Midgetkjb
February 2008, I was sent to Hospital with A-Fib. After two weeks in Hospital, testing up the ying yang, Angioplasty, Cardo version, finally Dr. put in a single lead pacemaker. That is when my journey started, to lose weight and be healthy for me! Started paperwork and all the stuff you have to go through. I was my own advocate, because you have to be. Don't let up on anything, keep calling, bugging and calling again, because somebody will drop the ball. I was finally scheduled to have my surgery September 16, 2008 at UCLA Medical Center with Dr. Erik Dutson. Oh my what a wonderful experience I had. Dr. Dutson, Maria, Dana and Christina were wonderful. Christina especially was awesome, because I kept calling her to make sure all of my paperwork was in. I kept telling her, "Please don't think I am crazy, because of all these phone calls, I just want to have this surgery." She laughed and said," no problem, you have to be on top of things or they will not get done."
Surgery day my Great Husband and I left for LA at 4:15 am. Surgery was set for 11:00am. I didn't want to be late. If you are familar with these freeways, you know they can end up being parking lots for hours!!!! It was a great experience. Everyone was so nice, from the admission clerk to the LVN's. Had to have my pacemaker checked before surgery, did that then went to prep. Doctors came in and then I ws wisked off to the OR. My surgery was done with a Robot. Maria,told me that Dr. Dutson is the only one that uses it. It is more precise and she said it is amazing to watch him work the Robot. Amazing who would have thought!!! Not me!!!
Surgery went well, had it Tuesday was home on Thursday. Only problem I had with the whole event was that it took the Resident Intern 7 hours (count em 7) to discharge me. Took longer to discharge than my surgery.
I have been home, following instructions to the tee. Protein, protein, water, water, walking,walking. I walk for 15 minutes every morning and 15 minutes in afternoon on tread mill at my Rec room, I will be adding more minutes as weeks go by. One thing I do miss, is my water aerobics in the evening, but I will be able to do that in a month or so.
I am so pleased that I had this surgery and I am so blessed with the care I had, the care I am getting and the support from my Husband, children, my dear friends and the people that are here on OH.
Thank you so much for being there and God Bless you on your journey. So far, I am enjoying my journey.
Love, Karen
