So my one year anniversary of my surgery is coming up. I have mixed emotions about it. Scared, nervous, excited, thankful....
Since I had the indirect bypass it can take up to a year for that blood vessel to adhere to the brain and provide adequate blood flow. I am supposed to stay well hydrated to help with this process! Good thing all I drink is water because some days I drink up to a gallon of water a day! It's been a year filled with a couple Er visits because I thought I was having a stroke, numbness, headaches, sharp pains in the head, feeling hopeless and no energy. Brain surgery is a major surgery and it takes a lot out of you mentally and physically.
I do have to say that this year I look at life differently. Something so negative and scary has brought so much positivity into my life. I took a moment to actually enjoy things and not take them for granted. I see the beauty in so much now. I also always make sure I thank God for each and every day. I am also extremely grateful for knowing who is actually there for me. The true people in your life step up when you need them the most. I also took the people out of my life that cause constant drama. I want to surround myself with beauty, positivity and love.
I have been lucky to "meet" some other people who have Moyamoya on Facebook as well. I have learned so much about this disease. I have also learned that Moyamoya can run in families. It is also known to run in families with heart disease...like the Jordan side of my family. If members from the Jordan side of my family are reading this please review all the symptoms of this disease. Several members of this group have stated they have cousins, brothers, sisters and children etc. with this disease as well. Just always be aware of your body and symptoms. The group I am involved in is trying to raise awareness for this disease because it often goes misdiagnosed.
All my testing and doctor appointments are set up for being one year post op. I will be having my MRI/MRA next week. I will be sending the results of that test to Dr Steinberg out at Stanford in California and also to my surgeon in Boston. I am assuming I will probably hear from Dr Steinberg before my April 2nd appointment in Boston. I am praying that I hear that there is no change on the left side (since there was slight narrowing) and change for the better on the right side. If there is no change I hope that they suggest to do a direct bypass. IF I do need surgery again I will have it out in California this time. So please keep me in your prayers and good energy for a good outcome. I am beyond nervous.
So here I am. One whole year later. A stronger better version of me! The one thing I can be thankful to Moyamoya about. I am even thinking of getting a little tattoo to celebrate my disease. I have been thinking about it for months and all I could come up with is an anchor. It has a meaning of not being easy to break, hope, security, stability, salvation and good luck. It also reminds me of the Cape where I have had some of my happiest memories. What do you think?