Reunion Attendance

[greggo32]

This letter goes out to all of those folks who have participated in this website (even if you didn't make 1 posting). I sure would love to see you in Vegas. I am a big fan of the saying, "The more the merrier". It would be nice to have enough people that we can have the benefit of a large group experience and multiple small group and individual experiences. I say, "Let's have some bovine folks, Porcine folks, mechanical folks, and homograft folks". Hey, throw in a few double valve people and maybe 2 or 3 aortic root replacements. And, let's not forget those wonderful pace maker people. Come on, let's give them some credit. They are truly electric people! They conduct (joke) themselves so well in public places.

What I am trying to say is please come. We all have financial and other obligations; however, let's try and get more people. I have had second thoughts about spending the money and taking off time from work. Now, I am going to put in my request for time off.

[Christina]

Hi Greg,

I am coming Greg, so get ready! I am so excited to meet all the new people, and seeing all the old VR.com friends again. I sincerely hope we will have a great turnout this time.
Where will you be staying Greg?




Christina
AVR's 8/7/00 & 8/18/00
TMC, Tucson. AZ
Dr. Gulshan Sethi
Mechanical

[LUVMyBirman]

Hi Greg

Wouldn't miss it for the world. Can personally attest that prior reunions have been great. Vegas is a cheap jump from virtually any city. Check your local newspapers for travel section deals. There are many to be had.

Looking forward to reuniting with many VR.com members. Also, meeting the members that have not made it thus far. There is still time. Come on you all. As we know......there is strength in numbers!

BTW, where's my 'dancing' partner been?
See you there!

[greggo32]

I haven't decided on a hotel. What is up with Lady Luck. I never heard of it. Does anybody have any recommendations. I'd love to stay at the Bellagio or Mandalay Bay. Any good deals?


I look foward to meeting you guys (Christina/Gina and respective husbands)

[Lorraine]

Hi Greg,

I definitely plan to be there! I went to my first reunion in Nashville last October and that was the best experience of my new life! I was 7 months post-op and had just found VR.com in May! It was great to meet the members who I know that shared my experience. No one knows what it's all about like we do!

I'm looking forward to visiting with VR.com members I already met, and meeting manny manny more.

Gina is right. There are so many deals for airlines and hotels. It might be a little rougher for our out of country members. It would be a delight to meet you all! The more the merrier! See you all there!

[Perrster]

Lorraine and Gina are exactly right. Attending a valvereplacement.com Reunion is one of the most enlightening experiences one can ever imagine.

I encourage all who can make it this October 9-13, to plan to get to Las Vegas someway, somehow.

I'm looking forward to meeting some new heart buddies. I have no specific hotel/travel plans yet. Will likely make final plans in September.

Cheers!

[Hank]

The Lady Luck was selected because it is the poor poverty stricken VR.com founder making the decisions. I checked some references and folks seemed to report it was an ok place. That combined with the fact that is is the cheapest place I could find were the deciding factors. Sure there are better places, but he who doesn't have the gold makes the rule :D

[Christina]

Hi Hank,

Where did you find that picture? I think it looks lovely! We just need a place to sleep and party, right?
Gred, I know there are much better and expensive places but let me tell you the beds are usually the same. (Spring mattrass)
We've been to very expensive hotels and the bed was horrible! I guess there is no better bed than you're own but than you never go anywhere either if you always stay home.
Just come on over to the Lady Luck Greggo, and we promise you'll have the time of your life!
Hope they have a good breakfast buffet for that price Hank!

I'd like to know how many are coming to the reunion. Let Hank know, so he will have an idea what to plan for. Last year Billy made an attendance post and everyone could write their names in if they were coming. Maybe we can do the same again!


Christina
AVR's 8/7/00 & 8/18/00
TMC, Tucson. AZ
Dr. Gulshan Sethi
Mechanical

[Hank]

There is actually a poll already in the "T-Shirts and Reunions" Forum. Everyone should go there and enter their preference and intentions.

I think that there are many more intending to attend than have indicated thus far.

Get over there and select an option everyone!!!!:)

[greggo32]

Hank,

What rate did you get? Can you get a group rate?

[Rain]

Hey Hank....

