Surgery Cancelled Until further notice.

I was schedule for surgery with Dr. A.C. for Oct 15, due to all that is going on in Des Moines, I was rescheduled with Dr. Myrie after the news came that Dr. A.C. no longer was doing this type of surgery. Seen Dr. Myrie on Oct 7 and he said he needed me to be off a certain medicine completly before he would do the surgery and needed me off of this for at least 3 months (predisone), of course none of my doctors had informed me of this situation. I felt like he was stalling for time. I talked to my endocrinologist and seen no problem with having surgery. After she talked w/Dr. Myrie he agreed to do it if I lower the dosage for at least 6 weeks. After all of this now they are telling me they won't know a date until the end of the week. I think I probably should look at a new program but I have completed all the steps and then some. So thanks to everybody who have sent encouraging words, but I won't be having surgery Wednesday. With all the news and newspapers covering the surgery I'm not sure what to do?? Help Help

It is probably a good idea to be atleast on a lesser dose of Prednisone. Prednisone is an immunosuppresant. You could be at a higher chance of infection and slow healing. Hang in there and good luck. As far as all of the news, sometimes you have to not follow it. Some of the news is hype and ratings. Take care of yourself and try to stay positively focused. Laurel

Shaneka- Have you looked into the doctors in Grinnell? I looked at your profile and you have the same insurance as I do- and I am having my surgery in Grinnell with Dr. Schwartz on Nov. 19. They have a great reputation and have been terrific to work with. Don't give up! Lori

I am sorry to hear that they cancelled your surgery. Maybe you could just have them transfer your files to Grinnell i hear they are good. if i had more time i would. I will pray for you so you can have your surgery. good luck. lynda

That must be so discouraging. Up here we are a little more removed from all the hype. Doesn't seem to have been any repercussions yet but I am just waiting for KCRG or KGAN to do a story. At St Lukes alone we do 2-3 surgeries a week. I believe that ANY kind of surgery on a morbidly obese person is risky, especially when you add the kind of co-morbidies a lot of us have. But brain surgery is risky too. Why don't they talk to people who have had brain surgery to control significant seizure conditions? These people risk dying, having their speech, memory, or even motor skills permanently damaged. They also run the "risk" of successfully eliminating a condition that has a negative impact on every socio-economic facet of their life. By the same token, until people accept that obesity and mental illness are organic/genetically based, they will continue to be stereo-typed and discriminated against. Weaning you off the prednisone makes sense Shaneka but the timing IS a little suspicious! I would guess that the time it would take to sign up with a different surgeon/hospital would be at LEAST the same amount of time it would take to complete your prednisone trial. Hang in there! We are all rooting for you! Do what you feel is right for you!

I just want to let you know that I had my surgery performed by Dr. Myrie on September5. I am feeling great and back at work full-time. Of course you need to decide for yourself, but I'll tell you I was very comfortable and confident in Dr. Myrie. I would be scared in the midst of all the hoopla but I would have Dr. Myrie do it again in a heartbeat. Best of luck.

Shaneka- what a mess!!! I am so sorry you hve run into this. Lost of decisions to be made. When I learned of the trouble at IMMC- I decided to move over to the Mercy program- but I was not nearly as far along as you- I was still waiting for my first appt with Dr. AC. While the timing does seem a bit suspect, it sounds like Dr. Myrie made the right call. I think that IMMC is trying to pull in the reigns on this and make sure that they are decreasing the potential for complications. This means that Dr. Myrie is probably making a sound medical decision for you- but the timing is horrible! Good luck in what ever it is you decide to do! We are all here rooting for you!

Nothing has changed from a month ago to today. The same risks are present, it's just a diffrent surgeon. THe news of today will be forgotten soon. I'm sick of it too. I would trust your instincts. Women have excellent instincts. Do what you thinks right, keep researching and pray about it Good Luck!! Deb Paul

To repeat the short version of my story, I was scheduled for surgery with Dr AC on 10/3, got cancelled on 10/2. Dr Myrie agreed to take me for the following week (10/10) and I didn't meet him until RIGHT before surgery. (as in after all the pre-op and right before the wheeled me to the OR) I am actually kind of glad the set back happened. I really do like Dr. Myrie MUCH better than AC and I have been home since Monday (10/13) and am doing pretty good. Great except for the stretched ribs thing. If it were me, I would keep on with Dr Myrie, but it is ultimately your decision. No surgeon worth his salt will do your surgery while you are on or just off of prednisone. Toooo dangerous. Just think about your decisions before you burn any bridges. e-mail me if I can help, it might take me a bit to get back to you, but should be within 24 hours. Elizabeth [email protected]