Hi Jennifer,
I had my surgery only 4 years ago so that doesn't help your question. I think there is only a couple of people who had their surgeries a long time ago. I read your post on pregnancy and was a bit taken aback by Mar's harshness but I will say that while I respect it is your right to do what you choose and listen to your body, I would NOT want to risk the possibility of another stroke - ESPECIALLY since a) you already suffered one many years ago AND have residual damage from it and b) you have kids!! I would not be playing with the chance of possible risks when you have kids who need to have you around.

Just my 2cents worth
Moira

Harshness Moira?? Because I said it breaks my heart to see someone advised to have surgery, say, “I know better than the doctors”, and do nothing?? After I’ve seen what “doing nothing” has done to so many! I’m harsh because I care what happens to people with this disease?? I’ve seen what this disease can do. I’ve watched a loved one almost die and her life ruined, and friends have devastating strokes and even die from “doing nothing.”  MMD can do all that, and yes, it breaks my heart!!  I believe the possible outcome of “doing nothing” when a doctor advises surgery deserves lot’s of prayers! So if you think that’s harsh… I just don't get it! You've provin yourself once more, so I won’t debate this with you any further. Anyone who cares, will understand.

Mar

Thanks Trina for being the peacekeeper Good on you!!
I know where you are coming from Mar i do "get it' but there IS a nice way to go about it and that is what I meant about being harsh! Now I don't wish to debate that point further!
Jennifer: The surgery today is a much better option than maybe it was back then, and as I have proven (thank you Mar) I live a very full and enjoyable life, and do things that I wouldn't have considered doing before as I may not pass this way again and i don't want to live with regrets for not doing anything.

You will find that there are a lot of wonderful people on this site who won't judge you and give you good advise like Tom, Shan, Shari, Emily and of course you Lore.
So please if you have any concerns or answers to your questions, ask away and we will all do our best to find answers for you.
Moira

Brady Bunch?  I thought we were the Cleavers!  (You know, Beaver's family)  

Anyway, welcome Jennifer!  I know you probably didn't expect to generate the posts you did.  I think we all have the best intentions and mean well, but our different personalities and approach sometimes conflict with one another.    This disease has threatened our lives or the lives of the ones we love; therefore, we hold this issue close to our  s.  Moira is an inspiration! She is a prime example of someone who is definitely moving on with her life and not letting this monster take hold of her life! Since being diagnosed and having surgery, she is living her life to the fullest.  

Mar has a niece, who like many of us, was in desperate need of medical attention due to this "rare" disease and came very close to losing her.  In fact, she had a recent scare, but AMEN that her tests brought good news!  ;

Trina, well all I know is that she has the hots for Dr. Dodds.  hee hee...

No, in all seriousness, we all have one common goal...and that is to overcome this beast...and to unite on the forefront...and be there for one another....we shall conquer and overcome........one day .  For now, we have each other and thank God for each new day...

Anyway, back to your situation (sorry, ever since my surgery I noticed I have short-term memory  ) My is what has already been said by Moira.  The risk of you having another stroke scares me.  The risk of myself having another stroke scares me too!    I can understand why surgery wasn't an option in the past, but as you can see, things have definitely changed.  We are making progress!  ;  By getting the word out and raising awareness, hopefully MM will get the attention, funding and public and medical awareness it deserves and is desperately in need of!  

I encourage you to obtain current opinions.  Maybe you can have recent tests done and send them off for 2nd and 3rd opinions.  They can't hurt anything...  In fact, they could even tell you that you won't even need surgery, but at least your mind will be at rest that you heard that from a medical professional.  Just be sure to seek the advice from MM experts.

I guess that's all for now... Please keep us posted on what you decide.  Hope this helps.

Take care,
Eddie Haskel...oops!  I mean "Shan"