Mayo Clinic Rochester 11/12 - ??

[Shelly]

I have been waiting and wondering if I would be making this entry! This Friday I finally heard from my insurance company that they would pay for my myectomy (I have a mid to lower cavity obstruction) at the Mayo Clinic. They have been trying to find someone to do a myectomy through the apex in network, but couldn't. Of course I wanted to go to one of the centers of excellence for this procedure. In May I was told by the Mayo Clinic, that my myectomy was a little more difficult than a regular septal myectomy. I see Dr. Ommen on the 14th and surgery with Dr. Dearani on the 15th. I am so sorry I am going to miss you Cynthia (Cynaburst, I thought you had a similar blockage, but they were able to go in through the aorta). If anyone else is in the area then, let me know. We are going to drive from St. Louis (which is about 8 hrs.) with my husband and 20, 18, and 13 yr old kids (and maybe a girlfriend). My husband has MS so he will need the assistance from my 2 oldest (boys/men) and my daughter is looking forward to going to the Mall of America. LOL. My in-laws and my sister may come at one point because I worry about the stress on my husband and kids. We are thinking about doing a day trip on the 13th to the Mall of America to help keep the nerves settled and have a little family time. Hopefully we won't look like the Hillbillies hauling the wheelchair with the lift and all the luggage.:p Of course I won't need much since I will have the designer hospital gown for most of my stay!;)

I am thinking about staying at the Springhill or the Staybridge. We wanted the convenience of being across from the hospital, because my husband has to us a motorized wheelchair for walking any distance. I have read alot of the past entries about places to stay, but I appreciate any advice from anyone else who has done this journey.

The nerves have set in this weekend. What a feeling this is! The surgery was schedules for about 6 weeks or so, but I wasn't sure if the insurance would cover it or what I would if they didn't. I was curious about access to computers around the hospital. We don't have a laptop, but would like to keep in contact with everyone through the status.com and email. Maybe we can borrow one or our son is a senior this year and wants one for graduation, maybe we will get one early.

I did have one last question about my return trip home. Is it better to fly or will I be okay to ride the 8 hrs?

Shelly

[Reenie]

Shelly, I just want to wish you the best of luck. I know this will be a tough few weeks but you'll be feeling so much better really soon.

By the way, I assume you'll drive up Hwy 61 into Iowa, then change to 218. I work right off of Hwy 61 in Keokuk, IA so I'll wave at you as you go by. ;)

[Sarah]

In reverse order, 8 hours in a car may be a bit rough. I would use the search function on the board to look up "myectomy recovery" and "myectomy travel" etc. to see how other people have done it.

When I was at the hospital, my husband stayed in the Fiksdal b/c it was cheap. My mom has special needs and I always call the hotel we're going to see what their facilities are since websites are rarely kept up to date.

As for internet access, the hotels probably have computers you can use and the hospital might as well. Worst case, you can use any one of the scads of free computers in the waiting rooms at the clinic.

The mayo's concierge can answer a lot of questions as well: http://www.mayoclinic.org/becomingpat-rst/patientareas.html

info about the hospital:
http://www.mayoclinic.org/saintmaryshospital/

good luck!

[Midge Rollins]

Shelly, I will be coming into town on the 13th. We will probably be staying downtown at the Brentwood. My myectomy was 25 years ago, and then we stayed 10 days. I think if you make frequent stops and walk around like every 2 hours you should be okay. Ask the Dr's for sure. If you want I can PM you my cell #. I am having gall bladder surgery at St. Mary's on the 15th. Best Wishes to you. You are in great hands.

[Cynaburst]

Shelly - Sorry I am going to miss you also.

I stayed at the Staybridge, and there is very easy access to the hospital. You could easily get across the street to the hospital in a wheelchair. Also, there is a free computer in the lobby of the Staybridge for the use of the guests, as well as on the ward at the hospital, just a short walk down the hall from the rooms. I used the hall computers every day during my stay after being released from ICU.

Good luck with your surgery. Dr. Dearani is the best, really! Please let us know how you are doing.

[Shelly]

Thanks to you all for the info and well wishes. Hopefully I can find a time to get together with you Midge. My dad just had gall bladder surgery last year. I wish you a speedy recovery. And Reenie look for a red Honda van with a red wheelchair on the back and probably obnoxious teenagers inside. :p Cynthia I am still amazed at all the surgery's you have been through. I did go on your blog and enjoyed reading it. By the way, your husband did such a wonderful job on the update, my husband said he wouldn't be able to do write/type such a loving picture. He is deferring to my kids or sister. I made a page on thestatus.com. It is under rosenmiller and password Shelly1.

This website helps to make me strong knowing you have a place to vent, learn, and grow. Thanks!

Shelly

[Pam Alexson]

Shelly,

I want to wish you the best as you head down the road of myectomy and onto recovery. You are in great hands and we will all be thinking about you and sending many thoughtful prayers your way. I think a lot of us remember well the nerves and jitters before our myectomies. Know that you are on common ground with the strength of numbers of so much success from all of us before you.

I will be looking forward to hearing how life has improved for you.

Pam