Hi everyone:

It's been awhile since I wrote.  I just wanted to update you all on my status.  I have finally returned home from Stanford.   As many of you heard already from others, my surgeries went well.  I had no complications from either surgery (both direct).   I had some pain, most of it in the form of headaches.  My steroids were tapered too early on the 1st surgery; so the second they were tapered over two weeks to help the swelling and reduce the headaches and pain. 

We left CA on the 24th - unfortunately my 'complications' started on the first leg of my flight.  We think I had a TIA from San Jose to Phoenix.  In any case, I had passed out, and long story short, the airline would not let us continue to JFK without going to the ER.  So we spent the whole day at an ER in Phoenix and was eventually discharged.  We eventually got to JFK on Wed, the 25th with no problems.  I was SOOO happy to just be home and sleep in my own bed.  There is no other medicine than being in one's own bed for sleep. 

I'm slowly recovering at home - I'm often tired, often energetic.  It depends, moment to moment.  I look forward to getting back to work eventually. 

I want to say that my stay at Stanford was incredible.  The care at Stanford is like none other I've seen before - I have not a single complaint.  From the facilities to the people, this is the most wonderful place to be if one has to be at a hospital. 

In addition, I want to say a hello to the wonderful moya moya support group we met out there.  Thanks to Jill and her family for their wonderful support and kindness.  Thanks also to Mark and his family, Michelle and her brother Shane, Lore and her brother Kevin, and Rene and her family for their benevolence and friendship.  And a big shout out to my buddy David and his mom Tere and their family -- thanks for making us laugh so hard, even during the tough times. 

And thanks to everyone on this web site for their continued support -- I look forward to staying in touch.

Hugs,
Trina

Hi Shanna,

I hope you're feeling better soon!  Headaches are not unusual following surgery, but I know they're not fun.

My experience (at least with patients from Stanford) is that most are put on steroids for a short time after surgery.  Their main purpose is to prevent swelling.  You may have been on a steroid and not even known it, but it may be worth asking about.

Please keep us posted with your progress.  One of the most important things to remember is that you just had MAJOR surgery.  It takes quite awhile before you're back to "full strength" . . . be patient with yourself!

Hugs from California,
Jill