I had an indirect bypass 5 1/2 years ago and I'm doing well these days. I've had my 6 month and a 3 year check up so far and have been told my bypass is doing its job. I did end up with a direct bypass on my other side because I chose a different surgeon when the time came to need my right side done. I was still nervous and worried until my 3 year checkup but I figured that if it was working at that point, that I could relax and live my life.

Hi!

I had a left EDAMS done in December 2016 when I was 24. At my 6 month follow up (only MRI), I was told everything was stable and there was good flow however it was too early to see any newly formed vessels. My 1 year follow up angiogram is in a few months so hopefully, there has been some revascularization .

I had a really great experience and only needed 3 weeks to recover from my surgery. I am lucky to have never had a real stroke. It was caught somewhat early because my main complaints were horrible migraines and tingling in my arm. Although there were areas of stroke found on my MRIs, my doctors said I probably had silent strokes but thankfully don't have any deficits. I only had a TIA a month prior to my surgery but didn't act on it because I was still in denial about having moyamoya . My doctors told me I do need to be more serious about my symptoms but thankfully since the surgery, I haven't had any. I continue to get migraines but they are not as frequent and easily managed with my migraine meds.

I do have evidence of disease on my right side but not as severe as my left was. I am just waiting for my angiogram to see if it has progressed since and if there is an indication for surgery. I am still early on in my moyamoya journey but I'd be happy to answer any questions you have! Hope you have a speedy recovery .

Was there a reason your different surgeon went with direct bypass the 2nd time around, SaraB?

Back in April 2017, I had my 1st stroke at 36 y/o. At the time, it was diagnosed cryptogenic stroke, meaning they really did not know why is happened. Also moyamoya was not detected, nor was it mentioned.

So I was told, lose weight, cut back on drinking alcohol, and stop smoking. And I did, I started hitting the gym, and did my best at dieting -  overall I lost 18 lbs in 7 months - not great but still a step in the right direction. I cut back on drinking - from 4 drinks a day to only weekends and cut back on smoking which I only did occasionally anyways.

In December 2017, Xmas eve, I had my 2nd stroke and was transferred to a different hospital since the one I was at still considered it cryptogenic. This time moyamoya was confirmed and surgery took place Feb. 2018.

I am concerned that since I have 2 strokes in 8 months if a direct bypass would be a better way to go than the indirect that I have already had on the left side. I have the right side to do still.
My Doctor, who is a very talented, kind, and is considered a specialist says that indirect would be best, but what do you all think?
I think its tough just holding on an hoping for the best after having the stroke cycle I've had

update -my sister had an MRI and showed good revascularization on both sides. Her Dr. is soon to present her case at a conference.