Updates since 10/19 surgery ~ Rhonda
Posted: Fri Dec 18, 2009 12:23 pm
I was updating my tracking thread and wanted to post my improvements here also.
Impact on MS symptoms:One week after procedure:Fatigue is noticably better. I have an awake feeling all day. I do not feel the need to rest throughout the day.
Right sided pain is gone.
Stiffness in legs and arms is gone.
No urinary urgency.
No migraines.
Cognitive ability seems improved.
1 month after procedure:
MS type fatigue is gone. No need to rest throughout the day and stamina is good. Cognitive function is greatly improved. No more trouble finding words, having conversations or multi-tasking. Right-sided pain is still gone. No dizziness, balance problems, tremors, weakness, or trouble with anxiety since surgery.
I do have some minor stiffness in legs, but this could be the result of more activity. I still have daily headaches above my left eye which are connected to my left shoulder and neck nerves issues from surgery.
Update: Dec. 2, 2009
Continued improvements in all areas listed above. I certainly do not feel as fragile as I used to. I am doing 1000% more than I was able to do before the surgery. I have no fear planning things or having a day-long list of things to do!!!! The headaches above my left eye continue to be a problem. I did get a soft cervical neckbrace and have had complete relief when wearing it. I assume these will resolve in time as they have for most. I have minor stiffness in calves at night, but nothing that requires medicine. Next week I have my follow-up appt. with Dr. Dake.
Update Dec. 18, 2009:
I wanted to update since I was back at Stanford 12/8 for my follow-up appt. with Dr. Dake. The scans were great. The before and after images were astonishing. The veins were essentially flat, almost 100% closed before surgery. The veins are now wide open and the stents are nicely integrated. I have discontinued Coumadin, but will remain on Plavix for a time. Dr. Dake thinks it is just a good insurance policy. I will continue to take one asprin daily for the rest of my life.
I feel great. The headaches are mostly gone. I have gone several days without ANY pain medications...I haven't been able to do this in 6 years! I feel pretty much normal. I feel like I did BEFORE MS came into my life. I know this is a huge statement, but it is honestly how I feel. I have no MS symptoms. I do not know if this will be the end of my story, but I am so happy to have my life back for however long
_________________
Impact on MS symptoms:One week after procedure:Fatigue is noticably better. I have an awake feeling all day. I do not feel the need to rest throughout the day.
Right sided pain is gone.
Stiffness in legs and arms is gone.
No urinary urgency.
No migraines.
Cognitive ability seems improved.
1 month after procedure:
MS type fatigue is gone. No need to rest throughout the day and stamina is good. Cognitive function is greatly improved. No more trouble finding words, having conversations or multi-tasking. Right-sided pain is still gone. No dizziness, balance problems, tremors, weakness, or trouble with anxiety since surgery.
I do have some minor stiffness in legs, but this could be the result of more activity. I still have daily headaches above my left eye which are connected to my left shoulder and neck nerves issues from surgery.
Update: Dec. 2, 2009
Continued improvements in all areas listed above. I certainly do not feel as fragile as I used to. I am doing 1000% more than I was able to do before the surgery. I have no fear planning things or having a day-long list of things to do!!!! The headaches above my left eye continue to be a problem. I did get a soft cervical neckbrace and have had complete relief when wearing it. I assume these will resolve in time as they have for most. I have minor stiffness in calves at night, but nothing that requires medicine. Next week I have my follow-up appt. with Dr. Dake.
Update Dec. 18, 2009:
I wanted to update since I was back at Stanford 12/8 for my follow-up appt. with Dr. Dake. The scans were great. The before and after images were astonishing. The veins were essentially flat, almost 100% closed before surgery. The veins are now wide open and the stents are nicely integrated. I have discontinued Coumadin, but will remain on Plavix for a time. Dr. Dake thinks it is just a good insurance policy. I will continue to take one asprin daily for the rest of my life.
I feel great. The headaches are mostly gone. I have gone several days without ANY pain medications...I haven't been able to do this in 6 years! I feel pretty much normal. I feel like I did BEFORE MS came into my life. I know this is a huge statement, but it is honestly how I feel. I have no MS symptoms. I do not know if this will be the end of my story, but I am so happy to have my life back for however long
_________________