Category: Frustrated

MRA Results and New Doctor

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Today I met the new aneurysm doctor here in Maine, Dr. Ecker, and got the results back on the MRA of my annie.

Dr. Ecker is a real straight shooter and got straight to the point: The MRA showed a slight recanalization of the coiling in the aneurysm. That was a term Dave and I had
never heard, so Dr. Ecker took us to his office, showed us the MRA results and drew us a diagram on what was showing up on the MRA and what his concern was.

I’ll try to explain it without drawing it! Basically, either the aneurysm has slightly grown, or the coils have contracted and it has allowed some blood to flow into the aneurysm through the neck of the aneurysm. His words were that I had a “recanalization of the neck”. Of course, I was initially shaken. My fear has always been they’d discover another annie, not having an issue with my existing one, so this was a
surprise to say the least.

He wants me to have an angiogram now.mDr. Ecker said it wasn’t an emergency situation, so we’re waiting until January, after the holidays for that. He does the angiograms, he also does coiling and clipping operations. I’m thrilled he’s here in the state of Maine. He also appears to have experience with the by-pass surgery I’ve just recently read about.

Right now, there is no course of action until after he see the arteries and coiling on the angiogram. Right now, all of the things he mentioned were “if this….”, or “if that….”, so we need to see the results of the angriogram. Dave has done a lot of research online since we got home and is discovering it’s not that highly UNcommon for this to happen. Usually the recanalization occurs within the first two years after the coiling, so this is kind of unusual, but I feel confident Dr. Ecker will give us the best course of action. He’d either have to go in and insert more coils, which I’ve read several people have had to do on the message board, there’s a possibility I could have to have it clipped, which is a more serious operation, or he’d insert a stent inserted to block off the flow off blood there. Again…he can’t tell for certain what needs to be done until we do the angiogram.

He studied in Buffalo, was in the service as a medical surgeon in Japan, and after listening to an emergency call he took in his office while we were there, someone I would want fighting for me on the operating table. The risk factor for recoiling isn’t as extensive as my first coiling because it wouldn’t be because of a ruptured aneurysm and I’d be home from the hospital on the same day. The same risk factor would hold true
for the clipping, although it’s far more invasive and would probably require a long hospital stay.

I’m doing okay. Still processing this information. But I’ve always known I could be at risk, so we’ll just deal with what God deals me, when he deals it. I’m feeling good now, the Dr. didn’t feel it needed immediate attention, so we’ll cross that bridge when we get to it, right?

Angiogram Scheduled

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I was called and told my 2-year angiogram is schedule for next Friday at 10:00 at Maine Medical.

I’m still not sure why I had to have the MRI, but I guess I’ll find out. I don’t know who is going to do the procedure which is making me a tad apprehensive. I knew that Dr. Kwan had saved my life and I felt great comfort in knowing he was going my 6-month angiogram. He also had a nice bedside manner and ease about him.

I’m also concerned about getting my point across about the difficulty Dr. Kwan had in using the angio-seal the last time. I’m not sure he mentioned it in his notes. I hope he did. I’ll continue to mention it and hope they either don’t try it again, or they’ll use a new incision. Dr. Kwan felt I had a lot of scar tissue in the one they used.

So, I’ll be getting final catalog files together next week and waiting all week for this angiogram. So much for a restful week!

MRI/MRA Results (?)

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I don’t know if it’s bad new or good news, or just simply no news, but apparently the MRI/MRA didn’t show Dr. D’Angelo what he “needed to see”….so I now have to have an angiogram.

I’m not too pleased with the reason I was given or the fact I have to endure the angiogram again. MRIs are just annoying, but angiograms are a bit more serious.

Of course, his receptionist is on vacation all next week, so it won’t be addressed again until after she’s back in two weeks. Then I don’t know if I’ll be having the angiogram here in Maine or I’ll have to go to Boston. Dr. Kwan performed my last angio.

We’ll see.

Pity

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Dave and I went to see the musical “Jesus Christ Superstar” at the Waterville Opera House. It was a fantastic production. I’ve never seen this musical. Have heard of it, heard a lot of the music, but haven’t seen it live before which is always good because I’m not comparing it to any show I’ve been in or have previously seen. Something I tend to do quite often! So, this was a “fresh” show for me even though it has been around for over 30 years. LOL

For those of you who don’t know, I’ve done community theater for over 20 years now. 15 years back in NY and I’ve done four shows since I moved to Maine. Two of which were in the Opera House. I was amazed at the set and the number of people in this show. The wings (back stage on the side) of this stage are very limited for space. It also looked to be a full-house tonight which is terrific to see.

Since my aneurysm, I’ve been asked by a few people if I have been in any other shows or plan to be. Truthfully, I just don’t know if I can anymore. I was thinking as I watched the show how much work, time and energy goes into each show. Even with the smallest roles, the weeks before and during performances are very stressful and require a lot of patience and professionalism by all involved. I can probably still handle the patience and professionalism involved, it’s the stress and energy that concerns me. I tired so easily still and I’m wondering if I’d be able to memorize and remember lines like I used to. I’d hate to make the commitment to a show only to totally screw it up.

Yes, if the show were the ONLY thing I was doing, I think I could do it, but since we’re not paid actors in community theater, we’re basically “volunteering” to act and do this in our “down time” AFTER work. It’s the 30 mile drive to work, then working 8 or more hours, then rehearsing, then driving back home the 30 miles that is making me think I may not be able to do shows anymore. At least in the Waterville area. And that, my friends, depressed me a great deal.

I enjoy theater so much. I enjoy becoming other fun and interesting people and I enjoy making people laugh. Far more than I do making them cry. Comedy has always been my choice. Make them laugh and feel good. The hell with drama and pain and crime. God knows we all have enough of that in our lives…why pay money to go see more?

When I got home tonight, I shared with Dave my thought on how I was concerned I wouldn’t be able to do a show again. Then I ended up sitting in my chair watching TV for an hour feeling sorry for myself. Poor me….what a pity the poor old girl doesn’t think she can act anymore. Boo, hoo. Well, it is sad. Granted, I can’t play the good soprano musical comedy roles, nor am I the nubile nymph I once was when I played Audrey in “Little Shop Of Horrors” or Lily St. Regis in “Annie”, but if the role of Miss Hannigan from “Annie” ever came up in this area, I’d be chomping at the bit to play it…and knowing I might not be able to, is very sad.

I still have limitations and I know that, but I should be grateful I can still attend plays and enjoy them and enjoy the work that others put into the craft. Instead….I’ll probably just feel sorry for myself awhile longer.