15 months ago I had open-heart surgery. My aortic valve was replaced with a mechanical valve. I had the surgery done at Kaiser Sunnyside Medical Center in Clackamas, Oregon. In April, 2009, a new cardiac unit opened at that location. Before then, all Kaiser patients in the Portland area were sent to St. Vincent Hospital for heart surgery.
When I had my surgery done at the end of April, 2009, the new cardiac program had just opened and only ten people had been operated on before me. I was number 11.
That’s me, number 11, at today’s reunion
Fast forward to today. This reunion was held to celebrate the successful first year of the new cardiac center. Dave went with me to the reunion. We were shocked when we saw the large number of people in attendance. There were hundreds of people there!
That’s me peeking out from behind and left of the tall man in the black t-shirt.
The open-heart surgery count is, as of today, now up to 422 and the stent count is around 375. Since the time that I, number 11, was operated on, they have done almost 1000 surgeries.
Dr. Yong Shin, my very competent cardiac surgeon 
Kim Carlson, the fabulous R.N. and coordinator for the cardiac care unit. (Too bad it looks like my eyes are closed—I don’t know how to fix that with Picasa!)
Dr. Davis, one of the my anestheseologists. For this picture, I tried out the “crop” button on Picasa. It worked great!
We mingled with the other former patients, talked to some of the staff members, listened to a few short speeches, and ate the heart-healthy lunch that was provided.
Lunch tables
Dave took all the pictures of me and also the picture of the group photo. We were both impressed with the organization that went into putting on this event…everything from the many volunteers in various parts of the parking lot with signs so we knew where to go, to the booths with games for children, and of course, the heart-healthy lunch that was provided. All the former patients and staff were in great spirits. What an uplifting and dare I say it, heart-felt, event this turned out to be!
What a wonderful reunion!! How blessed you are to have had such a wonderful facility and staff to care for you and bring you to this point in your life. They are indeed angels of mercy. :-) So glad you are doing so well after this surgery. We are so fortunate that medicine has progressed so far in our lifetimes.
ReplyDeleteTake care!
Mike & Gerri (happytrails)
Carol what a great reunion to attend, glad you are doing so well. Looks like you had a great team taking care of you during your procedure.
ReplyDeleteContinue to have good health!
Say it, say it! Heart-felt is a great response. And no, there's no way Picasa can open your eyes, unless you realize that beginning to use Picasa is an eye-opener!
ReplyDeleteKaiser in Oregon does nearly everything right, as compared to Kaiser in the Northern California area. Suzy had her knee replacement done through Oregon Kaiser (California Kaiser wouldn't even touch it!), but they had surgeons on vacation and maternity leave, so she was sent to OSHU. The chief of the Orthodpedic Unit was in on her surgery, and it was a total success. Glad your heart surgery worked out just as well. Let's hear it for Kaiser Oregon!
what a great reunion!!..and congrats on being number 11..thanks for sharing a very special day!..glad you are doing well!!
ReplyDeleteThat looks like a great reunion, Mom! I'm glad you were able to see all your old friends again :)
ReplyDelete