That's what I wanna know... is there a group rate? Or are we just doing this 'on our own'??

I don't really care where I stay.. as long as I'm near my vr.com buddies. I think it will be much easier to stay in touch with each other if we are all in the same hotel. It sure worked great in SAT. Sooooooo.... I'm just wondering... do I mention vr.com when I make my reservation?? Is there a group rate??

I can't wait to see you and Michelle!! :p

Rain

[Hank]

There is no group rate at this time. I have not had time to call and arrange it.

[Mb]

Dear Friends:

It is with deep regret that I have to tell you that Wayne and I cannot make the reunion. I had looked forward to possibly going, but my husband has been having some problems with his health, as some of you know. We saw his cardio last Wednesday, and he said no traveling. We don't see him again for three months. (October). Frankly I wasn't surprised that the cardio doesn't think we should be travelling, but it was a disappointment nontheless. I was so sure we would have enjoyed meeting everyone, and discussing the journey we have all shared!

We extend our heartfelt thanks, again, for all of the support and encouragement over the past year.

Marybeth

[greggo32]

Best wishes to your husband. My thoughts are with you both.

[Hank]

We'll catch you next time Marybeth. Start planning for next year.

[John & Joann]

Joann and John WILL be in attendance. We have decided to stay at the Golden Nugget which is just down the street from Lady Luck. I would recommend that we all eat at the Golden Nugget Buffet one noon or evening. It is the best buffet downtown. Also the T-Bone Steat at Bunion Horseshoe is around $6.00 for a 16 oz. steak, potato, and salad. It is not on the menu. Need to ask. In the coffee shop, but the best deal in town.

We have never stayed downtown, but are looking forward to meeting everyone. The 31 year double valve lady will need to take a break from the slots to meet everyone.

Hope that we have a BIG attendance!

John & Joann
Clicking and Traveling in Ohio

P.S. Great Deals on Air Tickets. Check out ATA, Southwest, America West prices.

[Mb]

Hey All:

We WILL be there next year. He may have some more "parts", but we will be there!

Marybeth

[allodwick]

Roche, the makers of CoaguChek, just sent me a W9 form to fill out. I haven't heard officially that they have approved my funding but it looks like it is going through. I pointed out to them that I am their single largest consumer of CoaguChek strips over the past 5 years.
Does anyone want me to bring a CoaguChek to demonstrate?
I'm planning on being there on Friday night. I may be only able to come in on Friday and leave on Saturday.
Do you want me to give a short talk and then open the session to questions? I want to do what you want. I get to hear myself flap my jaws a lot so it doesn't matter to me what format we use.
Do you have any particular questions that you would like me to cover? What if I did a few stories of the strangest things that I have seen? Let me know.

[Perrster]

Al,

My question is: Can you flap your jaws and play blackjack at the same time?
Just kidding. Look forward to meeting you!

Can you bring us up to date on Exanta? Know it's a long way off, but perhaps you have some idea from the professional's side.

Bring a few of your books to sell. I would like to pick one up for my "St. Judified" mom who doesn't use a computer.

Thank you.

Regards,

[allodwick]

I can talk about Exanta. I have seen patients taking it and warfarin. Also, the last talk I gave was sponsored by the people who are marketing it. You could say that I was unduly influenced by the money or that I had to be well versed on the drug to stand in front of a bunch of pharmacists and talk about it - take your pick.

I'll bring some books.

[joy]

I definately won't be able to make it this year, my husband is leaving for DG that month, and I want to spend the final two weeks i have with him as much as possible with the whole family. If it is in Minneapolis, or Seattle next year, I will definately be there, as I won't have to pay for lodging. Seattle, I live like 80 miles from, and minneapolis, I have lots of family there. Enjoy it, and I will be thinking of you!

[greggo32]

Hi AL,

I'm glad you are going to be at the reunion. Could you bring some information on the validity & reliability of the finger stick system vs. venipuncture. Have there been studies that have addressed this issue. I'm still getting venipunctures; however, I would like to possibly switch to a finger stick system. Also, I would like to know if there are any studies that test the safety of Warfarin in a responsible patient population (i.e. folks who monitor 1-2x's per month and keep their levels in the therapeutic range).

