Add me to the long list of your friends who truly wish for the best for you, Michelle. Our prayers are with you. -Lou
Thank you, everyone! My surgery was last Thursday. Apparently when they did the venogram they discovered that my left jugular was 60-70% blocked and flowing backwards! They opened it up with a vascular balloon, also cleared my right vertebral vein which had blockage, and while they tried, due to an "anatomical variant" they were unable to do anything for my left vertebral vein. Otherwise, the balance of the veins they look at were clear. I have been having small improvements. I was really looking forward to a reduction in fatigue, but the physio workouts in the morning have me uncertain as to whether that has really occurred (lol). Small gains for me, but I have witnessed some incredible improvements and renewal in others. People moving toes they've not moved for over 5 years, feeling in limbs and digits that have had none for nearly 15 years. Vision improvements in those who had optical neuritis. Turns out most of us had discoloured toes or fingers (purply blue/red) that always felt cold, now they are normal and warm when they should be warm, and still the right colour but cool when they should be cool. And they don't hurt when they touch something cold. Balance improvements, walking or going upstairs without aids, for others (like me) being without pain for the first time in over a decade. So many stories like this but the official line of North American medical community and MS Societies is that it is a placebo effect. Thank goodness there is the option to at least get this done elsewhere! BTW, the doctors here in Costa Rica are amazing as they actually view you like an entire whole human being and explain things instead of looking at you as isolated parts or an isolated disease.
Small gains..... ...... baby steps...... ................ one day at a time......... -as long as every day is just a little better than the day before! Hang in there, friend.... we're all rootin' for you! -Lou
Hoorah! I am glad to hear the good news! I was concerned when I saw a hurricane in Central America round the time of your operation. I was hoping that the storm didnt interfere with the operaton or your trip out. Anyway, like Scar said, one day at a time! You're still on my prayer list!
No matter how small, any improvement must be a welcome thing. All my best, and echoing the others, get well and return to the pages full time as soon as you can! We all love ya, and miss your participation.
Very, very, very glad to hear Michelle! Hope you can get back to doing some artwork, as well as hang out with us here!
I haven't been able to keep up on here lately and just saw the post. Godspeed and you're in my thoughts also. Best and Well Wishes to you and yours!
That's great news, Michelle. Your improvement steps may be small but they are in the right direction.
Hi Michelle good to see you are in good hands with fine doctors who haven't forgotten their oath and who treat you like an human being instead of a number
Thank you for all the nice comments and good wishes. I am home now, back to work, and back online. Must be doing really well, as I caught myself running upstairs from grabbing something out of the freezer at suppertime tonight! I should be back to my usual schedule soon!
Hi Michelle, VERY glad to hear your home and doing well. Hope you and yours truekly also had time for some sightseeing ;-0)