Dr Rush-Madigan??

Has anyone had Dr Rush?  I know under my name it says Sebesta, but I had to switch Dr's because my husband couldn't change his leave and he was the only one who could do it that day.  Here's my experience..... I went in for laproscopic bypass on Feb 20th.  I woke up in ICU with four IV's in me, the breathing tube still in, my stomach was on fire, and I was in restraints.  I was finally able to breathe on my own so they took the breathing tube out and told me the news.  They didn't do my surgery after all.  When they went to put in a port they nicked my vena cava, a major vein that carried blood to or from the heart.   I bled internally and ended up with 8 units of transfused blood.  I've got an incision from below my breast bone to 6 inches below my belly button.  They had to open me up because they didn't know where I was bleeding from.   My surgeon said that it's not the end of the road for me.  I can attempt this again in about two and a half months.   My recovery has been so painful that I don't know if it's going to be worth it.  I'm trying to get my emotions in check.  I'm doing okay, I'm so happy to just be alive.  I really don't know what to do now.  This was supposed to be it for me.   This was my last resort. If this is something I decide to do again, I'll be doing it with Dr Sebesta.  My husband's unit is just going to have to let him change his leave if they have to change my date. 

I am so sorry that this happened to you, and so thankful that you are alive and well! I heard about your story from your friend Christy. I met her for the first time just a few days after this happened to you. Christy had come to my house with my niece to pick up some tables for a girl scout funtcion, and while chatting I discovered that she had had Gastric Bypass 10 months ago (and lost 120 pounds). Then I discovered she had my surgeon (Dr. Carter) and the same surgery I am going to have (Open on the 28th of April). We both agreed that we felt more comfortable with the doctor being able to see everything on our insides while performing this major surgery. I am not against Lap surgery, just not comfortable with it. And we all know the risks we take with any kind of elective surgery, and this is a major elective surgery with many risks involved. Still I was shocked that any doctor could have had this accident. I am thankful that they were able to repair the vein and that you are alive and recovering. Your incision will heal with time and you will have the opportunity to have the surgery you have wanted.  Keep a positive attitude and let your body heal. It will be better the next time.

Gentle Hugs! Fran

I too am so sorrry this happened to you. What a terrible ordeal to have to go thru. Take your time in making your decision then once you make it go forward and don't look back because if you do look back you won't be able to get passed it. I've never heard of Dr Rush. Has he been doing these surgeries very long? And how long has he been at Madigan. I would certainly ask for  either carter or Sebesta the next time. Wishing you the very best in your decision. Hugs Sharon

Wow sorry to hear what happened to you, I very glad your alright, What a scary thing to wake up too. I have an appt. with Dr. Rush on Monday, He just got back from a deployment where had had to set up a hospital facility in the jungle and do minor surgeries. If you google his name you will find the info on that mission. According to my case manager he is a specialist in bariatric surgery not all of them at Madgian are, but all are general surgeons. I also hear he is a fantastic surgeon with not very good bedside manner, I guess I would prefer it that way than the reverse. I will post what I thought of him after my appt. on Monday.

How scary!!!