Thanks,

Greg

[allodwick]

I'll bring that information.

[Nancy]

Hi Al-

I'd be interested in that info also. For some reason Joe's doctor always has him do a needle draw at the lab, even though the doc has a ProTime type unit in the office. Others have asked why. His doc is excellent and very careful, so I know there's a darned good reason why.

[Zipper]

I've decided that since my insurance denied payment of my ProTime and supplies, it gives me the the option to do both home and Lab testing.

While I love the security and freedom of tesing often at home, and do trust my machine, I will still go to the Lab on a sporatic basis if I notice any significant drop or rise in my INR. Since I work at the hospital it is very convenient for me and my Lab Tech uses the method that 'saves my veins'...not sure exactly..but he said he doesn't use the'pump method' ? and no 'butterfly'.

I'm sure it is not a 'necessary' thing to do both..but for me 'what the heck'...why not?? In that regard I feel less upset about my insurance not covering my ProTime. They'll still have to pay for Lab tests (altho, not as frequent)...After all...We pay plenty for our policies!!

Zipper

[EVELYN]

HI ZIPPER....WE HAVE NOW ENTERED THE WORLD OF THE INSURANCE MAZE FOR THE PROTIME KIT.....LUCKILY MY HUSBAND'S INSURANCE TOLD HIM THEY WOULD NOT NEED A FORMAL REVIEW, SO WE'RE JUST WAITING TO SEE HOW MUCH THEY WILL PAY. AFTER THAT WE HAVE TO GO TO MY INSURANCE AND SEE WHAT THEY WILL PAY AND THEN I GUESS WE'LL PAY THE DIFFERENCE. WE'RE BOTH ANXIOUSLY AWAITING GETTING THIS MACHINE, ALTHOUGH OUR CARDIO CHECKS THE COUMADIN EVERY 2 WEEKS WITH JUST THE FINGERSTICK METHOD FROM COAGUCHECK. I THINK THE FINGERSTICK METHOD IS THE ONLY WAY TO GO AND COULDN'T EVEN IMAGINE IT WHEN OUR CARDIO TECH TOLD US THAT VERY FEW DRS. OFFICES HAVE THE COAGUCHECK, MOST SEND OUT TO LABS FOR THE RESULTS.

ANOTHER THING SHE TOLD US IS THAT COAGUCHECK WILL GIVE DRS. THE MACHINE, THEY JUST HAVE TO PURCHASE THE SUPPLIES FROM COAGUCHECK....MAYBE EVERYONE SHOULD SUGGEST THAT TO THEIR DRS TO GET THE MACHINE FOR FREE AND THEN BUY THE SUPPLIES FROM COAGUCHECK. I GUESS IT DEPENDS ON HOW MANY STICKS THEY DO A DAY FOR COUMADIN. I KNOW HERE IN THE NORTHEAST, OUR CARDIO HAS 3 TECHS THAT BASICALLY DO PTINR LEVELS AND THAT'S ABOUT IT.

CAN'T WAIT TO GET THE MACHINE......EVELYN AND TYCE

[allodwick]

The reason that very few doctors have the CoaguChek machine and some that do have it is the same answer as for many other things -- money. Medicare and many insurance companies pay less than the cost of the strip. Therefore, the doctors lose money doing fingersticks. So they shift the cost to the lab. That is the very good reason. Since they do not do it, they do not trust it because they invest no time in learning to trust it. I've done over 15,000 CoaguChek tests and will go head-to head with any doctor or lab for any diagnosis they want and I'll bet that my rate of hospitalizations for complications is lower than theirs.

The part about getting a free machine for purchasing the supplies is true. I just bought two of the deals and we put two new CoaguChek-S machines into service in July.

We also set up comparability tests. We had the lab tech come down and we got permission from 10 people to draw blood from their arm instead of a fingerstick. She the injected the blood into the blue top container for the lab to test and then put 1 drop of blood on a strip in the old Coagu-Chek, then the two new CoaguChek-Ss. The results varied slightly, but there was no tester that was consistently off in the same direction. What we found was that we would have made the same decision as to what to do with the warfarin no matter which test method was used.

