It's been a while but I wanted to update my MM family on my status.  I had STA-MCA Bypass and EDAS back on 1/9/06 at U of M hospital.  Surgery was from 10 AM to 7 PM and all went pretty well.  There was one complication.  The "good" artery dr. chose to use for bypass had a blood clot in it and had to revascularize it.  Not a problem, since he caught it immediately, but instead of one or two burr holes, I ended up with six burr holes instead and a piece of skull removed about the size of a playing card.  Of course the skull was replaced but the burr holes remain open.  I stayed in ICU from Monday to Thursday and was released on that Thursday. Overall, I must say it was a pretty good experience compared to my first bypass at Harper Hospital.  I was a alot more alert after surgery and don't look like I had such a butcher job on my head.  Dr. shaved a line for the incinsion and staples and I only went home with 26 staples (and many stitches).  Had the staples about 14 days (just had them removed Monday).  So far, I am feeling good.  I do have a constant piercing pain where the burr holes are but hope that will subside in time. I also haven't regained the full feeling back where the bypass/burr holes are.   I've also lost a sense of feeling in my left arm (thumb up the arm) where they inserted a special IV line in my artrery for surgery, they hit a nerve when they did it.  They tell me feeling should come back over time.  Of course, headaches as normal, but not too many unbearable ones so far.  I am sleeping alot and really not taking anything for pain except Tylenol w/Coedeine.  Dr. did put me on a seizure med since I had a larger craniatomy.  It seems to be agreeing with me so far.  I should be going back to see Dr. in the next week or two.  Hopefully, plan on being back to work by mid February.  I'm gonna take this recovery period a little slower than last time, at least that's my plan.  I want to take a minute to thank everyone for their prayers and support during this tough time.  

Dear Lorie,

I'm happy to hear you're on "the other side" of surgery.  It's never anyone's idea of fun, but hopefully now you're on the road to recovery!  Please keep us posted on your progress.

[smiley=hug.gif], Jill

Hi Lorie,

Glad to hear your surgeries are over. Sounds like you had quite a lot of "extra" or "different"  type surgery stuff going on. Sounds like you've been through a lot but also sounds like you are recovering well with minimal troubles.

Did Dr. Thompson at U of M do the surgery?

Keep us posted on your progress.

Hugs,

Lore

Hi Lorie,

Thanks for the update. You’ve been on a long, rough road on your MM journey. Our prayers are that you’ll have a smooth and comfortable ride ahead of you now that your surgeries are behind you. It never stops amazing me how much you guys go through with MMD and yet you all come through it like champions. I’m so proud of you and the many who brave this monster of a disease. God love ya!

We hope you’ll continue to update us and let us know how you’re doing.

Our continued thoughts and prayers.

Mar

Lorie-

Glad to hear that your surgeries are over and you are recovering well. Before you know it you will be celebrating your one year anniversary since your surgeries! I hope that you continue to do well!

Christy

Lorie-
Glad to hear that your surgeries went well!  Lord willing, mine will go as smoothly. I'll be traveling down the surgery path in March with Dr. Steinberg.  God bless you.
Lee