Mitch's Guestbook

Absolutely David!! I’d be happy to help in any way and answer any questions! My experience at NY Presbyterian was super! ICU care was outstanding . Nurses told me people come from all over the world to see him - you see in great hands! I was a former nurse myself so probably had a heightened awareness as to what was going on around me. Saw Girardi and his team every day there and that was reassuring also. Clearly a world class team there under his guidance. He is not a man of many words but instead instills a calm and confident reassurance . My anxiety wax through the roof prior to surgery and I found the team there- really helped calm me down - very informative and professional. His PA’s and NP’s were excellent as well as attendings and residents. My husband stayed next door at the Helmsley since we live near Princeton NJ. He was able to stay in ICU as long as he wanted as long as he didn’t leave at night after hours. Then you’d have to wait until 9 am the next day to come back in. He also found a great deli nearby for some nutritious smoothies to help me start eating again . In ICU from Tuesday night until Friday when I was moved to a step down floor and able to go home Sunday. They manage your pain well although I only needed Tylenol by the time I was on step down. Sleep deprivation is unfortunately part of being in a hospital and I found that hard. Several things at home surprised me but now I know are totally normal- musculoskeletal pain in back and arms and shoulder, the feeling of my heart beating harder, some migraines and dizziness due to beta blockers they keep you in awhile to keep your heart rate lower and hopefully avoid a fib. Alll normal and tend to dissipate over the next few monts- as well as days of ups and downs as your body heals. And I learned not to push myself too much one day cause then I felt it a lot the next day. I overdid it a bit when first home and had a few I comfortable days but then slowly better. Sleeping in a chair was best for me until the past few nights where I’ve slept in bed! Now at 3. 1/2 weeks I’m feeling more agile and strong! any particular questions don’t hesitate to reach out! The people on this site are super and helped me through this journey big time!

Thank you SO MUCH, Leona, for all these details about your stay and experience with Dr Girardi. You were a nurse, so you certainly know more than most of us : ) . I assume that I will be in ICU for a few days after surgery and that I will slowly go back to solid food, as you did. Were you able to read and/or use your phone while at the ICU, or was that just impossible? My wife and 12-year old daughter will be visiting, but I want to plan ahead for anything soothing that might help while at the hospital. And I plan to sleep on a sleigh bed or chair at home, as you did. I hope that you are getting more of your strength back every day!🙏😊🙏

Yes you’ll be in ICU for a few days. While there is a sign for no devices, it was fine to use a cell phone. I had mine- remember to bring a charger-you’ll use it more on the regular floor. I really didn’t use it much in icu. My husband was in charge of informing friends and family members so he was texting them. He even took a picture of me in a chair day after surgery ! It’s hard to sleep in icu - they are constantly checking you 24/7 which is good but not conducive to rest. I catnapped throughout the day and night between vital checks, medicine time, doctors in , X-rays, etc … so even though I had my phone I was too tired to use it! I was also nauseous the first day from anesthesia/ nothing new with me/ so wasn’t really hungry They sent up pot roast and I couldn’t even look at it.😘. Jello was my friend! Plus what got me eating again was the smoothies with berries, yogurt and almond milk with protein powder and almond butter. my husband got this for me every day from york grill and smoothie bar on 70th st between york and first. So cool and delicious and easy to sip! Really helped me to start to eat again. There is also an au bon pain on main floor of hospital and cafeteria to get take out from. You can read in icu but I kept napping so it didn’t last long! Id have something to read when you go to a regular floor plus you’ll use your phone more there . Hope this helps!