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Today is my six-month anniversary of the surgery that gave me back the blood flow that my body so desperately needed. I am very fortunate to have the experience of getting back sensations in my body. I now can now go for walks, run and still carry out a full conversation with my family in the evenings. My brain fog is now gone and my eyesight is much clearer. The numbness in my extremities is almost all gone. I have noticed, when I work a twelve-hour day and get tired sometimes the tips of my fingers or toes will go numb. However, after I have a good night sleep and I am good to go. I just celebrated my 48th birthday. I NOW have goals for my future that I didn’t have before. Summer heat is no longer something I will dread. I am back to my old days of being a "sun worshipper". For the first time in many years, I am looking at my retirement plan for when Iturn 67. I am no longer taking any MS Drugs. I can say I went through several of them. I know how the side affects, affected my life. In December this year 2012, I will be drug free for one year. No longer the dread of an injection or infusion. I started this journey in November 2010 with Excel hospital having my first liberation treatment. What a rush! The feeling was as if someone flipped a switch and the MS was gone. The first treatment lasted three months. I had two more treatments after this a total of three. On January 2012 the last time I had my treatment using a balloon, Dr. H was called in to see if he could help me. The problem was my left side was occluded so badly, it wasn't possible to open with the balloon or even get a wire through. Dr. H discussed the situation with my husband and I of what could be done from a “Cardiothoracic Surgeon” point of view. I agreed and had full trust in Dr. H. The surgery has continued to work for me. I went back for the other side R. to be done which brings me to today’s date 09/25/12. I am 6 months post open internal jugular reconstruction surgery. Yes, I have scars, the blood is flowing and they are fading quickly. I now am filled with hope and no longer wake up with the dread of what isn't working today. Life is filled with its ups and downs. However, I feel much more prepared to handle it now. A week ago, I saw my family doctor. He said, the procedure was amazing and so am I. My family can NOW plan adventures for the future. They do NOT have to live through Mom's illness. This blog is dedicated to DR. H and his fantastic team for willing to try something new and innovative. I know I was the first but certainly not the last.

So glad to hear that you are doing very well after your surgery. Your case alone justifies a lot of research into this process and hopefully this will be done. The unfortunate part of this is that we have an established group of some MS docs who tend to berate anything that doesn't fit into their definition of treating MS and this only serves to hinder the much needed research that is required into fighting this lousy disease. Some day MS researchers will collaborate instead of isolating their work. Perhaps then the answer to MS will be found sooner rather than later.

Harry

congrats!! enjoy life. thanks for updating.

Great news, congratulations!

Serena