Hello all:
I am a 39 year old caucasian female.  Found out last Thursday and am beginning the journey most of you have been on.  I am relieved to know what I have has a name.  Since my TIA on March 3rd, I have been stumping different doctors.  I have seen a neurologist, cardiologist and a rheumatologist.  My neuro referred me to UCLA and after getting the insurance approval, the wait to get into UCLA began.  I finally got in last Thursday and I got my diagnosis.  I am now waiting for approval for further tests, and a meeting with Dr Neil Martin to determine my next steps.
I was thrilled to find this site and have already met someone from the guest book who lives in my area.
I recently filed for divorce from my husband one month prior to my TIA, so am somewhat going through this alone as my mom is in Florida and my sister is in Texas, but my friends have been awesome and all are learning all about Moya Moya - although their first reaction is "Huh?" or "What the heck is that?"  I am looking forward to learning more and learning from all of you.  
Cheers....Sandi

Hi Sandi, [smiley=wave.gif] Welcome to our MM family!

I’m sorry to hear you were diagnosed with MM, but I’m sure glad you found us. There are beautiful people here that will help you along your journey in any way they can, and we’re here to tell you, you’re not alone.

You’re on the right path in learning all you can about this rare disease. That’s so very important! Knowledge will help you make the important decisions that are ahead, in a world where we see so many steered in the wrong direction simply from their lack of experience with MM the disease itself. So, the more you learn, the better and safer you’ll be.

Feel free to ask any questions. No question is too small, and know we’re here for you every step of the way.

Keep us posted...

Mar

Welcome Sandi!  I'm sorry you had the need to find us - but glad you did!  As Mar said, there are wonderful people here...consider yourself part of the MM Family!  Please let us know if you have any questions!

-Shari

Hi Sandi,

Welcome to the MM family.

You are not alone, you have your friends and this wonderful group of people who are now your MM family to support you through your journey.

There is a wealth of information on the board about MM the disease as well as all the sharing of experiences by MMers that is very helpful.

Like Mar and Shari mentioned, ask any questions.

Keep us posted on your testing and let us know how you are doing.

Lore

Thanks so much for the warm welcome.  I have since contacted Dr Steinberg who has graciously invited me to send my films to him for review.  I am awaiting approval from insurance to go back to UCLA for the additional tests and further information on the surgery...so it is all a wait and see.

It is great to have a community to share with and appreciate the open "arms"!
Sandi

Sandi,  I sorry hear about your diagnosis!!  I was diagnosed back in 2000.  Since finding this sight I have found that I should have taken a much more active roll in my treatment than what I did.  Don't make the same mistake I did. ;;D

Looking forward to hear about your next test results.

Welcome and Good Luck!!! ;)

Hi Sandi,

Welcome to our family!  I just want to echo everyone else's info on MM.  I live in Oceanside.  I was diagnosed in 2006 & had  bi-lateral bypasses in 2006.  I had my surgeries in Stanford.  Please feel free to email me personally if I can help.
Take care..
Lee  :)

Hi Sandi,
   Welcome to the mm family. As everyone has said we are here for you at anytime. We live one day at a time to the best we can.  Take care and godbless, Sharon

Hi Sandy...

Welcome to our wonderful "family".    [smiley=wave.gif][smiley=hug.gif]   We've all pretty much gone through the testing and stuff like that.  You are definitely going in the right direction.  And don't be afraid to ask questions.  You'll find everyone here really friendly and helpful and you'll make a lot of good friends here.  I sure did. [smiley=sayyes.gif]

Aloha,
Jan

I do have lots of questions...both pre and post surgery related I would say.  I used to work out a lot.  I have patricipated in a couple of 10ks and one small Triathlon and was hoping to compete this year to commemorate my 40th.  When I first was discharged from the hospital after my TIA (but before I was diagnosed) I was told no more strenous exercise, no alcohol, no long air trave, and I was placed on Coumadin and Lipitor.  Since the diagnosis, I was told I could exercise, travel, drink in moderation, came off the Coumadin, but got an increase in the Lipitor.  I am sure every case has its differences, but I am hoping I will come out of this with the ability to do what I did before this experience.  Can I exercise and run tris, can I ride on a rollercoaster, will I be on Lipitor forever.....will things be somewhat normal?  Again, I know everyone may have a different perspective based in their own personal situation, but I am just hoping for some insight as to what limitations I will be faced with as a result of MM.  Thanks so much.  
Cheers
Sandi
PS - I am working on educating a lot of people about Moya Moya!