Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

Miles Archer

(18,837 posts)
Sat Aug 18, 2018, 07:18 AM Aug 2018

Jefferson Airplane's Marty Balin 'Disabled' After Heart Surgery

Marty Balin — co-founder of Jefferson Airplane and longtime singer for that group and its later incarnation, Jefferson Starship — was, according to a lawsuit, left “totally disabled” by the care he received at a New York City hospital, following an emergency heart procedure.

According to the New York Post, Balin has filed the suit against Mount Sinai Beth Israel Hospital, alleging that staff there botched his recovery from open-heart surgery in 2016, causing him to lose half his tongue, his vocal cords, left thumb and the mobility in his left hand.

Balin, 76, was in New York for a gig on March 12, 2016, but the day before was rushed to Mount Sinai Beth Israel with a cardiac issue and did not leave the hospital for three months. While there, he wound up having having open-heart, triple-bypass and valve-replacement surgery, and spent time in the hospital’s intensive care unit.

During Balin’s time in the ICU, he required a tracheotomy, which he claims was performed improperly, resulting in the loss of half of his tongue and use of his vocal chords. He also alleges his IV was incorrectly inserted and improperly monitored, resulting in his left hand being paralyzed and his thumb on that hand requiring amputation. He also got bedsores and now requires dialysis after his kidneys were damaged during his stay.

http://ultimateclassicrock.com/marty-balin-disabled-heart-surgery/
5 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
Jefferson Airplane's Marty Balin 'Disabled' After Heart Surgery (Original Post) Miles Archer Aug 2018 OP
Poor guy jpak Aug 2018 #1
holy cow, onethatcares Aug 2018 #2
Sad story. One of rocks great voices ghostsinthemachine Aug 2018 #3
That's truly tragic! 2naSalit Aug 2018 #4
Bummer. Marty Balin is one of my favorite singers. Liberal Veteran Aug 2018 #5

onethatcares

(16,174 posts)
2. holy cow,
Sat Aug 18, 2018, 08:15 AM
Aug 2018

and all that happened to a guy with some money. Imagine what they would do to us serfs?

We'd be practice.

ghostsinthemachine

(3,569 posts)
3. Sad story. One of rocks great voices
Sat Aug 18, 2018, 08:19 AM
Aug 2018

I had been wondering where Marty had been. Glad to see he's bounced back after such a harrowing experience.

2naSalit

(86,665 posts)
4. That's truly tragic!
Sat Aug 18, 2018, 08:46 AM
Aug 2018

I've always liked him as a musician. ERs can either be a blessing or a curse. I have had to save my own life in an ER in spite of the medical staff, I was really lucky compared to Mr Balin's ordeal. I hope he succeeds.

Liberal Veteran

(22,239 posts)
5. Bummer. Marty Balin is one of my favorite singers.
Sat Aug 18, 2018, 11:36 AM
Aug 2018

Mickey Thomas was an adequate replacement, but Marty Balin's voice was so much more soulful and rich.

Latest Discussions»The DU Lounge»Jefferson Airplane's Mart...