Rochelle Rottenstein - Heart Valve Journal

2095 days ago

Had my surgery last Wednesday.. Went into OR maybe 9:30 am. My anastesiologust was so comforting, really exceptional and allayed a lot of my anxiety. Waiting ...Read more

Had my surgery last Wednesday.. Went into OR maybe 9:30 am. My anastesiologust was so comforting, really exceptional and allayed a lot of my anxiety. Waiting in holding area till he came to take to the OR was slightly nerve racking but in any event mild inconvenience feels like lifetime ago! The OR wasvbusybwith activity and I was ready for a 6-7 hour procedure. I was told I would be under for 10 something hours. My family waited in the waiting room but apparently my ross procedure was a bit more complex (I developed a kink in another artery that needed bypass and they removed a cyst (maybe thyroid thing) that they removed. Anyway surgery wend I’ve 20 hours and my family has no info (I joked my husband must have signed on to some dating apps in the interim, but seriously..) anyway I survived miraculously through effort and talents of my unbelievably talented and diligent Surgeon, Dr. Paul Stelzer, a true gift to all of humamkind. I remained in ICU for a couple of days and then the ‘’step down ‘ICU for a few days and was transferred to the 7th for oor cardiac unit on Monday afternoon. Btw, overall my experience was good to beyond excellent with 2 exceptions that still haunt me. The ICU nurse were kind and so caring throughout their 12 hour shifts and with few exceptions despite having 2,or 3 patients I really felt attende to and cared for. Only one nurse (Rob) was inappropriate and hurtful and I plan on to give a full report to Mt. Sinai of my expriences. The othervperson thAt detracted from my stay was a Dr Chen (not even sure hecgavecreal name afte google check!) in ICU who spoke to us in such a condescending and uncaring manner it was horrifying actually. Even though we had been told we were moving to a specific room - and I had transferred all my belongings ther as they had taken my catheter out and there are NO bathrooms available in the stern down ICU!!- this man lying leisurely around with his fist holding up his head (some words come to mind to better describe his pompous attitude repeatedly lied and told us I would need to be monitored and remain in my current ‘room’ mire like prison cell, and that he didn’t even know if there was a room available. This was complete BS as we had been assigned a room hours earlier. It was now close to 2pm whereas I had been woken up early to walk and only ate my oatmeal after the walk as they said a 8am I would get moved up to my designated room. Then returning to the walk I was told to eat breakfast in a chair and it was there I waited unti my upsetting encounter with this icu doctor who I never met but in juxtaposition to my REAL doctors is a demented cruel uncompassionate jerk who looks like he is a sadistic frat throwback and acts like an exaggerated character of the most egoistic sit-com Doctor. He would actually be a great sinister dr on a sitcom but in no way shape or form should this man be in contact with patients!!! Anyway I stood my ground and we got another person to approve transfer. Even though the nurse to patient ratio is much lower there I felt so much better in a quit room with a scenic window and my own bathroom (the cammode can be slightly disconcerting, especially trying to make an initial bowel movement. I was also able to experience my first shower after surgery, which felt absolutely incredible!!! Doctor Stelzer who always sports a smile and despite his amazing skill and exceptional reputation is never dismissive, suggested I go home as there were reports of snow and I live in LI .a distance from the hospital. His staff, with his efficient direction miraculously got my drain tube removed and my IV and swiftly I retrieved my things and was so happy and surprised I could actually dress myself!! But here’s why I’m really writing at this time. The biggest shock was that despite having eaten not more than an oatmeal an a few yogurts (the intubation soreness precluded most foods for me) I could barely fit in my clothes which I ha even purchased a size lager! I was up 20 pounds since the surgery!!! I look and feel like I did when I gave birth to my twin boys!! Is there anyone out there who had success combatting this shocking weigh gain and what should I do/expect???? Despite the hole, scabs and scars of having a relatively nice body disfigured for now, I’m still thrilled to be home and hopeful for a full and fast recovery (within normal guidelines) Also one other thing - my daughter is coming home from college with her service dog poodle which is very sweet and ordinarily cheers me up. Anyone with comments on the puppy restriction. She will be disappointed if I have no interaction with Auggie Doggie, should I was thinking to wear a heavy down fill long coat when I hold him? Anyone with other suggestions /comment most welcome!! Rochelle : had Ross Procedure 2/13/19!!!