Hi Kristin, This is Tom G. I've spoken to your mother twice on the phone and cooresponded with your sister by e-mail about Jared.
I had a similar dilema involving the same 2 doctors. I had a CTA scan and a perfusion CT scan at NY Presbyterian Hosp about a month ago. My Doctor, (Dr. Conolly) said that I dont need surgery at this time. because my blood flow was excellent and At this time I'm Asynptomatic. I have tremendous faith, confidence and respect in Dr. Conolly's knowledge and skill with MoyaMoya but after reading this web site and talking to some of you I felt that I owed it to myself to see what Dr S. on the west coast had to say so I sent him my scans. His nurse called me and said that Dr. S felt that I needed surgery
So now what!!? His nurse also said that DR. S. is very agressive with MoyaMoya and always recomends surgery.
The next day I talked with Dr. Conolly and told him what Dr. S said. Dr. Conolly asked my wife and I to come in to his office. There he spent over an hour reviewing my scans and explaining that I have very little stenosis and that I slso had excellent vessels providing excellent blood flow. He stressed that Brain surgery is nothing to take lightly and should only be done when absolutely necessary. He also said that he could do a bypass on me, but that it would be of no particular help to my condition, especially that I have no symptoms.
Kristen, I'm not a doctor but my brother is a pediatric surgeon and we both agree with Dr. Conolly's logic. Jared is in excellent hands so tell your mom That I said hello and to stay with Dr. Conolly I think he's the best. I'm sure I'll need surgery eventually.
By the way Pat Martin is having her surgery tomorrow april 16th by Dr. Conolly remember to pray for her.
Sorry to be so long winded but it's a long story.
Take care Tom G.