I asked Dr. Fredric Meyer...since the right side was 100% closed (before the right side 1st surgery) and the left side was 30%...was it an easier surgery.   He said actually they were about the same, very much identical.  By-pass is always difficult especially in kids...1mm size arteries very difficult especially arteries being "toilet paper tissue thin".  He expect the same kind of recovery period...but few hours later when they wheeled Cara back in the ICU I thought she looked so much better than when she came back from the 1st surgery...she looked at me and smiled...so much with it.  Hasn't experienced a stroke yet but Dr. Meyer said that the risk is still there but maybe not as high as the first surgery as neither side was protected the first surgery...this time the right side was protect from the first surgery...a little bit of safety net but still cautious.  Not as much swelling...but I remember it didn't really happen til the next day.  It definitely helps to experience the first surgery...and you know what to expect, how long it takes to recover...etc.  Dr. Meyer's resident, Dr. Utter came by to check on Cara...they thought she was doing great...I asked him if they used the doppler machine to check the blood flow on the right side if it was still open.  He said they did and it was open but they really won't know for sure the real progress of it until they do the cerebral angiogram which would be in 4 to 6 months.  He said for something like this you really need to give it time (I knew that but curious what his response was) I am also going to ask Dr. Meyer in the morning about "is there some special diet that would really help with the artery development" (probably not a question one would ask...but especially reading about MM patients having a higher level of protein in their spinal fluid to allow artery development...wondering if there is a way I can keep Cara's protein level "high" on my end... ::) I am over at the hotel briefly typing this message...now am gonna head back over to St. Mary's where Cara is and just look at her and smile again.....and say my "thank you" prayers.  Especially thankful that there is something they can do for MoyaMoya.  I'll be back on when we return to AZ.  Big Hugs to all of you for your prayers....xoxo  CarasMOM :D :D :D

Yeah!!  [smiley=thumb.gif] I am so glad Cara is doing well.  I can't imagine how hard that must be to have a child go through a surgery like that. I'm sending prayers for continued strength and a quick recovery for Cara.  Best wishes, Tricia :)

 I was so glad to pop in this morning and see an update.That's wonderful!!! I will pray that her recovery continues and she gets stronger everyday.Thank you for the update.I thought about your family all day.Give her big (((HUGS)))
Mary Grace

[glb]WONDERFUL![/glb]

Carol,
I know the second surgery is better in the fact that you know what to expect for your child, but you also pray it won't be as bad as the first for them. I'm glad to hear Cara's second surgery went so well. I will keep you all in my prayers.
Rena

Awesome, that is the best news in the world

Wayne

Great news -- Have you visited the Canadian Goose (I think) across the street - they have great coffee.

Give Cara a big hug and Dr. Meyers - he also did my sisters surgery - patricia O'Hara - 12/02 and 01/03

Janice  

that is wonderful news we will continue to pray for caras speedy recovery
                                       god bless
                                     donna

Thank you all for the wonderful wishes....:-)  CarasMOM