It's been quite some time since I've posted, and I didn't want anyone to think I was "lost" like Pat, so here's my awesome update ;  :

I had my second (right side) bypass at Emory in Atlanta, GA on July 6th, went home to Greenville, SC on July 9th, had TIAs over the weekend, so was asked to return to Emory's ER on July 12th, they took some blood, did a CT scan then admitted me late that night to do a CT-A the next day   The consensus was that my TIAs had been directly related to the surgery and as a precaution, put me on Plavix while lowering my aspirin dosage.  Needless to say, my scans didn't show anything unusual for a post-op MM'er!  So I went back home!

Had no more TIAs after starting the Plavix! ;  On the 27th, I went back to Emory and had my staples removed which bled a little due to the Plavix but I kinda expected that.

On Aug. 25th, I had my final visit w/ my neurosurgeon, Dr. Barrow who told me to have an arteriogram (cerebral angiogram) done in Greenville, SC in 6 mos. and have the results sent to him.  In other words, I wouldn't have to ever make the long, boring trip back to Emory ever again!

On Aug. 30th, I saw my new neurologist, Dr. Fox (in my town) who took me off of the Plavix   and put me back on just a regular-strength aspirin/day, AND dropped my Keppra dosage down from 3,000mg/day to 2,000mg/day.  He also told me that when I go back to see him 3mos. from now, He may lower it even more   and if my 6 mo. angio comes back OK, and I stay symptom-free for 2 yrs., he wants to do a final EEG, and I can come off the last of the Keppra!

So far, so good!  No symptoms whatsoever... looks like I may be in the clear for life. Everyone keep their fingers crossed for me, and I'll keep counting my blessings and thanking God for my good fortune.  I'll also keep checking the site every so often to see if anyone ever chooses to try Dr. Barrow.  He's GREAT!

Well, that's the rest of my (too long) story - hope I didn't bore anyone
because it felt great to tell it.

Kris

Hi Kris...nice to meet you via your post...am so glad your post came up today....as my daughter Cara had her first surgery July 14th and second was just couple weeks ago on August 23rd...but she has been experiencing TIA's almost daily (mild not seizure like though) but still a TIA is a TIA and her current one was 5 minutes before her occupational therapy was to start !!!! in the parking lot and the therapist was wondering if we were going show up....I said Im sorry but I think Cara just had a TIA in the parking lot...so we kind of just did easy stuff, ask her questions, put her in a large box filled with rice and beans..she was able to use both hands and more noticably her left hand was affected...so we know the TIA was on her right brain (July 14 surgery)...then bought out the play dough...then she started to talk again...the therapist said oh she lost her voice...I said thats normal..my four kids talk to me without voice (I am deaf...fyi)...but told Cara to use her voice with the therapist there.     She was back to herself by the end of the therapy.  The therapist said that is an interesting turn of events ...they never treated or helped a MM person before and wonder what's ahead.

Reading your post about the medication you on..plavix...am wondering if thats adult medication...as all Cara is taking is 81mg of baby aspirin daily.  I just got an email off to Dr. Meyer in Rochester (the Mayo).  I realize MM is progressive and the TIA's are common post op for couple of months...her left side is still swollen..puffy under her hair...am afraid she'd fall and pop that side...am tempted to get her an helmet to protect it but that would be worse.  Am keeping her home from school (AZ is still in the 100 degree temps) until I know she's ready.

So good to hear you are on your way to good health !!!!
and thanks again for posting...

Tight hugs,  CarasMOM