Dad’s Heart Catheterization

In December, Dad had his annual physical with his doctor.  He said his murmur sounded different and ordered a heart ultrasound.  When Dad told me about this, I listened to his heart and I could definitely hear a loud murmur that didn't sound right.  After Christmas he got his ultrasound done. He was diagnosed with severe aortic stenosis.  I asked Lynda at work which cardiologist she would recommend.  She said they are all good but her favorite is Dr. B W.  Mom tried to make an appointment with him and the clinic told me that the review board will look over Dad's case and let men them who will be taking him on.  Mom told me this on Monday.  On Tuesday, I worked and Lynda was also working.  She asked about Dad and I told her what happened when he tried to make an appointment.  She got upset and said "that's hogwash!"  She called the cardiologist department and asked for Dr. W.'s phone number.  They gave it to her.  She called him expecting to leave a message.  He happened to answer his phone.  Lynda told him the situation and he said that he would be right up to talk with him.  (Before I left for work that morning, I felt prompted to bring Dad's copy of his ultrasound.). Dr. W came up about 2 minutes later.  He came up to me and said "I'm Brian."  Right off the bat, I was so impressed!  He asked some more questions about Dad.  He looked over Dad's echo report.  He said that he would be happy to treat Dad.  He told me to call my parents and tell them to answer their phones.  He would have someone call from his office to set up a heart catheterization meeting to get things started.  (Before they can treat the heart, they have to evaluate this coronary arteries).  I called mom right away and told her of the tender mercies that had happened.  She started to cry on the phone.  Within a couple of hours, Dr. W's office had called and set up an appointment for the following week.  The following Wednesday, I met Mom and Dad at the hospital.  Dad had a CT scan first to evaluate the anatomy of his heart.  Then Dr. W. had his assistant met us and escort us over to the Cath lab pre-op area.  Dr. W came and met Mom and Dad for the first time.  He was wonderful with Dad!!  He's so personable!  They took Dad to the Cath lab.  When they came to pick Dad up, I was a little disappointed that it wasn't a nurse that I knew.  I had been praying that some of my friends would be able to help us today.  (I only know 5 nurses in that area).  When they brought Dad back 45 minutes later, Leslie came back with him.  I was so thrilled to see her!  Dr. W came into the room and said that Dad's coronary arteries were only mildly blocked and didn't need any intervention.  But his aortic valve definitely needed to be replaced.  It was very sick!  He consulted with Dr. J who I work with.  Dr. J came in a couple of hours later and said that he would be the back up if surgery was needed.  Dr. J was so sweet with Dad.  I love all of the surgeons that I work with but he's the one that I would have picked.  They said that Dad was a great candidate for the TAVR.  They agreed to do the TAVR next Thursday!!  Around 3:00, the nurses changed shifts and Lynette that I used to work with took over for the other nurse.  She came in and visited with us.  She was amazing!!!  Today we were showered with tender mercies!!!  My silly prayer asking Heavenly Father to have my friends take care of Dad was answered.  It showed me that the Lord was listening to my prayers.