days, weeks, months- for Rusnak patients

Just wondered how long it was between the time that a person has finished all appointments and the time they got a call saying that they were scheduled for surgery with Rusnak.  I am trying to gage the wait before I hear from Kara about a date. 

Hi,

Frustrating it can be.... this is how it went for me.... I had a referal in Oct, my 1st appt at the end of Jan and all my appoitments completed (I was forturnate, I only had to see the internalist and the nutrionist) So I called to find out about my appt as I had not been called for a long time after my appts were completed in Feb/Mar

It was then during the conversation with the asst that she gave me a date in April to come see Dr Rusnak for the next appt to see him.  They had me down for another 2 dr's to see, but I had to advise them I had already seen them and they had the paper work and that was why I had not heard back yet, they were still waiting for me to go to the appts (in Sept) but I didn't end up having to go as I had already done them all.

While there in Apr  he did tell me it would be soon but his asst Kara would get in touch with me. I hadn't heard for a long while again (about 3wks) so I called her and then after speaking to her she got back to me with a date. I am due for my surgery in June.

If I could give any advise, I would say stay on top of it, be very patient as they are a VERY busy office and they will get back to you. Good luck it will happen soon for you.

I know he has been saying he is retiring but he will continue to do the surgeries until he has a replacement. I hear that could be fall or later.

Thanks Laurie,


I appreciate the information.  I am trying to gage whether or not I should go back to work in September as planned (I have been off due to sleep apnea and assorted other issues).  I have completed all my appointments and now I am waiting.  I am not at all complaining, just needing to plan.  I was on Amson's list and wasn't scheduled to see him until June '09.  My initial appointment got bumped twice from February then to March and then June.  I am so glad to be off his list.

Hi,

boy I'd be upset too if I were on that list. If I can suggest, maybe it might be a good idea and call Kara and ask her what she thinks, she might be able to gage according to your records just what time frame she is looking at as you are due to go back in Sept. I would maybe suggest that to her and maybe they can fit you in with those specifics?  Worth a try?

Good luck, let me know how things go. Laurie

Kara's hands are tied until she gets a Fall surgery schedule.  I know that the schedule addresses late August  - Early September, but she has no idea if I will be on that schedule. 

Good luck, I'm sure things will fall into place soon.

take care, keep in touch and let me know how things go.

Laur

I am scheduled for a consult end of June with Dr.R. Do you know what he wants your HBA1C to be at to do the surgery? I am struggling to get mine down right now. When I phoned the receptionist said it was going to be at least a year after my consult for the surgery. Some people on here said all in all they had to wait less than a year from referral to surgery...Will they let people with serious comorbidities jump the line? Just wondering. My kidneys are starting to peter out. Hope to stop the damage before it gets too bad. Also, totally off topic but does anybody know a decent hotel to stay at while I am in Victoria? I don't have much money but I don't want to stay in a roach motel. Take care and good luck.

I am not quite sure about the HBA1C as that was not an issue for me.  I would suspect that something approaching normal would be acceptable.  Surgery can really wreak havoc on all systems in the body and I suspect that it will depend on the surgeon as well.  I think there is a forum here somewhere for people who have diabetes and are seeking wls to help reduce or eradicate it. 

As for a place to stay, I hear that if they have room, the Easter Seal House is quite accomodating and only $25 a night.  Apparently the lady that runs it is really great.  Explain to her your situation (from out of town, attending appointments for pre-op, need a safe, clean place to stay) and I bet you will be able to get in there.   I don't have a number for ESH, but I am betting you should be able to find it at 411.ca or by typing 'Easter Seal House + Victoria, BC" in to a search bar.   Best of luck.  Dr. R is really great by the way. 

I got in with Dr.R before there was news of his definite retirement, so my timeline is a bit different from people going through the process right now with the surgeon change upcoming and such.

My consult was in November 2008
In December I went to a local hospital (Surrey) for my overnight oximetry and pulmonary function.
January 2009 they got my results from the testing and I was given appointment dates for the specialists to see
February I had my appointments with Dr MacDonald, and the nutritionist both in the same day.
Within that week I was given a surgery date of 3 months away
The friday before surgery I went to Victoria again to meet with the anesthesiologist, more xrays, blood tests, ecg.
Surgery was on Tuesday May 5.
So for me, I had just less than 6 months between first consult and surgery.
I was lucky that I didn't need to see any other specialists as I am not diabetic and my apnea test was negative.