Post by joannern on Nov 8, 2009 14:39:02 GMT -5
Hi all. I have not been around for awhile as I have been in and out of the hospital. On 10/27 the day of my 62nd birthday my left foot became ice cold and totally numb. It would pink up and be less numb if I was in a sitting position. The toes on both feet have been numb for severall years but this was beyond anything I had ever experienced.
I have had a bypass on my right leg in 2007. I called the vascular surgeon and was admitted to Rush University Hospital in Chicago. I was put on a heparin drip. After many tests including an angiogram I was given the bad news. All three of the major arteries that feed the lower part of my leg are shot. Only one was at all viable. That one aretery ( the posterior tibial) could not hold a bypass graft.
The only possible hope is something called a silver hawk which is a roto rooter type device inserted thru a catheter. The problem is that there is a total blcokage near the ankle and the surgeon does not know if he can get through with the device. If the artery blows, my lower leg is toast. So for right now I am on Lovenox (blood thinnner) that I have to inject twice a day and they have started mer on Revatio to help control the Raynauds. The Raynaud's just complicates matters.
I am seeking the advice of another vascular guy at NorthWestern but could not get in until Dec. 17th. It is unlikely he will have much more to offer but he does know about tstem cell research in this area. I do not qualify for the NW study but I thought he could ast least offer another opinion.
My vascular guy is trying the blood thinners in the hope that some new smaller arteries might develop and could help the blood flow.He is trying to avoid the silverhawk for now as he said"you always need one bullet in the gun."
Sleeping is a major issue as I keep awakening and have to dangle my foot. Sleeping in a recliner is not easy for me as I have major back problems.
I am so very frightened at the thought of amputation. I have had two Dr.'s now give me the pep talk of how I am young and vibrant and will adjust, but damn that really does not help.
There has been some experimental studies that have shown that injecting a person's own stem cells into the "bad " leg helps new arteries to form. I am exploring this possibility and have been asked by a vascular research Dr. in Columbus Ohio to send my test results. He is currently conducting a study. I am also going to be calling the Heart Institute in Houston and U of C in Davis Calif. that have ongoing studies. I would try this if I could get into a study.
I just can't believe that 2 months ago I was in the Galapagos walking and touring and now I am facing loss of my limb. I am pretty shook not to mention depressed. Please say a prayer that I can ward off gangrene long enough to pursue what few other avenues might be open to me.
As a reminder live all your days at your fullest cause you just honestly have no clue when things can take a turn.
Thanks,
Joanne
I have had a bypass on my right leg in 2007. I called the vascular surgeon and was admitted to Rush University Hospital in Chicago. I was put on a heparin drip. After many tests including an angiogram I was given the bad news. All three of the major arteries that feed the lower part of my leg are shot. Only one was at all viable. That one aretery ( the posterior tibial) could not hold a bypass graft.
The only possible hope is something called a silver hawk which is a roto rooter type device inserted thru a catheter. The problem is that there is a total blcokage near the ankle and the surgeon does not know if he can get through with the device. If the artery blows, my lower leg is toast. So for right now I am on Lovenox (blood thinnner) that I have to inject twice a day and they have started mer on Revatio to help control the Raynauds. The Raynaud's just complicates matters.
I am seeking the advice of another vascular guy at NorthWestern but could not get in until Dec. 17th. It is unlikely he will have much more to offer but he does know about tstem cell research in this area. I do not qualify for the NW study but I thought he could ast least offer another opinion.
My vascular guy is trying the blood thinners in the hope that some new smaller arteries might develop and could help the blood flow.He is trying to avoid the silverhawk for now as he said"you always need one bullet in the gun."
Sleeping is a major issue as I keep awakening and have to dangle my foot. Sleeping in a recliner is not easy for me as I have major back problems.
I am so very frightened at the thought of amputation. I have had two Dr.'s now give me the pep talk of how I am young and vibrant and will adjust, but damn that really does not help.
There has been some experimental studies that have shown that injecting a person's own stem cells into the "bad " leg helps new arteries to form. I am exploring this possibility and have been asked by a vascular research Dr. in Columbus Ohio to send my test results. He is currently conducting a study. I am also going to be calling the Heart Institute in Houston and U of C in Davis Calif. that have ongoing studies. I would try this if I could get into a study.
I just can't believe that 2 months ago I was in the Galapagos walking and touring and now I am facing loss of my limb. I am pretty shook not to mention depressed. Please say a prayer that I can ward off gangrene long enough to pursue what few other avenues might be open to me.
As a reminder live all your days at your fullest cause you just honestly have no clue when things can take a turn.
Thanks,
Joanne