Do any of these names sound familiar?

[JoeyG]

Hello there!

We have an Induction Date of 2/21/2010 for our baby girl! I sent a note to Kim, with PCMC's Cardiology staff, giving her the heads up. She mentioned that we'd probably meet with either Dr. Burch or Dr. Kaza regarding our baby's surgery, and that Dr Mack (Cardiologist) would be on staff the week of her birth.

Have any of you had experience with any of them? I'm sure they are all good; I see from the website that Dr. Burch trained in my hometown of Louisville, KY, but otherwise ...any experience with him or Dr. Kaza? Our Cardiologist is Dr. Menon, whom we absolutely love and want to stay with as her regular Cardiologist. Have any of you met with Dr. Mack?

I'm also wondering if babies require blood during their open heart surgeries ...and if so, did you all line up donors? I know every procedure is different, but I'm just wondering what you all did to prepare.

And of course, any last words of advice ....now that we're less than 3wks away?

Once again, we thank each and every one of you for your support and advice ...it has been an absolute saving grace to us.

[cmooredavis]

Dr Burch assisted with Jacob's surgery. I have never met him but have heard good things about him and Dr Kaza.

As far as the cardiologist's go while you are in the hospital you will see whoever is scheduled. I think we interacted with 5 cardiologist in the two weeks we were there plus 1 more in the 2 week post release follow-up appointment. For regular check-ups you get to decide who you want to be your child's cardiologist. They asked us at the hospital who we wanted noted on Jacob's chart as the main cardiologist. We went with Dr Etheridge because we had the most interaction with her and felt comfortable with her. She also see a lot of TGA kids (my son's defect) so that helps. Some cardiologist specialize in different defects so you can ask about that too.

Yes, there is blood needed for the bypass surgery. We asked about donating but were told hospital policy was to used screened blood that the hospital has and not use specific donors.

Good luck these next few weeks. Please let us know what you need and when you are up for visitors! Sending good thoughts and prayers your way!

[Bartholomew]

Mason had Dr. Burch do his BT shunt. everything went really well. I feel that he is safe and confident in his work. also he recognized us 3 months later in the hallway. I think that says a lot about a person. it wasnt just a HI how are you, it was how is mason I hear he is on transplant list... that made me a lot more confident with whom I was dealing with. SOMEONE WHO CARES, WOW!!

[Alli and Kyle Hicken]

You are in good hands. Dr. Burch was my son's primary surgeon on both heart surgeries so far and in one, Dr. Kaza assisted and in another, Dr. Kouretas assisted on the other. All three of the Cardiothorasic surgeons are WONDERFUL and you will be well taken care of. We do have a special place in our heart for Dr. Burch. He is a wonderful man. Grant has additional organ complications and so in the months that we were at the hospital, he was long past the time that the CT surgical team normally follows a child. That did not stop Dr. Burch. He came by to visit every time he was in the hospital and stayed very up to date on Grant's progress in other areas. He remembered details of our lives when we came back for the Glenn 4 months later and even now when we see him in the hospital, he excuses himself from the conversation to come over and say hello. I think we all have a great admiration and respect for the surgeons that save our kid's lives, but they are really wonderful.

As far as the cardiologist on staff, you will find that you meet many different cardiologists while you are there. Different cardiologists are assigned to rotate on different floors (PICU, recovery floor, etc) each week, but even that changes frequently. Take time to get to know each of the cardiologists and don't worry....they often talk to each other. We had many cardiologists who brought in colleagues to consult on specific issues.

Blood donation...here is something that I wish I would have known. We did not know that we could donate blood for our son until his second surgery. Call the Cardiothorasic surgery office (or maybe the same day surgery office since they prepared the packet of information!) and get a firm answer. I am not sure that they can use it during surgery, but there is a good chance that your baby will need more blood after surgery. When we went for the Glenn, we had a flier that said we could donate ourselves. It had to be done several weeks in advance to allow time for the blood to be prepared and the blood had to be drawn at a location different that PCMC. Sorry...I wish I remembered more details. Since you are coming up on your induction date, you might just have enough time....and if not, don't stress it. Good luck in the coming weeks! Do you have a blog where we can keep up on your baby's arrival?

Alli Hicken
mom to Grant
grantmeaheart.blogspot.com

[SBAimee]

We LOVE Dr. Kaza. He did both of Jack's surgeries. He transfered here from Children's Hospital of Boston about a year and a half ago. They are all great though. Hard to go wrong. I'm not sure about Dr. Mack, but you'll see lots of different cardiologists while you are there.

Good luck with everything! Let us know if you need anything. Visits, a decent meal brought in, someone to come do your laundry. We've all been there and are happy to help any way we can. Just remember to take it one day at a time.

Aimee

[JoeyG]

Once again, you all have made me feel so much better. I am so relieved to hear good things about both surgeons!!! I am certain they are both very good, but to hear they both have good bedside manner really puts me at ease.

As well, I guess I didn't understand how the Cardiology "rounds" work -- it makes total sense our baby will see a number of them during this first round at PCMC.

And thank you so much for the offers of support! I'm quite relieved that my mom will arrive the day the baby is due to deliver. At least I'll have someone at home minding our 2yr old, and taking care of Bob while I'm in the hospital. We did start a blog, if any of you are interested, it's http://bandjgoodsonfamilyblog.blogspot.com/
Since I'll have our laptop with me at the hospital, I'm planning on posting a note to you all here at Healing Hearts once she makes her arrival.

Thank you all again so much. I truly appreciate all the help and advice you've given us thus far.

Heart Hugs to all of you!

[HANGZ]

I will check on your blog for updates on your little girl. Please let me know if you need a visitor, or help with anything.

HUGS!!!!
Heather
Mom to Noah (Tricuspid Atresia, ASD, VSD)