are all types) he or the hospital will notify you how much out of pocket you will pay
Anna Rakowicz I think traditional Medicare will cover anything without pre approval. Medicare Advantage may not. ... Read more
Anna Rakowicz I think traditional Medicare will cover anything without pre approval. Medicare Advantage may not.
Newby here. The posts here are both soothing and scary. Just got final diagnosis for severe aortic stenosis but other valves are fine. Did a TEE but didn't ...Read more
Newby here. The posts here are both soothing and scary. Just got final diagnosis for severe aortic stenosis but other valves are fine. Did a TEE but didn't even see the Dr after, just the nurse. She gave me the bad news and said we'll set you up for a TAVR, another nurse will call you. Pretty cold, I felt like I was talking to a mechanic and getting a report on my car. Not sure what to do
Richard Munson Always get another opinion. Heart surgery is serious stuff and if you are treated like a ham sandwich ... Read more
Richard Munson Always get another opinion. Heart surgery is serious stuff and if you are treated like a ham sandwich, maybe a change of personnel is the answer. I think TLC is what you need not TS.
Mark Denault James, my story is the same AS no other issues. I had tvar 8 days ago and it went great. Small hiccu ... Read more
Mark Denault James, my story is the same AS no other issues. I had tvar 8 days ago and it went great. Small hiccup was a pacemaker but recovering well. I am driving and moving. Best advise remain positive and be your own advocate. Ask questions...good luck in your journey...
J Alexander Lassally Like the way your wrote it... It is true that heart surgery is scary, but it is also manageable. It ... Read more
J Alexander Lassally Like the way your wrote it... It is true that heart surgery is scary, but it is also manageable. It seems like they are rushing you through the process, which may or may not be needed. You firstly need to understand if you are a best TAVR candidate or open surgery, and then go from there.
Do get a second/third opinion and be bold in your questions. Make sure your surgeon does a large volume of patients. Shop hard for a program/surgeon and don't be afraid to go to a big city for the procedure- if feasible -where volumes are high and outcomes excellent !
susan harris we went to 4 opinions before saying “yup, this is the one “. watch the videos on this site. Know ... Read more
susan harris we went to 4 opinions before saying “yup, this is the one “. watch the videos on this site. Know the options and ask what they think about them. ask us on this site who’s had surgery in your area. it is scary but also hearing the issues desensitizes you and you know others have been through it. you’ve got this!
susan harris it’s also very common to travel fidtances for heart surgery. big hospitals are very familiar w peop ... Read more
susan harris it’s also very common to travel fidtances for heart surgery. big hospitals are very familiar w people flying to/from.
James ciecalone Thank you for all of the comments and all of the optimism from everyone. There is so much info here b ... Read more
James ciecalone Thank you for all of the comments and all of the optimism from everyone. There is so much info here but also I see so many heartfelt blessings and prayers. Both are so welcome. Thank you all
Rose Madura James you've received excellent advice from all the heart warriors already. Please keep us posted.
I am from: Lowell, Arkansas
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