Question about follow-up after myectomy

[Linda S]

I had my myectomy on July 23, 2003 and was wondering what everyone has done about follow-up. I live in Philadelphia, PA and had the myectomy in Cleveland, Ohio. I'd like to hear opinions on whether to go back to the surgeon and cardiologist in Cleveland, or follow-up with my local cardiologist in Philadelphia, PA. I'd like to hear what most of you have done and what your thoughts are. Thanks.
Linda S

[paix]

Linda,

I had a two week check-up with my local Dr. after my myectomy (which was July, 2001) and a six week check-up in Cleveland. Will it be difficult for you to return to Cleveland for a check-up? They will probably want to see you at some point. Good luck!

Elizabeth

[swub]

Hi Linda,
I had my surgery at Mayo and followed with my cardiologist within a week after I returned home. It was not possible to return to Mayo for the one year follow up so I replied to their survey by mail. I had the surgery in 1996 and had a pacemaker implanted at the same time. I've been fine since then. At my semi-annual visit my doctor told me that this surgical procedure is now being done in Philadelphia.
Betsy

[Linda S]

I have myone week follow-up appointment with my local cardiologist on Monday.

Elizabeth - I live in Philadelphia. It wouldn't be impossible for me to go back to Cleveland, but it is a plane ride and probably couldn't do it in one day so I'd have to stay over in a hotel. Who would want to see my - the surgeon or the cardiologist? And how do they notify you that they want to see you? Do you think it is necessary if everything is okay with the local cardiologist?

Betsy- Wherein Phila. do you live? Where in Phila. did they tell you that they do the surgery now - and do you mean myectomies? I was told not to do it in Phila and was referred to the Cleveland Clinic.

Linda S

[Sarah]

Dear Linda,

These are all questions you should be asking your CC doctors; they handle long distance follow-ups all the time.

take care,

S

[swub]

Linda,
I live in Montgomery County. At the time that I had the myectomy, there wasn't anyone here who could help with the specific problem (which is now gone for all intents and purposes). I didn't ask about the surgeon's name, but I assume that he is probably with Temple. I followed the directions from Mayo for follow up visits with my specialist here. Probably your best bet is to follow the directions from both the surgeon and your local doctor.
Hope you are doing well,
Betsy

[Lisa Salberg]

Talk to your docs at Cleveland and arrange a plan for follow up. If you can not make it back to Cleveland they will work with your local people.
Be well!
Lisa

[Dolly W]

I just follow up with my local cardio. If she thinks there's something she needs to discuss further, she calls my cardio at Mayo, and they work together on my treatment. I guess I have the best of both world's :D