I had my second surgery done in Stanford on August.  Just received the letter from Bob informing me that I need to schedule my up coming 6 months checkup in Feb/March.  I’m doing pretty good after the surgery except some discomfort and pain on scar and bone joint area.  No tingling, no weakness, no TIA at all. Actually, since only a small portion of my hair was shaved (I can pretty much cover it) and I recovered so well, not many people around me even noticed that I had a major brain surgery just seven days ago when I came back from Stanford.

However, due to the schedule of pre-op lab works and post-op recovery, I had to take off 4 weeks for the surgery. I was a consultant, my client and project didn’t allow me to leave that long. Plus, I wasn’t sure if I would be strong enough to go back to very intensive full time work immediately after the surgery, I had to quit the job to go Stanford.  I believe that everybody here understands the emotional and financial burden a MMD family had to carry while going through a surgery and losing income at the same time.  I felt very lucky to be able to get back on track so fast.  I was able to sign another contract and went back to work at full speed since October. I’m very glad that I could have some extra money to buy my son some new toys on Christmas.  But trust me, it’s very hard to find a well paid job under such economy before the holiday season, and I wish I could keep this job as long as I can.  Next February and March will be the busiest time for my projects.  I need to manage couple of critical production releases. I really don’t want to tell the current client that I have to leave for a week (may be even longer?).  I’m worried I might lose the job if I told them in advance.

My current neurologist is not an expert on MMD, but he’s nice enough to order any lab work for me without giving me too much of the insurance crap. So, instead of going to Stanford, how realistic to get the 6 months follow up done in Chicago area?  Beside Angiogram, most of the lab works only take 0.5 hour or no more than 2 hours, I think if I can go local, I can manage to get them done one by one at my own schedule without interferes my work.  The only item I didn’t hear anybody done in local is Neuropsychological test, but I don’t think it’s very important to me because I know my IQ and EQ didn’t impacted by the surgery.  I would also be able to save couple thousand dollars on airline ticket, hotel and car rentals in Stanford.  Don’t get me wrong, I really want to see Dr. Steinberg again. The only reason I am seeking for other option is the financial stress. 

What are the pros and cons if I chose to do the follow up check in Chicago? Did anybody who had surgery in Stanford also have the follow up done at local hospital? What else should I consider when making such decision?

Many thanks!

LuckyMe

My daughter had her surgeries at Stanford Nov. 2008 and had all her 6 month followup testing done in Chicago. We spent 3 days there and all went well. Dr Steinberg ordered these tests.

My daughter has her testing done at UIC. She had the spect scan with diamox and one without diamox, and 2 different MRI's. We were there a few days and stayed in an apartment close by. They were so nice to work with and friendly. They couldn't do the angiogram because Dr Steinberg ordered the tests from CA. She had that one in Peoria where her local Neurologist is. We will followup with UIC again next time. We had a really good experience there.

My pleasure! Happy New Year to you too.....

Sounds like you have a local hospital with experience.  I would have the two coordinate and go for it!!

Kimber