Need insight: Sprite dx with hydrocephalus

[Wylie's Mom]

Hoping for good news for Sprite. The Neuro vet in Phoenix is only about 15mins from my house, though I've never heard of this vet. Sounds like he comes highly recommended.

[lynzy420]

I'm so glad to hear this news today!

[107barney]

Originally Posted by lynzy420

I'm so glad to hear this news today!

Yes let's keep our fingers crossed that Sprite has an answer today!

[megansmomma]

Things are looking up for Sprite!

[Ellie May]

We are so happy to give Kmarla another option.

I live about an hour from Dogwood, so not too bad. We will do whatever we can to help.

[lynzy420]

Originally Posted by Ellie May

We are so happy to give Kmarla another option.

I live about an hour from Dogwood, so not too bad. We will do whatever we can to help.

Thumb up!

[kmarla]

Just a quick update with no news really. They're still waiting to hear from one supplier, so that's the delay. Hopefully I'll have more to report shortly. Again thanks to you all for the support and good wishes. We're hanging in there!

[megansmomma]

Thank you for the update.....still praying for precious Sprite <3

[107barney]

Originally Posted by kmarla

Just a quick update with no news really. They're still waiting to hear from one supplier, so that's the delay. Hopefully I'll have more to report shortly. Again thanks to you all for the support and good wishes. We're hanging in there!

Awww Karen, the delays are torture!! I'm so glad you're hanging in there. I know I would be so distraught by now. Give Sprite a hug for me.

[ladyjane]

I am very concerned about why this vet is having so much of a problem with finding this item. This is a sick pup and I would think time is of the essence. Have you spoken with him about other options?
I hesitate to say what to do; but I know that I personally would be out of there and driving to the states where there is someone who can do this surgery immediately.
This seems to be dragging out far too long for comfort.
I apologize if I sound offensive....just very concerned for Sprite.

[megansmomma]

Originally Posted by ladyjane

I am very concerned about why this vet is having so much of a problem with finding this item. This is a sick pup and I would think time is of the essence. Have you spoken with him about other options?
I hesitate to say what to do; but I know that I personally would be out of there and driving to the states where there is someone who can do this surgery immediately.
This seems to be dragging out far too long for comfort.
I apologize if I sound offensive....just very concerned for Sprite.

This is an excellent point Linda! I work in the OR as many people know. There is a Medical Sales Rep for every device used in the OR and all reps carry these things in the trunk of their cars. My concern is that there isn't a contact already in place for this device which leads me to believe he's never done it before. It just shouldn't be this hard to get the part. Medical Reps are very willing to drop everything and RUN for surgeons. As a matter of fact, yesterday the surgeon that I was working with told me that a rep had his car broken into over the weekend and had $1,000,000 worth of heart devices stolen from the trunk of his car! I just cannot even imagine! But my point is, regardless of the size or type of shunt needed I don't see why they don't have a direct contact already in place.

[kmarla]

Yes I'm trying to stay calm but truthfully I'm getting anxious with the delays. Megansmamma I think you've probably hit the nail on the head. The neurology dept is brand new here. I've talked to the neurologist and the technician several times and I know they're working hard on this. No doubt it will be much easier for the next person once a contract is established. The neurologist is experienced in doing the VP Shunt procedure. This procurement issue should be sorted out apparently by the end of the day. We do have an alternative location in the States to consider but it would be better to avoid travelling for Sprites sake if at all possible. I will update as soon as I have news.

[107barney]

Originally Posted by kmarla

Yes I'm trying to stay calm but truthfully I'm getting anxious with the delays. Megansmamma I think you've probably hit the nail on the head. The neurology dept is brand new here. I've talked to the neurologist and the technician several times and I know they're working hard on this. No doubt it will be much easier for the next person once a contract is established. The neurologist is experienced in doing the VP Shunt procedure. This procurement issue should be sorted out apparently by the end of the day. We do have an alternative location in the States to consider but it would be better to avoid travelling for Sprites sake if at all possible. I will update as soon as I have news.

I have an idea while you wait. Call that hospital and tell them you want an electronic copy of her records and a CD of the burned MRI images to be prepared because you've located other hospitals in the states who are ready, willing, and able to take Sprite's case on if this hospital can't get it together. He may have done the surgery, but he doesn't have the parts, the source, or a final estimate prepared, and that is what you need to move forward for Sprite.

[yorkietalkjilly]

Originally Posted by megansmomma

This is an excellent point Linda! I work in the OR as many people know. There is a Medical Sales Rep for every device used in the OR and all reps carry these things in the trunk of their cars. My concern is that there isn't a contact already in place for this device which leads me to believe he's never done it before. It just shouldn't be this hard to get the part. Medical Reps are very willing to drop everything and RUN for surgeons. As a matter of fact, yesterday the surgeon that I was working with told me that a rep had his car broken into over the weekend and had $1,000,000 worth of heart devices stolen from the trunk of his car! I just cannot even imagine! But my point is, regardless of the size or type of shunt needed I don't see why they don't have a direct contact already in place.

And the nurse coordinator in the O.R. plus at the surgeons' offices have all the Medical Reps phone numbers on speed dial. And reps do keep their own inventories or have their company jet the needed appliances or pieces of equipment right to them at the airport if necessary and hand-delivery several of them, in case one fails.

[kmarla]

Phewww,
Just a quick response as I only have a few minutes. 107barney, I'm already on it I've already reached out to alternate facilities,and I'm in the process of making arrangements for copies of records etc. I'll update as soon as I have anything.