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http://www.moyamoya.com/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl Moyamoya Related Topics >> Moyamoya Related Information and Support >> Surgery scheduled...any helpful tips http://www.moyamoya.com/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1201575949 Message started by Reagan on Jan 28^th, 2008 at 10:05pm

Title: Surgery scheduled...any helpful tips
Post by Reagan on Jan 28^th, 2008 at 10:05pm

Hello all,

I have my surgery scheduled for February 26th at Stanford. I have to be out there February 20th for pre-op testing. We are staying 17 nights. We have a hotel, purchased airfare and reserved a rental car (thanks to my brothers hefty discount with enterprise). Any other suggestions or tidbits anyone can offer. I do have a couple of questions.

What is the SPEC scan like?

I have had an angiogram and an MRI/MRA before, I've just never experienced a SPEC scan.

My complete angiogram is scheduled for Thursday the 21st. Do you think I will feel up to visiting the acquarium with my daughter on the 24th? Her 3rd birthday is the 23rd of February.

Maybe some silly questions, but I was just curious.

Reagan

Title: Re: Surgery scheduled...any helpful tips
Post by KTiller on Jan 29^th, 2008 at 9:10pm

Hey Reagan,
The SPECT was easier for me than the MRI/MRA as the tube in less confining. They insert an IV. You get to lie still in a darkened room and try to think of NOTHING for a half-hour or so before the scan . Harder than you might think. Then a radioative dye is put into the IV. Then the scan is done. All in all it takes a couple of hours. I made the mistake of drinking a HUGE glass of OJ and a 20 oz cup of coffee beforehand (I'm from Seattle after all - home of Starbucks). Kind of hard to think of nothing, when all you can think of is getting to the bathroom ::).
Kim

Title: Re: Surgery scheduled...any helpful tips
Post by pasnblu on Jan 30^th, 2008 at 8:45pm

Hi Reagan:

I just had my third angiogram on Jan 15th...what can I say, I like the scar collection! It went fine and I was up and walking around downtown San Jose two days later. Of course here comes my disclaimer...everyone is different....I should have been a lawyer!

I agree with Kim on the spec scan. Easy peasy. My favorite is the XENON gas.....I never did drugs as a kid, but I imagine it would feel similar - lol. Best of luck. Keep us posted!

Sandi
I have my two surgeries in July of 2007!

Title: Re: Surgery scheduled...any helpful tips
Post by LA on Jan 31^st, 2008 at 12:40pm

Regan~

Good going on the tests and surgery.

I agree that the tests aren't too bad (dittoe about not drinking water before laying still!) . I'm seriously allergic (sp) to the dye in the angiogram so I was an itchy mess, on massive benadryl, for awhile.

Major ditto on the Xenon!!!!!
The face mask is a tad odd but the 'HIGH' is fantastic. Major trip.

Hope it goes well for you and that you get to the aquarium!

Linda (LA)
surgery in 2000

Title: Re: Surgery scheduled...any helpful tips
Post by shgr on Feb 1^st, 2008 at 7:16pm

Reagan,
Do not feel bad about asking questions....you are about to go for surgery, brain surgery none-the-less!!! I had a bad reaction to the spect-scan, as soon as they injected it I had to throw-up, booooo! But it sounds like most people have a fine if not fun experience. As for going to the aquarium, I think you will be good to go after the angiogram, but not after the surgery. You will feel tired after the 1st surgery, and if you have a second you will feel like you got hit by a bus. Mind you, this was my experience. I hope it easy for you. Good luck and you will be in my thoughts.
Stephanie