Nikki--it is so good to see that have kept your sense of humor   like the word, sh--,, during this very difficult time.  Prayers are with you, your momma and father.....God Bless you....PatM

Hey Nancy, yep. We are getting angios, CTs, MRIs, and the ultrasound they did the other day all sent to Stanford. I am so anxious to see what Dr. Steinberg has to say. Oh yeah, that includes all the scans and angios since the first stroke/bleed in 2002. She sure does have someone watching over her, but I still can't help but wonder why. Maybe just to remind people that miracles do happen, no matter how hopeless things may seem. I don't know, just brainstorming. Anyway, hope you and Mandy are doing well. Talk to ya soon.                  Nikki

I guys, I think with all the good news, the question kinda got lost . What did they tell you guys about possible recurences and chances of future problems after surgery? Thank yall so much for all the support. You guys are the best ;

I havent had my surgery yet.  I see Dr Steinberg tomarrow for my preop and will address some of your questions to him.  As far as I know though, moyamoya will not show up on an MRI.  My MRI's were unremarkable.  It wasn't untill I had an MRA that the doctors knew something was wrong.  I will post what Dr. S tells me tomarrow.  Hope this helps.

I would like to add that I think that David is correct.....My initial MRI in May 2003 just showed an abnormality that the radiologists and neurologists could not really explain.......the radiologists report actually said that I could have a problem with cocaine abuse.....NO WAY!!!......and then they said that I might have cerebral vasculitis,( an inflammation of a major artery in the the brain and also an auto immune disorder)...so they called in the rhematologists.......the neurologists were not sure what to do....so they ordered an angiogram.....good move....but the radiologists took an insuffiecient number of pictures...and then the misdiagnosis of cerebral vascultis continued........my neurologist said that he wanted me to to go NY Presbyterian....but he didn't make the call....I had to make all the calls and they couldn't see me for 8 weeks.....so I ended up at Westchester Medical Center and they did not do an independent angiogram...only Ct scans and MRI again......and the Head of Neurology confirmed the diagnosis of cerebral vasculitis....I was put on massive doses of steroids (prednisone--80mg per day) and sent home.....I developed steroid induced psychosis (paranoia, depression, extreme anxiety, agoraphobia, suicidal ideations, etc.)  It was the most horrible experience of my life......I had to see several psychiatrists who kept putting me on anti-depressants and the combination of all of the chemicals, including the prednisone. in my body made me sicker than I have ever been......anyway, thank God I got to NY Presbyterian in late August, 2003, and found the wonderful Dr. Sacco and Dr. Connolly who have literally saved my life......I just want to underscore the need for a QUALIFIED radiologist to perfom the angiogram and the fact that the MRI usually just shows the # of strokes...but, often can show absolutely nothing useful....PatM

Nikki,
          You should she if they can get your mom an MRA thats a good test for diagnosing of course along with the angio . I know she's already had 2 of those, remember I mentioned the MRA on the phone but if she ends up going to Steinberg he may just do one of his own. I forgot she's alraedy in rehab. Talk to ya soon. Let us know what DR.S. says about the films. I'm axiously waiting.
               Nancy

Hey!Thanx David! ; That really does help alot. Momma is doing very well and is in rehab. Best of luck with your surgery. You will do great!! I look forward to reading your wifes post about how wonderful you did. You will be in my thoughts and prayers as well. Thanx agian,              Nikki