Getting to the Heart of the Matter, Part Deux

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Hey my good people, I am home and doing fine.

The angiogram (cardiac catheterization) showed NO blockages (Yea!) in my cardiac arteries. My heart"s pumping function, though, is somewhat inefficient. Right now the doctors aren't sure why, but I've had a left bundle branch block for years now and this could have something to do with the stress test suggesting coronary blockage when there wasn't any.

I was sent home yesterday afternoon with a big smile on my face and no pain. I was told not to lift heavy things for a while and not to do a lot of walking or standing for a few days.


They did the procedure with some sedation and some local pain killer. I was able to talk to the surgeon and answer his questions. We discussed universal health care for a time. I made sure I didn't push the public option... :)

I'll be back tomorrow probably to come around and visit everybody who sent their love and prayers my way. Thank you so very much for thinking of me. I really, really appreciate your concern.

Heart surgery with a guarantee

How about surgery with a guarantee? A New York Times article says The Geisinger Health Group of Wilkes-Barre, PA, is offering just that, a 90-day warranty after surgery. The group charges a flat fee that includes 90 days of follow-up treatment. If there are complications or the patient has to come back to the hospital there is no further bill for services.

Quoting the article:

Since Geisinger began its experiment in February 2006, focusing on elective heart bypass surgery, it says patients have been less likely to return to intensive care, have spent fewer days in the hospital and are more likely to return directly to their own homes instead of a nursing home.

Read the rest of the article here.

theteach