I had my hopes up that this was maybe the final surgery needed. They said sometimes they just have to stretch it a little more and then it would stay open.
My hopes were deflated just a few months after that procedure. Stairs began giving me problems again and the coughing was getting worse. This second procedure didn't last near as long as the first. I was able to keep up with daily routines so I ignored this as best I could. I knew my 6 month checkup was coming up and I decided to just wait it out.
On November 20th I went for that checkup. What a shock.... I knew it was narrowing but wasn't prepared for him to say it was 75% closed again! No wonder I have no energy! I was so glad that Phil (my husband) was with me. The doctor took his time to answer all our questions and said we had three options. One, wait until I can't take it much longer and do something; Two, have the same procedure done again and hope it lasts longer but probably wouldn't; or Three, go ahead with the resection which is a major surgery. I don't want to keep going back for the same procedure. It doesn't last long enough. I said I want to get the resection and so he scheduled an appointment with the original surgeon that I saw at Barnes, and I go on December 5th to see him.
I have no idea when the surgery will be? Over the holidays? Wait until next year? Being 75% narrowed I sort of think we better just get it over with. I guess we'll see what their schedule says. I'm also considering seeking another opinion from someone who specializes in this exact type of surgery. How do you know when to trust your doctor completely and when to keep looking?
Oh Sharon I am so sorry you are going through this. I wish I could take it all away. I think about you and pray for you all the time. I really didn't know it was this bad, you are good at hiding it. I love you so very much, if there is anything I can do let me know.
ReplyDeleteIt's very serious but I'm going to be fine. :)
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