update--got my new date, and found out why the problem the last time...

Sorry I haven't posted in a while--been a lot going on here. Found out why the problem occurred the last time I went for surgery, when I got cancelled as they were starting to wheel me out into the OR . Apparently I have something called Factor XI deficiency, which is one of the factors affecting the blood's ability to clot, and is supposedly ultra-rare (just my luck, huh). The good news is, though, the hematologist has consulted with my surgeon, and they say that with the proper precautions taken I should be fine--the prognosis is the same as for a patient without this deficiency, now that they know I have it. I was very lucky they caught this before they operated the last time--there could have been big problems. So the upshot of all this is I have my new date--March 16th! I can't wait--I just hope this time it actually happens, and I pray all goes well and I'm back here to bug you guys in short order .

I'm so happy for you Barry.....things always happen for a reason and now you know...thank god they found it and now you can have your surgery in just a week..... Congratulation to you on your new date.....will be prayer all goes well and your not sent home.... Christine

Hey Barry, Great news! And you didn't have to wait all that long. I'll be thinking of you on the 16th and praying that all goes well. ~Cheryl~

Well, I slogged on the bus through the snowstorm to meet with the hematologist. Met with him, AND the hospital's chief of hematology. I am NOT a happy camper...she wants to play it conservatively, so she's recommending to my surgeon that he admit me the day BEFORE my surgery so I can be given four units of fresh frozen plasma, to bring up my Factor XI level. When I asked her how necessary this was, she said, "Well, probably not at all, but I like to play it conservatively." My objection to the contrary, but the only way the !@#@!# would clear me was with that codicil. !#@!!@# her--she's not the one who has to spend the extra day in the hospital getting more and more anxious. I HATE these type of jackasses--they're so !@#@!#!@ scared of being sued that they don't think about how their decisions affect the people they're dealing with. Sorry--I just had to vent.

Barry That is great news. I will keep you in my prayers. May your surgery be uneventful and your recovery speedy. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. Brenda