Hi All.....

 Its been awhile since I have posted.  1st off I wanted to say A huge thank you for all of you here who so graciously share their trials & tribulations re:moyamoya.

 Especially you DJ thank you for having that heart of gold & starting this web-site & giving us all a home we can run to when we are trippin on our illness & whatnot! The info here has been life saving to say the very least.... God Bless You.

 Anyway I have been highly anxious & fully relieved at the same time... I will be having my surgery "right side direct/indirect bypass" in a few weeks, October, 25 (my 2 y.o b/d oct, 26, my 44th b/d oct, 16).
 Praying the Lord will give my 2 y.o a healthy mommy for his b/d. A healthy mommy for my other 4 children & a healthy invigorated wife for hubby too!!!   [smiley=heart.gif]

   [smiley=thumbsup.gif]   I have much faith in the Lord & my neuro Dr Melvin Wong & neurosurgeon Dr Jon Graham he will be doing my surgery at Queens hospital.

 Questions, what is the average time for this surgery to be performed?  

 What was recoop like?   Average recovery time?

[smiley=ohjez.gif]  Anyone really nervous before surgery too.... I feel like a big wuss for being so anxious!!!

 Thank you & God Bless All...... annie [smiley=blush.gif]  

 

Hi Annie! [smiley=wave.gif]

How good to see you again! I’ve often thought about you and wondered how you were. I’m so glad to hear you’re having the surgery. Hopefully this is the road to a whole new healthy and more peaceful life ahead. It’s understandable that you’re nervous about it, but I would be even more nervous if you didn’t have the surgery. So, ya gotta figure this is the best road to take for you and your family. I know you’ll be in my thoughts and prayers and your MM family will be there with you in spirit.

I wish I could answer your questions exactly, but it’s different recoop time for each patient because of the many different factors involved with each person. But look at DJ the day of his surgery, he was up in bed in ICU posting and putting this website together. Amazing, huh? I’ve also heard others say they’ve had dental surgery that was far worse... it’s different for everyone. Let's just hope and pray it goes that well for you as well. The important thing is, you’re gonna get better blood flow and reduce the chances of having a stroke.

The time of surgery varies for each patient as well. That would depend on your personal specifics and the type of surgery performed.

I hope you and your little one have a very Happy Birthday this month. Try not to worry and enjoy! Just know you have all our prayers with you and remember who's in control of it all. [smiley=thumb.gif]

Please keep us posted.

God bless,
Mar [smiley=hug.gif]

Don't worry!  I was crying before my two surgeries.  I think it is normal.  You have a lot riding on the surgeries.  Just remeber your kids and husband -- that's what I did before mine.  If all goes well you should be out of the hospital within 5 days.  I had the next three months of recovery.  Remember you can't lift anything over 10 pounds for quite a while.  That was hard for me since I had a baby at home.  He went to daycare.  Take care.  Paula

Hi Annie,

My brother, Kevin has MM and had two direct bypasses a year ago this past May. He is doing very well. I remember the waiting was the hardest for him and he too was nervous about having surgery. I think those things are only normal for anyone faced with a major surgery.

Kevin kept a positive attitude and knew that the surgery was his hope for a better tomorrow. Your faith and positive attitude will take you through this time and you have the support of your MM family.

As Mar, mentioned, recovery is diffierent for each person. Kevin did very well and was out of the hospital in 5 days after his first surgery and about the same for the second. There is a picture of Kevin and his ICU nurse Robert in DJ's picture book and that was taken not even 24 hours after his surgery. He is laughing and talking. Kevin was up and walking the next day and we went for a walk in the hospital gardens and even went to the gift shop.  

You keep the faith and a positive attitude and you will do fine.

Let us know how you are doing.

Hugs,

Lore                

Annie,

So glad to hear you got in touch with Dr. Wong!!!  I remember when you were a Kaiser patient...  Oct 25 huh?  I'll be right there for you!!!!  Please email or call me to let  me know when or if you need ANYTHING!  You know I'm here for you...

Oh Annie...it's been such a long road... I remember when I read your email and decided to write to you...and now look.... Amen! ;)  You are a true go-getter...and I'm so proud of you for not giving up!  I know it wasn't easy...

Please know that we're all here for you... I'll be waiting to hear from you.

God bless,
Shan

;)  Thank you all soooo much 4 the encouraging words & prayers... May Gods love & Peace 4ever be yours.

  ..... annie ;;D

 My daughter will keep you all posted.... just 1 more week now.

Hello Annie,

I just completed my surgeries 8/25 & 8/29 .... so I am 6 weeks post final surgery.

My surgeries.....each were about 8 hrs long....but hey, I was sleeping through...so it didn't matter to me! I was very calm going into surgery as I felt a higher power was watching over me in all of this. The most critical time is when they clamp off the blood flow.....this should be restored in under 30 minutes for safety. That is when the actual grafting of the arteries is going on.

As for post surgery......a painful earache as they probed around just above the ear and of course a strong headache. Within 48hrs I was feeling much better and the pain meds kept everything under control.

Now, 6 weeks later......my once daily headaches are practically gone (just little baby headaches remain) my daily dizzyness is gone and I feel I have less brain fog going on. I do still have a lot of fatigue. My legs feel heavy and I tire out very quickly. I am driving around and pretty much doing all the things I normally do....just a little less of it.

I am looking forward to my 6 month anniversary as I feel I will should be doing great. I am realistic tho.....I will probably have a fatigue issues for the next few years and that is alright with me......as it is quality time....not quantity! LOL

I will be thinking of you and wishing you a successful surgery.

warmest wishes.....diane : )

The support and encouragement from everyone is so amazing. I'd give kudos to all!

808 Annie my thoughts are with you as we are in stanford awaiting roberts first surgery on the 24th


God Bless
Mike