I just wanted to share with those starting out on their journey with moya moya life can be "normal" again.  I had a stroke in 2006 from moya moya.  I lost the use of my left arm and today I still have difgficulty using it.  It took six months for the doctors to "rule out" stroke because they thought I had MS.  Finally in Jan 2007 I was diagnosed with moya moya, I was told no exercise because of the fragile vessels.  I had my surgery in 2007, following surgery I ended up with an infection in the incision, had part of my skull removed and had to where a helmet for six months until they did yet a third surgery to replace it.  The something positive is I am 4yrs post surgery and I'm doing amazing.  I got a another clean bill of health from my neuro and last weekend I climbed the CN Tower in Toronto, Ontario.  It was 1776 steps or 144 floors.  It was extremely hard but when I got to the top I felt amazed at how far I had come and what I had over come to get to that point.  For those starting out, there will be bumps in the road but believe that you will get through this.  Believe me if someone told me four years ago that I would be climbing the CN Tower I would not have believed it.  I've read other amazing success stories on this web site that inspired me to never give up and to keep believing no matter how tough things may seem.

Debbie :)

Debbie,That's amazing! It's always inspiring to hear success stories like yours especially for newcomers to the site. Life does get better and moyamoya doesn't have to take over your life. My daughter still can't use her left hand but she's still working at it. Thanks for sharing your story!
Mary Grace

Debbie,
WOW that is amazing. Great job. You are an insparation to go and prove yourself. Did you do alot of training?
Becky

Thanks for your responses...I did train quite a bit.  Ran a lot of hills and ran stairs whever we could find them.  I think if I do it again I will do a lot more leg strength and cardio training though.  It was tough on the legs and lungs. :), and Mary Grace I never give up trying to use my hand either, most days I forget that it doesn't work until I have to do something that requires two hands then I still try.  I've adapted well and it doesn't hold me back

Debbie

Thank you for sharing your story.  You are definitely an inspiration.