Hopkins on 3/12

[VickiR]

I will be at Hopkins on March 12th in the afternoon.

Is anyone going to be there that day?

[MarthaLea]

I have an appointment for March 5th. They are supposed to be sending me information about what to expect. So glad to hear someone else is going there. Wish it was the exact days :)

[VickiR]

I only live about 1/2 hour from Hopkins.
If you want to meet, I can do it.

[MarthaLea]

I live in Texas and I'm coming for a first appointment at Hopkins. Dr. Abraham is who I'm seeing. Did you go through the whole process of groups and tests when you first went to Hopkins?

[shirleymahoney]

Martha

My son saw Dr. Abraham about 2 to 3 months ago and I thought he was great, he might post to you if he see's your post and yes he did go through a full day of tests But I'm sure he could tell you more being he was in the room where I wasn't, good luck

Shirley

[VickiR]

Yes, I did see Dr. Abraham and I did go through all of the tests.
I guess that's standard procedure.

You will like him.

[MarthaLea]

Do they do the testing in one day? Since I'm coming so far I am wondering how long to extend my stay. I didn't know if it would be weeks inbetween tests or what. SOOO glad I decided to look on here. Again, you guys are wonderful, so helpful!

[VickiR]

If I remember correctly, it was all done in one day.
I am not 100% sure though.

Call Dr. Abraham's secretary, Nancy and ask her to be sure.
410-502-7974

[MarthaLea]

Thanks again Vicki, I called Nancy and was told the information was in the mail but she went over most of it right then. I'm used to scheduling a test, then waiting weeks, then another test and weeks... etc :) so I really didn't know how long it was going to take. In a way I'm excited to be coming to Hopkins, possibly getting some help and resuming life!!!
I dread the whole process, tho!! Hearing your upbeat details really helps. Thank again

[Reenie]

My husband saw Dr. Abraham in July and we did everything in one day. We live a little over an hour from there.

[MarthaLea]

Shirley, how is your son doing? Reenie, did you have a "result" after your visit?

[shirleymahoney]

Martha

My son is doing ok, he does come onto the sight from time to time, he is drumfeind he is a drummer as you probably guessed

Shirley

[Reenie]

We did have results right after the visit, but it took a while to get the written transcript from them. My husband has been very stable with little changes over the last 9 years.

[MarthaLea]

My cardiologist in Dallas wanted me to have a myectomy so I'm coming to Hopkins with that possibility in mind. If they are able to do all the tests that day and still want to do the surgery, does anyone have an idea how long it would take to schedule? DREAD...

[VickiR]

I don't know how long until you could get the surgery.
Dr. Abraham will send you to see Duke Cameron.
When you can do the surgery will depend on his schedule.

[MarthaLea]

Can I ask another question? I saw in reading all about the surgeries one comment about getting the dentist to sign something. What is that about?

[VickiR]

My dentist didn't have to sign anything (not that I remember), but they did make sure I had my teeth cleaned and had no infections.

[LindaSo]

Vicki is correct, they want to be sure that you have no hidden infection that could lead to endocarditis. Remember, your mouth is full of bacteria and lots can hide in the pockets between your teeth and gums. I had to obtain a "dental clearance" preoperatively.

[Cynaburst]

This must be something that is part of Hopkins' policy, because I did not have to get any kind of dental clearance before my surgery at Mayo (though I do take very good care of my teeth). I was told to wait to have my teeth cleaned for a few months after surgery.

[MarthaLea]

I understand what you're saying but that bothers me. I have a problem with my teeth but instead I was trying to wait till I felt better to correct it......:( The cardiologist in Dallas couldn't do a TEE on me a few weeks ago because my esophagus was too small so I had to have that dialated. Then I decided to go to Hopkins but maybe I should wait and do my teeth first. I'm so tired. Wishing I felt better.... etc

[LindaSo]

MarthaLea,

Take first things first. Go to Hopkins and have the testing and see what their recommendation is. You will get thru this phase of waiting and wondering. I was sent the paperwork for the dentist to sign with my preop packet. It was not dicussed during my testing at all. It was a surprise to me, but IF they decide that you need surgery, understand that they want the best possible outcome for you !

In my situation, I believe it is possible that the preop clearance was incase they needed to replace my mitral valve, which they did not. I was unaware that was a possiblity until I met with the surgeon.

Again, IF they recommend surgery, talk to them while you are there. You have them as a captive audience and I'm sure they will discuss your particular situation with you.

Linda

[MarthaLea]

That's a good common sense approach!!! Sometimes I don't think I think very well beyond panic !!! I'm going to relax and just wait for my visit. I will get to visit with my little grandson so I'll focus on that for awhile!!!
Thanks again for your support!

[Mommyto3Boys]

Hi MarthaLea!

Just wanted to drop in and say hello - we're very close to you in Texas and wanted to say hi!

My husband sees Dr. Feldman at the Center of Excellence in San Antonio so we have no experience with Hopkins so I'm completely useless in this thread - lol.

Take care, and I wish you the best of luck!

Marki

[MarthaLea]

I LOVE Dr. Feldman!!!! He's awesome. The only reason I'm not going back to him is because of my daughter. She lives near Baltimore.(Hopkins, her husband actually works in the Hopkins system) We have been going to San An for follow-up visits and one time I ended up in the hospital. We don't have family there so its just a little more difficult getting rooms... etc but otherwise, I'd go to Dr. Feldman in a minute. So good to hear from you!!! Hello, fellow Texas !!! :)