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Medicine, definitely not an exact science!

If you ask two metallurgists the same question, you're very likely to get two different answers. I know that because I am [was] a metallurgist. I know that also, because metallurgy, like medicine is not an exact science. So you'd think I would have been better prepared for the response I got from the cardiac surgeon when I met with him today.

First off he couldn't believe I'm still walking around, and even able to exercise. Normally he said, he would have admitted me immediately to perform bypass surgery, but there's the problem again with my lymphoma. It's not that he thinks I'm going to die from my lymphoma, and not worth the effort, but he is concerned about what effect my high lymphocyte count may have on the success of the surgery. So before he would proceed, he needs to consult with the hematologists in LA.

He even went as far as suggesting I be admitted tonight, so the hematologist could evaluate me first thing in the morning, and also to keep an eye on me, and start me on blood thinners and any other prep that needed to be done. But after much deliberation, it was decided I would go home tonight, and come back to be admitted first thing in the morning (hopefully I'll make it to the morning), with surgery scheduled possibly for Tuesday, assuming the hematologist gives his blessing, and they can reschedule the other patient already scheduled that day. Otherwise the surgery would be scheduled for Thursday.

Should the hematologist think it too risky, there is the possibility they could still stent the artery, which would certainly be preferable [I think] but that would depend on how far back the blockage was in the ostial circumflex artery, and they need to discuss that with the interventional cardiologist.

You know I never realized there were so many different types of cardiologists. But that's another thing I should have realized as well, since there are so many different types of metallurgists, each with their own set of skills and knowledge.

I just hope they have internet access in the hospital!

Comments

Gerry said…
OMG call if you need anything, sounds like it's kinda confusing but very serious. Good Luck let us know what the schedule is!
Alan said…
I'm sure you'll make it until morning. Also pretty sure the hematologist will give the OK.
My rinky dink hospital has internet access so yours probably does as well.

Good luck. Keep us up to date.
ed said…
good luck and don;t wait any longer than necessary! And if they don;t have internet access, don't have a heart attack about it.
Rebecca said…
Oye gevalt! I feel so bad for having you help me today on the heat treat problem! Why didn't you say something?

May the One who blessed our ancestors, Patriarchs Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, Matriarchs Sarah, Rebecca, Rachel, and Leah, bless and heal the one who is ill.

Barukh atah Adonai, Eloheinu, melekh ha'olam oseh ma'asei v'reishit

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