Guestbook of Martin Smith

My Guestbook

Martin Smithgot a new guestbook post

979 days ago

Dan Rhoden reacted to this

rich monoson posted a note for Martin that says:

Hi Martin, I had a plan before surgery and I told the doctor to fix that valve, stuff the heart back in my chest and I'll handle it from there. I walked constantly ...Read more

Hi Martin, I had a plan before surgery and I told the doctor to fix that valve, stuff the heart back in my chest and I'll handle it from there. I walked constantly in the hospital and resumed as soon as I got home. I was at my gym 9 days later to start leg work, elliptical and light upper body but nothing that would pull on my sternum. I never asked my doctor for any rehab direction. I promised my cardiologist to go to cardiac rehab and I went 1 day. It was too tough walking that slow on a treadmill. I gradually started lifting heavier when I was confident the sternum had fused. Martin, i was very driven and after the doctor did his job it was time for me to do mine. I imagine your doctor is concerned with blood pressure from straining under a heavy load. Proper breathing and exercise technique should great reduce that. At 62 and multiple orthopedic surgeries I focused on moderate weight performed at a slower cadence which stimulates great time under tension. I started incorporating isometrics and time static contractions. I can go on and on but if I can offer any experience or advice Martin I'd be glad to do so.

Martin Smithgot a new guestbook post

1102 days ago

Rob Henderson posted a note for Martin that says:

Good Morning Martin.......Well I got my UofM estimate......cost of the procedure and hospital stay 488K however because I am an out of pocket payer it was discounted ...Read more

Good Morning Martin.......Well I got my UofM estimate......cost of the procedure and hospital stay 488K however because I am an out of pocket payer it was discounted to 174K payable up front before the procedure....unfortunately both are out of reach and so back to the ON wait list I go.

Richard Munson I know its canada not the usa but how does the medical community go from 488k to 174k for the same pr ... Read more

Richard Munson I know its canada not the usa but how does the medical community go from 488k to 174k for the same procedure. Either it costs X or it doesn’t in my world , discount or not. Thats a huge difference.

Martin Smith I believe the "UofM" is U of Michigan, Richard. I'm not too surprised by the high-end quote, Rob, but ... Read more

Martin Smith I believe the "UofM" is U of Michigan, Richard. I'm not too surprised by the high-end quote, Rob, but am bewildered by the "bargain" up-front offer to an "out of pocket" payer. Wow. In any case, I hope that your wait isn't too long. In regards to the Ross: I'm grateful for the excellent treatment I received here in Ontario. No negotiation, no fees, excellent care, but often longer-than-hoped-for waiting times for scheduled surgeries.

Richard Munson Martin, many many moons ago when i was unemployed and had no health insurance my young son at the tim ... Read more

Richard Munson Martin, many many moons ago when i was unemployed and had no health insurance my young son at the time required a hospital visit. My wife recalls the puzzled faces when it came time to pay the bill. Insurance they knew, cash was a mystery. Let me tell you, the difference was astronomical when all was said and done. Pause for thought.

Martin Smithgot a new guestbook post

1107 days ago

Rob Henderson posted a note for Martin that says:

Hey Martin thanks for reaching out. Yes Dr Ashe in Kitchener is an experience Ross Dr and that is where I learned of the procedure. I met with him in June and ...Read more

Hey Martin thanks for reaching out. Yes Dr Ashe in Kitchener is an experience Ross Dr and that is where I learned of the procedure. I met with him in June and he thought maybe September then but still nothing. I went to UofM for a consult and they can do it Dec 27th however I have no coverage in Michigan so I would have to pay. I am waiting for their estimate but I am certain it will be out of reach. I have researched OHIP assistance for out of country procedures but I do t think I will qualify so I guess I just wait.

Martin Smith The waiting is the hardest part. My surgery was delayed by several months due to the pandemic. After ... Read more

Martin Smith The waiting is the hardest part. My surgery was delayed by several months due to the pandemic. After diagnosis your faith in the old valves gets undermined, and the waiting becomes tough. The good part is that after surgery you will slowly develop new faith in your heart, and to the point that you pay less and less attention to it as you resume the activities that you love. Speaking of heart operations, the American experience is certainly different than ours. That is, as long as you're a fully insured heart patient...

Martin Smithgot a new guestbook post

1108 days ago

Thanks for the guestbook post, Martin! That's wonderful to hear, I'm so glad you're recovering well! I'll be sure to keep up with you on here. Thank you!