Off to NYC in Search of a Surgeon

Uncategorized 2 Minutes
Lunch at Rue 57

Peg, Jane and I arrived in NYC hungry and slightly tired from the Lincoln tunnel and environs. We were happy to find that our room at the Park Central was ready, and headed over to my favorite lunch place, Rue 57. The first time that we were there, several years ago, Glen Close was dining there.

Paula arrived from Bridgeport around 4PM, so we had a nice talk before heading off to Nocello for dinner with John. It is a fantastic Italian restaurant, and you can hear your conversation!

Dinner with Paula and John at Nocello on W 55th
A toast with John after he quizzed me on the history of Nocello

Columbia Medical Center

Thursday morning we headed north to Columbia Med and availed ourselves of the valet parking. I was in a state of high anxiety, so it seemed like a good idea.

Entrance to Columbia is on Ft. Washington Avenue
Department of Surgery

We were directed to the 4th floor Cardiac Unit, and Dana Reed, Craig Smith’s Physician’s Assistant, took me to an examination room where we went through my records together and he checked my vitals. His friendly personality did a lot to put me at ease.

Meanwhile, I went back to the waiting room before being beckoned into Dr. Smith’s office. Dr. Smith explained to me what he thinks that I need, and apprised me of the risks associated with the triple valve replacement. It would also include a maze ablation that has a 70% chance of curing my atrial fibrillation.

The surgery itself would take about 4 – 5 hours, and would include a heart/lung machine, which may be my biggest fear. After recovery I will spend about 2 days in the ICU before being transferred to a step down unit for another 5 or so.

Peg and Jane sat in with me and took notes and asked a few follow-up questions. Jane noted a photo of Dr. Smith with Bill Clinton on a shelf behind his desk. He operated on Clinton in 2004.

I felt very comfortable with Dr. Smith, so immediately scheduled my surgery with Gloria. We settled on the afternoon of June 5th, meaning that I would check in on June 4th at 3PM and be put on a Heparin drip.

A young man named Everell took us to a conference room to explain the logistics. He had a nice packet of instructions to give me.

Heads of Thoracic Surgery over the years. Dr. Smith is on the lower right…
3 tests

The next few hours were spent getting a chest x-ray, EKG and blood draw. Most of the time was spent waiting.

View from the 9th floor restaurant

After a nice break in the 9th floor restaurant, we got the car and headed across the GW Bridge on the way to Baltimore. I was so tired when I arrived home at 9PM that I could hardly move. I am very lucky to have two people so willing to support me in this journey!

Unknown's avatar

Published by ktylerconk

I am the Team Leader for Team ProDanza. I am raising money for the ProDanza Ballet Academy in Havana, Cuba, a school founded by Laura Alonso. They have wonderful teachers and eager students, but lack the funds to buy ballet gear, office supplies and other necessary equipment for the school.

Published

24 thoughts on “Off to NYC in Search of a Surgeon”

  1. What a day! But you persevered and got through it! Now keep your eyes and heart set on June 5! It’s gonna be a successful procedure!!! ❤️🙏🏽💃🏿

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  2. My dear Conk! What a journey, indeed! But you’re taking it step by step. and trusting your gut to choose the right place for you. You are my hero, moving forward in the midst of fear and uncertainty. Thinking of you and proud of you.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  3. What a huge day! No wonder you were tired! Now, daily meditation, slow walks, Chickpea petting, and whatever else keeps you calm and centered, until the big day.
    PS you have way more than two people supporting you on this journey! Peg and Jane are just first in line……

    Like

    Reply

  4. You are a warrior and your comrades are beside you. Keep calm and carry on. Your spirit is guiding you and will keep you strong.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  5. Kathy,
    I’m surrounding you with love and caring. With you every step of the way in spirit and in any practical way at all, just ask! You’ve got a great surgeon, best hospital for cardiac and massive clouds of healing energy enfolding you.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  7. Wow! So much accomplished in a single day! It’s hardly any wonder you were pooped upon getting home! The good thing is that the decision is made and that, ostensibly, your off & running, no need to look back! Forward & onwards! In excellent care, both medically & privately with your two personal assistants, you’re doing absolutely the right thing. We ALL stand behind you & wish you nothing but the best! Sending heaps of love, caring, & healing wishes. See ya soon!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  9. C O N K
    Love the fact you started a blog for these updates, hooray.Well you are so very buttoned up and I know you must be so relieved that the logistics are behind you. I do wish I was going to be in NYC when you might be accepting visitors, I’ll be in Europe. Know I will be thinking of you on the 5th and afterwards and will check this space for updates. You will be traveling before you know it! Loads of love, Nancy

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  10. We trust, dear friend, you will carry all this love and support into the hospital with you. You are in our thoughts daily. Leave a large part of the worry and concern to all of us so you can face this with strength and resolve. We know you’ve assembled a wonderful team to get you there and back home. Thank you for setting up this blog for your extended support group to keep apprised of your progress. We love you❤️

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  11. Kathy, I just now saw your blog update about the surgery date, etc. I did, in fact, figure out the whole blog update notification thing which I will now avail myself of. You youngsters must be patient with my generation. I’ve got your surgery date on my calendar. 🙏🏻

    Like

    Reply

Leave a comment