James A.'s Posts

Hello friends, my MV surgery is this Tuesday, Dec. 18. Today I had my last visit to Cedars-Sinai Heart Center for some final tests and a pre-op interview. There was another blood draw, one test was for HIV, then some swabs for germs, and lots of last minute health questions. Part two was another Vascular Ultrasound. This one was quick, only about twenty minutes. My previous one was about an hour and a half. My operation is scheduled for 8 AM, arrival at 5:30, shower at about 3:30. Drive time should be about an hour that early in the morning. My oldest daughter called to ask if I was nervous and I said "NO, I really trust Dr. Trento and his team at the hospital." My wife is driving me to Cedars, and my two boys and two girls plan on visiting me after the operation. Thank you to those who responded to me having to go through my front tooth being pulled. Now I have "flipper", a temp tooth until after the operation. Dr. Trento, I'm ready for the da Vinci, hook me up. Chat soon, Jim

My wife Ruth was nice enough to wake up with me at 4 AM, we checked into the hospital at 5:30 for a 7:30 procedure. At about 9:30 I was taken to ICU and later wheeled to the recovery room until about 4:30 PM. Dr. Witter told my wife that he found no blockage or narrowed arteries but did find some calcium deposits. Next tests; dental and pre-op. Thanks to my wife Ruth for taking the picture. Jim

Thanks Meredith, I feel great about that news also. I had no idea. Thanks Nancy, my meet up with Dr. Trento was fantastic since I went to a wedding in his home town in Italy. Jill, re: dental check, it was Dr. Trento's request. I have that next week. I believe he wants no infection in my mouth. And Rob, I couldn't agree with you more. My wife and family are lining up to help out around the house and at the hospital. We have 4 dogs and it's at least 1 1/2 hour drive one way to the hospital. My two daughters are staying over during my hospital stay and maybe a little longer depending on my mobility. Thank you all for you support.