Help

Has anybody here had surgery in Grinnell Iowa with Dr Coster and does anyone know if he has ever done surgery on anyone with pulmonary hypertension? my surgery date is on Jan 24th I told him I have pulmonary hypertension but my fear is what if something goes wrong. I received an e-mail from a couple of nice ladies who informed me the danger of hypertension especially if I go under anesthesia. They recommend that I go to New York to a pulmonary specialtist because there are no Pulmonary around here that really knows about this rare diesease I was told. Does anyone else have it that had surgery in Grinnell? Please help if you can. Lavonda

Lavonda, I read your profile & actually started crying, & I don't normally do that kind of thing. You definately need to do something & I realized why it is so scary for you. I also feel that the way things are going, you probably won't have much of a life unless something is done. I don't mean that to scare you. I felt that way about myself just last year. I don't know much about Dr Coster but I do know several people who have had their surgery in Grinnell & had good results. I saw in your profile that he is aware of your problem & will put in a filter to help with the blood clots. Has he gotten your records from the doctors who have treated you for your pulmonary problems? If so, he knows exactly what he is dealing with. I am sure the ladies who contacted you meant well and were thinking of your well-being however, there are pulmonary specialists in Iowa too. I doubt of Grinnell has any but I'm sure Des Moines has some & if necessary you can be taken by ambulence to DM. The part of yor profile that made me cry was the list of things you want to do. Last year I could only do a couple of them and today, 150lbs lighter I could do all of them. By next year so will you! I understand your concern & fears. Be sure that when you go to your doctor & for your presurgical testing that you talk with them. I'm sure they will be able to assure you. The practice in Grinnell has done so many of these surgeries. I doubt if this is their first experience with this type of problem. Good luck & keep us updated. Dixie

If Dr. Coster didn't think he could handle any complications that arise in your surgery, I'm sure he send you on to someone else. Grinnell Regional is a fine hospital and they have been performing this surgery (especially with Dr. Coster) for well over 10 years. Their success rate is phenominal. I wish you the best of luck, and look forward to seeing you in support group after your surgery! Jeri H.

Morning Lavonda, The ladies that posted you are right on the money. Sounds like your Dr is plenty competent. It IS scary to say the least. I had a mild heart attack a year ago today & my surgery was put on hold until April. This was one of my fears having an attack on the table. BUT knowing without the surgery I would probably die soon it was well worth having surgery. My surgeon was also cautious, he had all my history & had talked to my heart dr several times before surgery. Sioux City has excellent pulmonary dr's as well. The way it sounds your surgeon knows what he is doing & I'm sure he has a back-up plan. Talk to him about your concerns. Good luck! Will keep you in my thoughts & prayers. Carolyn