Hey eveyone. Just wanted to let everyone know that momma has finally been officially diagnosed with mm by Dr. Steinburg. He reviewed her films yesterday and called my dad with his opinion. He said that in his opinion she did have mm on her left side and that he recommended bypass surgery, so they are supposed to keep up with her on a weekly basis until she improves alot more(he said he wanted to wait and let her improve almost as much as she was going to with theropy because he didn't want to impeed her progress with surgery just yet) and then we will start talking about surgery. He also said her right side was fine. I need yall to pray that Dr. Steinberg will be able to do the surgery with insurance backing it. And also pray for strength for my dad. He is worried about if she didn't make it out surgery, he would never forgive himself and that kind of stuff. Thank you for all of your support.       Nikki

I will keep you in my thoughts.  Don't let the insurance bully you.  They tried that with us and it didn't work.  Keep us informed on how your mom is doing.  Take care of yourself too.

Nikki:  I'll be praying for your mom's recovery and future surgery, and for you and your dad to have strength through this difficult time.  Hang in there!   :)  Tricia

what a relief to FINALLY get a diagnosis!  I know what that means first hand!   It took me 12 years to finally get a diagnosis myself.  I had to end up having a stroke at 39 ( in January) before anyone took me seriously enough to get a MM diagnosis.  Eventhough it is not a good one to have, at least you know that it has a name and we aren't going crazy!!!  I will keep your mother, father and yourself in my prayers that God keeps his arms around all of you through each and every step of the way.  God bless you all.  Laura from Louisiana [smiley=hug.gif]

Nikki,
             Finally....... thats a relief of some sorts huh even though its a bummer. Dr. Steinberg made Mandy wait a month herself before surgery, tell your Dad I don't personally know anyone yet that hasn't made it out of surgery so far so keep the faith and keep fighting the Insurance as long and hard as you can. Hope your mom keeps improving the way she is she'll be getting surgery before she knows it and getting her life back to normal. Tell her I said good luck!
                    Nancy :) ;;D [smiley=hug.gif]

Nikki,
          I was wondering if your Dad had a chance to get on the site yet? I know he doesn't want to leave her for long can't say I blame him I was the same way.
                               Nancy

Nikki,

I am so glad that you and your family finally have an answer, now to work on the solution.  

I will be praying for you and your family.  I will pray for strength not only for your mom, but for the entire family.  I have learned that although this disease doesn't affect us physically, it is not just our loved ones disease but our too in some way.  I know how you and your dad are feeling, we all do.  You just have to give God the control over the situation.  He wants the control, don't take it away from Him once you have given it.  Pray diligently, pray for specific things, tell God what it is that you want.  He is listening and wants to answer your prayers.  I have found that the power of prayer is so strong, and the more people that you have praying for you and in your corner the better it is all around.

It was so great to meet you the other day.  Thank you so much for coming to the hospital to meet us and Trey.  He is doing great!!!!  You have my number, please call if you need to talk.  

I will be praying for you and your family and the finances as well.  Good luck.

:D,
Michell

Thank you guys for all of your support. I talked to momma today over the phone and in just the week she has been in theropy, her speech has already improved dramatically to me anyway. Her slur is almost gone, but she still has alot of trouble with word finding. She started trying to tell me something over the phone and it just came out as a big jumble, but then she stopped and thought for a min. and started to say it very slowly and she almost got it! [smiley=thumb.gif] She is also taking her showers with a shower chair in the shower and doesn't seem to have alot of trouble at all getting in and out(with daddys help of course). Doing dang good for a woman with blood covering a third of her brain I think. She's amazing! [smiley=bow.gif] No Nancy, daddy hasn't been able to get on the site yet, but I make sure and tell him what everyone says and all of everyones stories and what all of you guys have been through. We do good to get him to go out to eat with us because momma wants him there 24/7, and I can't say that I blame her, but we do take him out when we can. Do you think there are computers there at the hospital that he could use? I'll keep yall posted. I can't tell you how greatful I am to have all of yall. Can't thank you enough! ;)                         Nikki

Nikki,

I know that there are computers at Children's that the patients and their families can use.  Maybe there is an area at UAB or the rehab that has computers available for family use.  Ask your mom's nurse if there is an area there since it is an extended stay area.

Good luck.

Michell

:-* [smiley=thumb.gif]Nikki---Ditto to everything Michell said.....Pray diligently...God will not let you down......WE are keeping your momma, daddy, you and your entire family in our prayers......In terms of insurance coverage and any problems you have with the insurance companies, ask Dr. Steinberg if he has patient advocates in his office who will help your momma by making phone calls and writing letters, if need be......I know that my neurosurgeon, Dr. Connolly at Columbia Presbyterian, has business people in his office who act as patient advocates with the insurance companies...they will write letters and make phone calls.......whatever is necessary.....I think this is such a good thing because it allows the patients and their families to focus on the illness......the physical, emotional and psychological issues....and someone else is advocating with the insurance company and keeping them posted....with all the other financial worries as a result of time lost from work, I feel that this is a real Godsend....and insurance is never a problem with respect to consultation with Dr. Connolly's office......he will see anyone who needs it....I'm hopeful for your momma that Dr. Steinberg has similar business people in his office who will advocate for your momma........Prayers are with you and your family........Trust in God's guidance....He will not fail you.....Love and peace to you and your family...Pat :-*

    You got my prayers ;) and don't forget our moyamoya patron saint, Saint Philomena.
    You can also rest at ease because you're at a great institution with a great doctor.

The lord bless mom and family,  Tom G.