Brain Surgery

I am scheduled to have brain surgery on Monday, March 9 @ UPMC Presbyterian in Pittsburgh to alleviate symptoms (and prevent further complications) from multiple cysts located at the rear of my brain. I will be in the hospital for a few days and then I will have about 4-6 weeks recovery at home. It will be 12 weeks until all restrictions are removed.

For those of you who know nothing of my situation allow me to quickly update you.

Around Thanksgiving 2008, I started havng some random symptoms primarily numbness and "pins & needles" feeling in my right arm & both legs and feets. I have also experienced headaches and some other random "sensations" and symptoms. I went to my family doctor who started me on a series of tests and visits to specialists. I had a stress test and cardio work-up because of my family history. I discovered that I have "exercise-induced hypertension" for which I now take a pill 1x/day. Then I had a series of neurologiacal exams, MRIs and other tests. I have known about the cysts since late December which were discovered on my MRI. I consulted with a neurosurgeon @ Allegheny General and then had a second opinion from the UPMC team where I will be having the surgery.

What I found out is that 9 out of 10 people (mostly males) who have these cysts do not need surgery because they do not have symptoms. Most only know it from a random MRI for something else. I am 1 of 10 that have symptoms which, though more on the mild side now, could progress to loss of coordination and balance. Basically, I have a larger cavity than normal at the rear of my brain--something I was born with. I don't know if my head is too big or brain too small!! Over time, cerebral-spinal fluid has built up in this area to the point that it is no longer flowing as it should. This has resulted in a thinning of my skull and pressure on my brain which is causing the symptoms that I experience.

The surgery will involve a significant incision in my neck,lower skull area; removal of a small piece of bone and "fenestrating" the cyst to get the fluid moving again. It will be about a 3 hour procedure not counting all the prep and post-op work. Endoscope or other minimally invasive procedure is not doable with my situation given that I have multiple cysts. I will have extreme neck pain especially, the first couple of days. As I said, I have extended recovery time at home following the surgery.

I don't know what to expect since my only previous "surgery" experience is minor foot surgery about 15 years ago. Please join me in prayer that my recovery will be speedy and not as painful as predicted and that I will be a good patient. Lori will be doing double duty with the kids (getting them back & forth to school and other activities) along with her part-time work and taking care of the house. Please keep her and the kids in your prayers as well. Her parents are next door and will be a big help plus we have a lot of friends to call on when needed. My oldest sister will be coming out next week to watch the kdis while I am in the hospital.

As for my ministry at the church, I have a great leadership team that will keep the youth ministry going on Wednesday nights and take the youth on the Spring Retreat. I am not at all worried about the church ministry as we are blessed with a lot of great leaders who will keep things running without me. In fact, they will find out just how replaceable I am!!

Well, that is all for now. I will post updates as soon as I feel up to banging away on a computer. Until then, keep praying for the family and I. I am relying on His promise of strength and I know He will lead me through this "storm" in my life.

We appreciate your love, support and your presence in our life!!

To God be the glory!!