Greg,

Great opportunity for you and many others who may be a candidate for EDAS....to contribute to the betterment of medicine and mankind. Takes my breath away.

The Columbia study has been in the works for a while now. I contacted Columbia early last year about my brother Kevin. Of course, it turns out, he was not a candidate for EDAS. For this reason, I have no details on the long-term study as I immediately dropped any further inquiry once I knew Kevin would not be a EDAS candidate. Simply put, Kevin needed bloodflow now or die. Because Kevin needed life-saving surgery, I really didn't get the opportunity to know all the ins and outs of the different surgeries because there were no choices when it came to Kevin. I have learned more about EDAS from the experiences posted on the MM.com board.

The Columbia study is a wonderful opportunity for those who may be a candidate for EDAS. I am thrilled that there is even a long-term study going on. I am interested in the study simply from the surgery option and long-term prognosis view. Who knows, as a sibling, I'm always wondering if I am ever diagnosed with MM, I certainly would like the opportunity of weighing all options. I believe any long-term study can prove or disprove many different things. I find it very interesting.

Do you happen to know if there is any age restriction for anyone interested in the study who may be a candidate? Do you know how long they will follow you if you are a candidate? Meaning is it from the time they establish if you are an EDAS candidate then through surgery and then how long after surgery?

Please keep me posted on your involvement in the study.

Hugs,

Lore

Trina,

How interesting they decided to take direct by-pass patients as well. Now that you mention it, I do recall they wanted those who had not had surgery as well. At the time, Kevin hadn't had surgery nor did we know what kind of surgery he would have if any. In retrospect, I believe they knew from my communication at the time he was in pretty bad shape.

When I first contacted Columbia, although Kevin had not yet had surgery, he had already experienced a significant stroke and multiple TIA's and cerebral infarcts.  My original intent when I contacted Columbia was to get Kevin treatment and I thought that might be the way to go in getting someone to pay attention to his diagnosis and dilemma but to no avail. Soon after that, I found Dr. S. and never pursued the Columbia study any further.

Anyway, Kevin probably still could not be a participant because of the neuropsych part due to his strokes and his abstract thinking being affected. Also, we would have to travel a distance to participate but heck, we like jet setting across the US. LOL

Hugs,

Lore

Hi Greg,
I am  curious about this study --I live in isolated area (Wiiliamsport PA) so I feel like I am really out of the loop.!!  Can you please send some info. or contact me via email --tmeredith11@suscom.net. Ever since I was dia. with MM I have always wanted to do something - you know what I mean??
Greatly appreciate a response.

cheer.
Trish