The PT/INR is not a very accurate test to start. People who think that the lab is the gold standard are showing a lack of understanding about the inherent nature of the test.

Look at what happened at St. Agnes Hospital in Philadelphia last year. There were over 900 wrong tests done on the hospital lab machine because somebody forgot to key in the new batch sensitivity. They killed 4 or 5 people. I'll bet that in the entire history of the CoaguChek 4 people have not died because of innacuracy of the test.

I say it all comes down to how much they get paid.

[Zipper]

Hi Al,

Thanks for the info...it's always money, isn't it!!!! As you may have noted in my post some time ago, I did a similar test comparison (3-way) with my Lab and my ProTime unit when I 1st received it and found, as you said...VERY close results.

I strongly believe frequent testing (weekly), is the only wise thing for us to do. Without home testing, most insurance companies would balk at that unless ones INR was jumping all over the place. I'd like to see QAS give some facts and figures, as you have for Coagucheck, to boost confidence in the ProTime Unit. I believe they are probably very comparable, but we all want to be confident with our chosen method, especially when new at it.

Your input is so helpful and your expertise apparent. THANKS!

Zipper *~*

[Zipper]

Oh Al, I forgot to mention..I sure would be interested in any new info on Exanta also, as it comes up. For those that don't make the reunion and miss your talk, it would be great to know if/when it is added to your site. I've gotten so much from your site thus far....but I know there's more to come....grin.

Zipper

[allodwick]

Thanks and thank you for purchasing my book, too. It may turn out to be something that I could put on the website.

The Travel Channel had a story about haunted places and included the Moss Beach Distillery -- your part-time job?????

I guess you could take that wrong, but please don't!!!

[Zipper]

Hi Al,

LOL! "The Blue Lady" at the 'Still' (Moss Beach Distillery) draws quite a crowd. It's a very old and romantic story coming out of the 'bootleg' days of yore. The restaurant sits on the bluffs not 5 minutes from my house. It's very accomodating with the outside terrace that provides heat and warm blankets while enjoying the magnificance of the ocean. This coastside has a fascinating history. I'm a native of San Francisco and ya can't get me away from the coast for long!!!! The famous "Mavericks" surfing spot is also within 5 minutes of my home and work. Of course, both my sons are surfers starting a age 11 and have surfed most of the world best known waves.

My son actually worked there, at the 'Still', part time during his high school years. He never saw 'The Blue Lady', tho. My part-time job is not as interesing tho...LOL..maybe I'll return to haunt the local hospital ER someday!!! GRIN!

Al, your book is great..My Mom's friends love to call and ask me questions regarding interaction of meds and other info contained in the book. I'm trying to get them to buy it...but so far they'd rather call me...HaHa.

Take care...glad you saw some of my area history!

Zipper *~*

[allodwick]

I started laughing when I saw, "Zipper has replied..."

[greggo32]

I called Hotels.com and booked at the Lady Luck. They still have 5 rooms that they (hotels.com) own. October 9th and 10th are 40.00 and 11th and 12th are 66.00. The 800 # is (800) 308-4873.

Just thought someone might like this info. Good luck............

[Hank]

Michelle and I and the family are in Mesquite, NV right now and on the way through Vegas, we stopped at the Lady Luck. It will be fine for lodginf and gaming and such. It is also right next to Fremont Street which looked very interesting. They don't have any meeting rooms though, so we are going to have to come up with something else. I think we should just find somewhere affordable to eat where we can get 3 seats or so.

Thoughts?

[LUVMyBirman]

Hey Hank,

Sure that any resturant would be more than happy to accomodate the group in a 'back room' fashsion.
Here is a link that may be of interest.

http://las.vegas.diningguide.net/dl1ts.htm

[Rain]

Dang your hair grows fast, Hank. :eek: lol

Where is everyone staying?? In the East Tower, West Tower or Garden Rooms??

[Christina]

Hi Rain,

Are you coming? We reserved a tower room. Have no idea if it is East or West. Did it over the Internet, and got it for $35.00 per night for Thurs. & Sun. Fri & Sat. $69.00 per night.
Not bad I thought.
Hope they have a good breakfast every morning.
We will be going back on Monday.

