I started the day with the cath procedure. The results were unexpected. I have significant blockage throughout the blood vessels that feed the heart. Based on the results the decision was made not to proceed with installing stents (since 8 or more would have been necessary).
The next step is bypass surgery. I’ll need multiple bypasses, and there’s two approaches to consider. Here at UMMS, one of the best minimally invasive heart surgeons in the world is now in residence — Johannes Bonatti, M.D. While his process is limited to 1 or 2 bypasses, there’s an opportunity for a hybrid approach involving minimally invasive bypass and stents installed via another cath procedure. If this approach is viable, the recovery time would be minimized. The other approach is a traditional open-heart bypass. Considering my age the Chief of Cardiac Surgery has a plan that involves maximal use of arterial grafts from around by body to provide the necessary bypass material. The results would be superior to the use of large amounts of material harvested from veins.
Both options are scary. Both options are risky. Neither option would be available until next week, and I’ll be in the hospital until then (just in case my condition deteriorates). I’m talking to the minimally invasive surgeon tomorrow, and I’ll make a decision after I get more details on the hybrid approach. Stay tuned and I’ll keep you updated.
Sorry to hear about the health troubles, my friend. That sucks. Here’s hoping that whichever option you end up taking, it works out and I see you back at Maryland in good health soon. Cheers!
Sorry to hear about the health troubles, my friend. That sucks. Here’s hoping that whichever option you end up taking, it works out and I see you back at Maryland in good health soon. Cheers!
Holy crap Sandro. I am sorry to hear this news! We only had dinner together like 5 minutes ago! Well, whichever option you go with, you need to get better soon. #53 on the 101 list: Complete a 20K run. Get well and I’ll run it with you. Name the city and we’ll make a weekend out of it. 🙂
Holy crap Sandro. I am sorry to hear this news! We only had dinner together like 5 minutes ago! Well, whichever option you go with, you need to get better soon. #53 on the 101 list: Complete a 20K run. Get well and I’ll run it with you. Name the city and we’ll make a weekend out of it. 🙂
You clearly have not been drinking enough red wine!
Wow – sorry to hear about the condition, I hope that whatever path you chose, the procedure is very successful. You are the best!
You clearly have not been drinking enough red wine!
Wow – sorry to hear about the condition, I hope that whatever path you chose, the procedure is very successful. You are the best!
Get well soon. Sorry to hear about all this.
Get well soon. Sorry to hear about all this.
Sandro – all the best for a successful operation and a speedy recovery!
Sandro – all the best for a successful operation and a speedy recovery!
Sandro,
I hate to hear this but it sounds like you are in good hands. Take care and I wish you the best of luck!
Sandro,
I hate to hear this but it sounds like you are in good hands. Take care and I wish you the best of luck!
Terrible news that your health isn’t 100%. Get better!
Terrible news that your health isn’t 100%. Get better!
I’ll try and swing by again tomorrow.
I’ll try and swing by again tomorrow.
My thoughts are with you. I know there’s not much I can do from out in New Mexico, but if there is, just let me know and I’ll be happy to help out.
My thoughts are with you. I know there’s not much I can do from out in New Mexico, but if there is, just let me know and I’ll be happy to help out.