It's been a while but I wanted to update my MM family on my status.  I had STA-MCA Bypass and EDAS back on 1/9/06 at U of M hospital.  Surgery was from 10 AM to 7 PM and all went pretty well.  There was one complication.  The "good" artery dr. chose to use for bypass had a blood clot in it and had to revascularize it.  Not a problem, since he caught it immediately, but instead of one or two burr holes, I ended up with six burr holes instead and a piece of skull removed about the size of a playing card.  Of course the skull was replaced but the burr holes remain open.  I stayed in ICU from Monday to Thursday and was released on that Thursday. Overall, I must say it was a pretty good experience compared to my first bypass at Harper Hospital.  I was a alot more alert after surgery and don't look like I had such a butcher job on my head.  Dr. shaved a line for the incinsion and staples and I only went home with 26 staples (and many stitches).  Had the staples about 14 days (just had them removed Monday).  So far, I am feeling good.  I do have a constant piercing pain where the burr holes are but hope that will subside in time. I also haven't regained the full feeling back where the bypass/burr holes are.   I've also lost a sense of feeling in my left arm (thumb up the arm) where they inserted a special IV line in my artrery for surgery, they hit a nerve when they did it.  They tell me feeling should come back over time.  Of course, headaches as normal, but not too many unbearable ones so far.  I am sleeping alot and really not taking anything for pain except Tylenol w/Coedeine.  Dr. did put me on a seizure med since I had a larger craniatomy.  It seems to be agreeing with me so far.  I should be going back to see Dr. in the next week or two.  Hopefully, plan on being back to work by mid February.  I'm gonna take this recovery period a little slower than last time, at least that's my plan.  I want to take a minute to thank everyone for their prayers and support during this tough time.

Hi Lorie,

Glad to hear your surgeries are over. Sounds like you had quite a lot of "extra" or "different"  type surgery stuff going on. Sounds like you've been through a lot but also sounds like you are recovering well with minimal troubles.

Did Dr. Thompson at U of M do the surgery?

Keep us posted on your progress.

Hugs,

Lore

Lorie-

Glad to hear that your surgeries are over and you are recovering well. Before you know it you will be celebrating your one year anniversary since your surgeries! I hope that you continue to do well!

Christy