Surgery Is Coming!
It’s been a tough decision, but I’ve decided to go ahead with surgery on December 10, 2020 with Dr. Sheikh at Hoag Hospital in Newport Beach, CA (near Los Angeles).
The main factors that pushed me toward this decision:
Even though Dr. Starnes in Seattle comes very highly recommended by his patients, there’s some negatives, like…
I’ve tried for 3 weeks, calling 9-10 times, to get a consult with Dr. Starnes and can’t get a response.
Every time I call, I have to leave a message with the main scheduling office. There’s never an answer when they try to ring the vascular department.
A recent patient mentioned that their post-operation nursing care and pain management wasn’t very good.
A couple of patients mentioned that their upcoming surgeries have been postponed until February / March 2021 due to COVID.
By comparison, the positives of choosing Dr. Sheikh are…
His team has been highly responsive and super friendly throughout the entire process.
It’s been very easy to email to cover details and questions.
Dr. Sheikh has been willing to video call with me a couple of times.
A recent patient mentioned that the post-operation pain management was really good.
While other MALS surgeries are getting cancelled in Washington, Utah, Tennessee, etc, Dr. Sheikh is still doing surgeries. I feel like I need to take advantage of that window of opportunity while it is still open. (I still half expect to get a call that this surgery has to be postponed due to COVID and am preparing myself mentally for that bad news. But hoping for the best.)
Surgery Schedule
The schedule will look something like this:
12/5 Depart for a 2-day drive to Los Angeles
12/7 Pre-surgery testing, then quarantine until surgery
12/10 Surgery
Stay in the hospital for 3-5 days (assuming there are no complications)
Stay in Los Angeles area for another week after hospital discharge. Then go back for a post-surgery checkup.
12/24 Arrive home in time for Christmas?
As I Recover…
As much as I appreciate the kindness, please don’t send any flowers. Several people in my family, including me, have allergies to pollen.
As much as I wish I could, I don’t expect to be able to share updates while I’m in the hospital. It takes me a couple days to recover from anesthesia. Plus, I’ll be dealing with a good amount of post-surgery pain for quite awhile.
Due to COVID, my wife will not be allowed in the hospital to visit me after my surgery. The nurses will contact her with updates, and she may post to the website or social media to share with you.
Your support through blog comments, social media comments, texts and emails are very welcome during my recovery! Please understand if I am unable to respond.
Even more meaningful to me is if you will share some small way how you’re helping someone in need, like…
Someone who struggles with chronic illness
A single parent
Someone who has lost a job or is struggling financially
Someone who is in prison
Someone who is LGBTQ+
An elderly person
Someone who lives alone and is isolated during this pandemic
Someone who struggles with anxiety or depression
Throw open the doors of your heart. Do something courageous that connects with another human being. Live with an open hand. Love without limits.