Update Christmas 2010

Ed Slezycki

First, I want to wish a Merry Christmas to Y'all.

I met with the heart Surgeon, Dr. Skipper.

He explained the problem with my Mitral Valve and how he would go about repairing it (not 'replace').

He also told how he would help my Atrial Fibrillation (erratic beat) by ablating some nerves. In addition, he would do some 'maintenance' while he was inside.

He'll most likely go through my breastbone, although there are other options.

He says there's a 95% probability of fixing my problem.

I did some research on Dr. Skipper : He’s an A+.  And he's a nice guy who 'really' seems to know his stuff.

But.... (there's always a 'but'), he said there's no sense going inside, only to find we 'should have' planned some by-pass surgery. Therefore, he wants to test for artery clogs via Catheter, even though there's no eminent indication of problems (he doesn't know I ate a big portion of Rene's Baklava). Makes sense.

The problem is (at this time) the earliest I can get a ’Cath’ test is Jan 11th (they're trying to improve). It may be a moot point anyway, because business is good. Dr. Skipper is BOOKED for surgery into February. The earliest possible operation date would be late January. 

The BEST is that we caught the 'problem' during a routine exam, BEFORE anything serious happened.

The WORST news is that I won't be able to play GOLF until 3 Months AFTER the surgery.

I'm sure Daryl will give me plenty of strokes when I get back (perhaps I shouldn’t use the word ‘stroke’).

But when it’s all over, I’ll be better off than I am now. 

I hope to have the heart of an 18 year-old (look out, Sue).

That’s the short version.

Wish me luck.