Sondra 's Journal

After 5 years of monitoring my aortic valve, my cardiologist said it was time for the replacement surgery. I did my research and based on Adam Pick’s site, I spoke to two surgeons. One was recommended by my cardiologist, Dr John W. Entwistle at Jefferson Hospital in Philadelphia who performed the surgery the traditional way and the other was Dr Alan Stewart at Mt Sinai Hospital in NYC who would do a minimally invasive procedure affording me a faster recovery. I was 56 at the time working as a physical therapist assistant, which I loved, and otherwise in great health except for high cholesterol. I chose to have the surgery in New York with Dr Alan Stewart. The surgery was performed on March 1, 2016 and I was released from the hospital to home after 5 day. 4 days later I noticed my insicion was oosing puss. Dr Stewart agreed to see me the next day in his office. He prescribed a broad spectrum antibiotic for a week but assured me everything was fine. The day after I completed this antibiotic, I couldn’t breath. I called Dr Stewart’s office and received this response “Do not come here, call your cardiologist and go to the ER”! This began my nightmare. My cardiologist, Dr Nicholas Ruggierro at Jefferson Hospital told me to come to his ER immediately.That night I had my first of the next 12 operations and procedures. 4 bacterial infections received from the aortic valve replacement surgery had spread to my pericardium, lungs , blood and sternum. I remained in ICU for three weeks and at Jefferson Hospital until the end of April. Dr. Entwistle saved my life! After 7 long months of recovery, I returned to work as a PTA with shortened hours and a modified work load. I worked for 6 months gradually increasing my duties and hours while continuing my own physical therapy. But unfortunately my body failed. My symptoms were extreme SOB, fatigue and memory loss among a list of many others. More horrible testing followed. Now again six months down the road with acupuncture, Chinese herbs, supplements and medicatio, my body is finally rebounding. Unfortunately I’ve lost my job. These horrible infections have taken away my career. It’s the one thing I kept asking the surgeons to protect after the loss of a good part of my sternum. I’m greatful to Jefferson and the wonderful medical care for saving my life. I’m frustrated that Mt Sinai Hospital and Dr Stewart can cause such harm and not be held accountable for their negligence. The lawyers say the case is to expensive and difficult to prove given the only way to get information is through the supina process which NY doesn’t allow unless you can show negligence before filling a suit. Did Mt Sinai and Dr Stewart keep me away for their ER because they didn’t want my infections to be counted against their already abismal insicion site infection rates? A fact I discovered after my surgery. My advise is to look at hospital infection rates before scheduling surgery and chose Dr Entwistle as your heart surgeon every time!