**FOlloW UP, heading to Johns Hopkins for 'consult' with surgeon EDITED

[elleng]

Last edited Mon May 1, 2023, 08:08 PM - Edit history (2)

(whom I haven't yet met) tomorrow @ 12:30.



EDIT:
THANKS, guys. As they've concluded, after fluid 'draws,' that I'd benefit from insertion of stent, what's a 'consult' about?



Windy at home and here Baltimore, HOPE I'll be able to see 'my' ospreys soon, after I get home, like Wednesday!

[multigraincracker]

1. Good luck.

[spooky3]

2. Positive vibes to you++++++++ nt

[onecaliberal]

3. Positive thoughts and vibes.

[cilla4progress]

4. Good luck, elleng!

Holding you in my heart!

[LoisB]

5. Positive vibes, elleng. I hope everything you hear is good.

[CentralMass]

6. Good luck.

[Irish_Dem]

7. Good luck!

I hope the news is good!

[Diamond_Dog]

8. Sending good thoughts and vibes, elleng

[JohnSJ]

9. wishing you the best Ellen

[DeeDeeNY]

10. Sending my best wishes!

[MLAA]

11. Best of luck! I was there 20 years ago to donate a kidney using a process they pioneered

that did not require a match, so anyone to anyone.

[Bayard]

12. Be well, Elleng

[Bluethroughu]

13. I hope all goes well for the consult and the surgery!

Good vibes to you!

[2naSalit]

14. Hope all goes well!

[ShazzieB]

15. Good luck!

Keep us posted!

[diva77]

16. Sending lots 'o good vibes your way!!!

Glad you're at a reputable place!!

[Duppers]

17. Best docs in the country.

My hubby was treated there for thyroid cancer decades ago.

[gademocrat7]

18. Sending positive vibes

and lots of healing hugs to you elleng.

[alwaysinasnit]

19. Well wishes from your DU community.

[c-rational]

20. Sending good thoughts and vibes. Stay positive.

[fierywoman]

21. I surround you with light and love and a peaceful and successful resolution...

[orangecrush]

22. Wishing you the best outcome

Good luck!

[brer cat]

23. Sending you good wishes and hoping for great news.

[badhair77]

24. Best wishes on your consult.

Thinking of you tomorrow.

[elleng]

25. Thanks! What's a consult???!!!

[7wo7rees]

26. Probably means they will be "consulting" you on what your options are and what they believe you

"should do".

Don't at all be afraid of stent. It's a blessing. Almost had a heart attack in early summer of 2012 ( had to have 2 in 2012). Almost happened again last summer. One of stents, after 10 years was blocked. Left side of heart only functioning at 37%. The procedure for a stent, piece of cake. Other options, far more brutal. (Heart attack, heart failure, etc).

You are in my thoughts and prayers. You will be ok. DU is not ready to let you go, dear one. Breathe deep. Remain calm. You will be ok.
You are in the best hands at John Hopkins!
Ms7wo7rees

[elleng]

27. Thanks SO MUCH, 7wo7rees!

Not really 'afraid,' but the process does give me 'pause,' as requires drilling into skull. and hospital stay for ??? days/weeks? HOPE we 'discuss' such.

[7wo7rees]

28. I thought this was about your heart. Your "brain"? I don't know.

But, I do know that several of my best doctors at UTSW came from Hopkins. You are in good hands.


And this is Ms7wo7rees. 7wo7rees left the building a year ago.

And in answer to "what's a consult"? They have reviewed your test and records. They are going to go over with you what they think may be causing you issues. Then they are going to tell you what they believe to be your options. Then they will work with you on making right decisions for you.

Rest well. You are in good hands and you have the whole of the DU community with you.

As of December 2022 declared cancer free after 5 years (stage 4 throat cancer). No chemo or radiation required. (And my surgeon was from John Hopkins).

Sleep well tonight. Most important thing you can do. No stress.

[elleng]

29. HEY, Ms!

Hydrocephalus, fluid (excess) drains from/to brain/etc, usually drains faster than 'mine.'

Happy with staff I've met. tomorrow MAY meet surgeon.

[7wo7rees]

30. I'm certain surgeon will be there. I'll be very surprised if he is not.

Take care.

[elleng]

33. Yes, and likely I'll meet the surgeon today @ noon, heading to J Hopkins shortly.

He's an expert in this field.

[7wo7rees]

31. That is what a "consult" is for. For you to have the opportunity to

have your questions be answered by a qualified team of doctors and to help for you to make informed decisions on your path forward. Be sure you like them and feel comfortable with them and trust them.

That is most important of all. If anyone of them "scares" you seek another opinion. I learned this when I was fighting throat cancer. UTSW I went to for 2nd opinion.
1st hospital and doctors had botched it badly.
They were prepping me to be "radiated".

[elleng]

34. Have already met many on staff @ hopkins, like them all.

Today, surgeon and his staff (I think.)

[badhair77]

32. Ellen, Ms 7wo7rees beautifully described the consult.

I just had surgery and I met the physician’s assistant and the surgeon. Be sure to take a list of your questions. And ask about anything you’re anxious or curious about. They should answer everything to your satisfaction. I would hope they’d also give you printed information concerning your situation. Good luck.

[elleng]

35. Thanks, badhair77.

Just got home, back to 'my' river, and starting to decompress.

Met more Johns Hopkins staff, and 'my surgeon!' NICE guy, had a good conversation, about lots of things.

Kind of looks like surgery may actually occur way closer in time than I thought, MAYBE 1 month or so, or 'a few weeks!' OMG!!!

[7wo7rees]

36. Ellen, so very glad to hear you met your surgeon and liked him.

Most important of all, that you feel comfortable and like/trust who is taking care of you.

Best, very best wishes. Always.

Ms7wo7rees