Happy New Year

It has definitely been an interesting year, and certainly a journey. Despite health issues, 2012 has been filled with amazing memories. End of my senior year, adopting my precious puppy (Stellie), and finishing my first semester of college! It is incredible to look back and think of how far one can come and how things can change in only a short year. Time certainly flies by! I don't have any regrets, and can't wait to see what 2013 has to bring.

Heading into the New Year still in search of a diagnosis, but with a positive attitude. Here's to hoping 2013 brings everyone health and happiness.

... And we all survived the "end of the world!"

It's Not Over

I was so excited to think I was going to have surgery this week and be pain-free afterwards, but then again, that would be too simple.

I got my MRA results today and the news came very unexpected. I do NOT have Popliteal Artery Entrapment Syndrome...

I felt like I was thrown back 3 months to when they told me I did not have Chronic Exertional Compartment Syndrome. The same feelings arose, only stronger. I was upset, I shed a few tears, but the anger and frustration passed in a matter of minutes. I just want to be pain-free, and feel like it has been ages since I have been able to be. Just walking around for a long time causes my legs to become very restless and achy... making Christmas shopping this year painful - haha literally.

So Journey #2 came to an end, and Journey #3 now begins. Just as the start of all the journeys I have been on, I am not sure where this is going to lead me but I do know one thing... I hope this is the final one and doesn't end with another misdiagnosis. However, 3 is my lucky number so I am feeling extra positive about what is to come!!

Test after test I have struggled. In order to get a diagnosis, the testing process isn't easy, but I get through it. And if I can take anything out of everything I have been through it would be staying positive truly goes a long way. There IS an answer to my chronic leg pain somewhere out there, it's just really good at hiding. My body is also really good at puzzling even the most prestigious doctors.

I am hoping to meet with my team of doctors over this winter break and get moving on a new diagnosis and new tests. I am definitely going into all of this frustrated but trying to stay optimistic. If I didn't have amazing family and friends standing by my side and helping me through all of this, I don't know if I would get anywhere.

Final MRA

It feels like forever ago that I met with vascular surgeon. Slow-moving journey; however, now that winter break is right around the corner, I am finally starting to see things move along.

My doctor reviewed my previous MRI and while he could see what was going on with my popliteal artery, he wants a clearer scan. He wants to see where my popliteal artery runs, either behind my muscle or through it; also making him wonder if surgery would be to move the artery or the muscle – tricky situation.

I am having my final MRA on December 14th at 9 AM. After the MRA results, I am hoping he will have a better understanding of what to do for surgery.

Finger’s crossed that they will only have to move the muscle and not touch the artery.