Let’s look at some of the questions that cross a person’s mind when he or she is first told heart surgery should be considered.
•    Is surgery really necessary?
•    Why do I need surgery when other people have
angioplasty?
•    What will happen if I decide to delay surgery?
•    Am I strong enough to undergo surgery?
•    Might the surgery itself increase my risk of heart
attack?
•    How bad will it hurt?
•    How long will I be laid up?
•    What can I do afterward?
•    When can I go back to work?
•    Will I be on permanent disability?
•    Just how did this happen to me, “when I’ve always watched my weight and diet and taken good care of myself?
•    How complicated is this surgery?
Heart surgeons hear these questions often. But tl–se questions too often, out of fear and uncertainty, remain unasked. And sometimes, we’re sorry to say, as a result of the doctor’s haste or indifference, they remain unanswered. So, while we have Dr. Brenner around, let’s talk to him, patient to doctor, and see what we can learn. We’re going to imagine you as the patient.

Trackback URI | Comments RSS