Is everyone bringing casual clothes? Maybe something more dressy for dinners?
I was planning on bringing easy clothes, and some good tennis shoes for walking.
The temperatures will be in the 80's so nice and warm, so no need for warm clothes. Evenings might get a bit more chilly though.

Christina
AVR's 8/7/00 & 8/18/00
TMC, Tucson. AZ
Dr. Gulshan Sethi
Mechanical

[greggo32]

Hey Christina,

I was thinking about my leather mini skirt for evening wear and a nice halter? What do you think?

[LUVMyBirman]

Well, guys, will be there afterall! And thankfully so, I see we will be all dolled up in black mini's.;) Will be a hoot as usual!

Greatly looking forward to seeing you all and meeting those of you I have yet to have the pleasure!

Anyone hear from Ben and Cindy Smith, Bob Franklin or Mr. Gleason? We may need to get out some reminders. I emailed Bob G.

[joy]

Hey guys, my mom and Stepdad are in Vegas right now...on their honeymoon. They got married on Friday night...FINALLY! I will tell you what they say when they return. I don't think I will bug them on their "special time alone":D I won't be at this reunion, but if you ever have one in Seattle, I will not miss that one! I am hearing rumors that next year might be in Minneapolis. Good choice, with St Jude there and all. I would come to that one too! Take it easy, and enjoy yourselves this year!Be safe, and win some money!YEAH

[Christina]

Just read Ben and Perry's posts and what do I see? Those guys are p..pin out on us for Vegas. What going on with this? Was hoping to see a large turnout!


Greggo........... sorry I am late with my reply. Haven't forgotten you!
We'd love to see the mini skirt on you! Start shaving now!
One question though, do you "D. R. A. G" along like this all the time? hey, hey, hey...............:D :p :D :eek:


Christina
St.Jude's Mechanical
Tucson Medical Center 8/2000
Dr. Gulshan Sethi

[Perrster]

I had high hopes of making it to Vegas for the 2002 Reunion, but as things go...personal family issues, work schedules, other commitments and our kids off to college as well, it's looking like a long Vegas weekend is not in the cards for the Anderson's this year.

I will miss seeing Greggo in his leathers, meeting Al Lodwick, seeing and hugging my many other good heart friends. Good luck at the Lady Luck and I'll try to make next year's for sure.

I look forward to seeing a post of Reunion pix. Hopefully you'll get a shot with all of you in your vr.com t-shirts.

Cheers!

[Hank]

One thing about not being there is that we can sure talk about you in secret now!

Michelle and I are sorry that you can't make it, but we are still looking forward to a good turnout.

Even though it isn't looking as grand as some had hoped, it is still shaping up to be the largest turn out yet.

To all who are still sitting on the fence regarding Vegas, we need you there. You only have to ask any who have attended before about the strong friendships and companionships that can be experienced and developed in a few short days together.

BE THERE!!

[allodwick]

Perry,

Sorry you won't be there. I was looking forward to meeting you too.

[Bob Gleason]

I'm just wondering who will be golfing in Las Vegas and if it is worthwhile for me to bring my sticks???

If we get headcount of who is playing, I make the arrangements for tee times, courses, etc.

Hank, if you are playing, I will take care of your green fees, etc. in keeping with my tradition.......

[Bob Gleason]

Can we have a list of who is coming to Las Vegas.....maybe by name, hotel, etc.

[Christina]

Hi Bob,

My husband Gordon and I will be coming. We will be staying at the Lady Luck Hotel.
Sorry, but we don't play golf..

Christina
AVR's 8/7/00 & 8/18/00
Tucson Medical Center, Tucson. AZ
Dr. Gulshan Sethi
St. Jude's Mechanical

[John & Joann]

John and Joann will be coming. We will be staying at Gold Coast which is next door to Lady Luck. We do not play golf. Joann plays slot machines and John chases wild women!

Arrive on Oct. 9th and depart Oct. 13th.

Red Rock Canyon and Hoover Dam would be a nice trip for one day.

[allodwick]

Al Lodwick is coming - not sure where I'm staying. I will arrive Friday and leave Saturday.

John & Joann, who has the most success?