← Return to HCM-ers: Introduce yourself or just say hi

Discussion
Comment receiving replies
@mosaic

I had a mixed experience having my septal myectomy at Mayo.

The surgeon Schaff did the job and it went well, or so I was told upon discharge, Neither my husband nor I ever saw him after the surgery. I asked and was told I wasn't sick enough to see him. No one ever told me how it went until the morning of discharge. So it took an entire week to know whether it was successful.
The cardiologist who did the pretest clearance was good and very nice. She told me she would come by post surgery. She never did.
The nursing care was 90% kind and excellent. You get a private room.
I was supposed to get a defibrillator afterwards and when that didn't happen, asked to speak with an electrophysiologist. No one showed up and I left without one. Had to have it placed elsewhere.
I left with a raging fungal infection over 1/3 of my body and a tiny tube of cream. This was discovered the morning of my discharge.
I told them I needed anticoagulation post discharge because of a previous blood clot. The non doctor who saw me was rude and told me he knew best and refused to prescribe.

I developed a pulmonary embolism after I got home.

Mayo is a wonderful facility, the best in the country. I don't write this to slam them. Every hospital has issues. None of us is perfect. But you are weak, in pain, and sick after surgery. You need a family member who will advocate for you in a firm but polite way, otherwise you may not get the best of care. My husband was too passive thinking they knew best.

Jump to this post


Replies to "I had a mixed experience having my septal myectomy at Mayo. The surgeon Schaff did the..."

Dear Mosaic,
I'm grateful to you for your response, and so sorry that you had so many issues during and after your surgery. It's already hard enough just preparing mentally for something this big, but to have so much happen afterwards must have been difficult for you. I do not have to worry about my significant other not advocating for me when I can't. He's very protective of me, and he will be certain anything and everything is addressed before we leave town. I have heard, read and believe that the nurses and doctors at the Mayo Clinic are the top in the Nation, and I am placing my life in their hands and praying that God lead me here for this reason.
I hope you are doing better, that your life is better after the surgery and you are far down the road to recovery. Thank you for sharing your experience. Best regards.