Saturday, December 11, 2010 8:30 AM
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Norma Harrison
I just returned from California and back in Toronto. I had my treatment done on Dec 3, 2010. I am very excited to tell you all of my experience. It was done at Pacific Interventionalists, what a great place and what a great Dr. I believe that I have been so fortunate to have Dr. Arata do my proceedure. He is doing something new for a few months now and has had 100 % sucsess. He explained to me that he will not open my veins, he would tear my valve. I know that sounds really bad but when he explained it, it made sense. How he explained it. Veins are like elastics, you stretch them or balloon them and they want to go back to the way they were. For this reason they often restenois or they feel they have to put in a stent. I had this concern, after all I did not want to waste my money and find I would restenois. He said that he believes in doing things a little different where no stent would be needed. Since there is a valve that preceeds you vein think of this valve as a button hole in your shirt. What would happen if you tried to put a button that was too big for that hole through it? It would rip the hole larger. Now when that valve starts to heal, scar tissue would develop and keep the valve open on its own, this is why he wanted to tear my valve because I had 100% blockage in my right jugular, he said there was no blood getting through and was totally collapsed. Why, because valve was blocked or shut. When he opened that valve( or tore it) blood started flowing like water through pipes and that flow keeps your veins open on thier own, like it should work (no stent needed) The whole thing took about 25 mins after he got in there, it hurt for a few seconds when he did all 3 Left and right jugular and azogist. When I returned to my recovery room it was a miricle for me. Within 5 mins my feet very purple and cold for the last 2 years were now pink and warm and not swollen ( I could now see my ankles) I started to cry, my right hand which was totally numb was now normal, my left hand had made about a 50% recovery. Wow I can not tell you how fast it was. Then Dr. Arata came and said that when you go back to the hotel you should sleep much better. When I got back to the hotel, I was lying in my bed with my glasses off and my husband was watching T.V. Just then some words came across the screen and I could read it. It was not totally clear but a little foggy but never the less I could read it. I never would have been able to see anything but a big blur without my glassess. The next morning I walked on my own unassisted without my cane or walker down to restaurant for breakfast. Normally I would have had to go in my wheelchair if the distance was to far or take my walker if it was a short walk. Since I have got home I have noticed my walking is getting better every day and my left hand is getting a bit better slowly. I feel truly blessed that this was done for me at the right time, in the right place and by the right doctor, one who has had 100% sucsess and no patients restenosing and no stents needed. Since coming home he has already called and has instucted my family doctor on how to take care of me at home in Toronto. He said he will always be available to take care of me as I am still his patient. I was asked to call him 3 mon 6 mon and 9 mons to give him updates on my progress for his research and let him know all the progress I am making (or not) He said I can still have and see changes in the months to come. Your damage has taken years to happen so your recovery will take time as well so be patient. Don't wait to do it, do it as soon as you can and I hope your sucsess is as great as mine has been so far. Good Luck All ! Norma
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