This Is MS Multiple Sclerosis Community: Knowledge & Support

I just had the procedure done yesterday (June 22nd) by Dr. Kenneth Mandato (Dr. Siskins partner - Community Care Physicans, Intervertional Care)... I've felt some weird sensations during ballooning and now experiencing subtle balance improvements, but nothing miraclous yet. He found stenosis in the left jugular and angio.'d three places - feels that it is holding. I can't say enough positive things about Dr. Mandato and staff.. just wonderful, professional and caring. The hospital (Albany Medical Center) staff were excellent too..

The procedure took about an hour and a half... afterward you lay flat on your back for another hour then sitting upright for an hour.. The Dr. and Nurse go over everything with you and then your good to go. I received a disk of the imaging as well. I'll have a followup (via phone) today to see how you're doing... The doppler ultrasound isn't nesessary unless of course they run into problems. I need to stay in the area for 24hrs. since I live quite a distance away in case of any complications. No blood thinners either - they only use them if stenting is needed.

I'm not going to make judgement on the procedure in regards to ms just yet and I'll give it some time to let things settle.. right now I think I'm super sensitive to how I'm feeling... just need to go with the "flow" - so to speak..

I discussed follow-up care also... They recommend 3, 6, 12. and possibly 18 and 24 month ultrasound... Being that I'm not in the area - they will allow you to have the ultrasound done locally (nothing fancy - they don't need to know the Zamboni protocal) and we can forward the imaging disk to them. If a referral is necessary, they will provide it as well as a script if necessary.

If anybody has any questions, please feel free.

I have to say a huge thanks to THISISMS members for helping/sharing.. I'll do my best to share my experience(s) as well.

Lets hope this procedure becomes readily available quickly.. here's to healing.

-John

*** For those still waiting please hang in there... it looks as though they will have three IR's doing the procedure soon. Up until now, I was told Dr. Siskin does approx 10 per week. The nurse mentioned they have over 100 procedures completed collectively. Its happening..