Please read Bravery and Pioneers.  Thank you.

I have had surgery previously.  All other surgeries, I got the knockout medicine and was awaken in recovery.

Not today.  This surgery was going to be a local and I knew it. 

One of my favorite movies is M*A*S*H.  The TV show was good, but the movie was incredible.  Apart from plot and visuals, the words "Operating Theater" were used to describe the operating room.  I agree with the term.  Everyone had their part and I was just observing.  And I talked.  And talked.

I was a manager of retail stores and did advertising.  Based on that experience, I wanted the team to be relaxed.  Everyone knew what they were doing, but I was the most relaxed in terms of what was going on for my and MS. 

The procedure was venoplasty.  The team knew their roles.  I started making them laugh.  I was nervous about how I would feel afterwards (same, better or worse), but the team and I spoke about MS.  Multiple Sclerosis is a dark subject.  Rather than stress everyone, I just chatted up and got to know them.

One of the nurses had a friend with MS.  Another marveled at my bravery. 

Bravery is tough.  I did not know how the outcome would be, but I was ready.  Even if no improvement was shown, I had gotten something done to improve my condition.  And hopefully communicate to others about how this procedure can help them.

After telling the team this as they were prepping me, one of them said "You have a pioneering spitit."  I thanked her and told her that they were really the Pioneers and I was just along for the ride.

I did not have my glasses.   I say this only because six flat tvs were to my left and I could not make out details on any of them.  I was going to be on TV and miss everything?!  Being awake was challenge enough, but I wanted to be involved.   I had no idea.

The surgeon arrived in and I was ready.  The procedure started and all was great, then I heard I had an 80% blockage in my azigous vein.  The doctor communicated about a balloon of some type and to tell him if it hurt.

I was not going to claim "Pain" at this point.  Thinking of the pain of diagnosis, pain in telling my family while my wife was pregnant, quitting my job, falling down, loss of personal freedoms.  ""Pain" was not in my vocabulary.

The balloon puffed up and I felt a "Pop" similar to what you feel on an airplane.  MY TOES WIGGLED!  THAT WAS AN UPGRADE!  AND THINKING WAS VIVID AND CLEAR!  WHAT DRUGS AM I ON?  WAIT THE POP! 

I had done my research on CCSVI and read about the "pop".  I spoke to Albany and was on their list.  The lady who explained some things about potential improvements.  She said you might experience a clearing of "CogFog."  My thinking was clear.  I was sharp.  I did not have "CogFog."

That being said, the "CogFog" cleared.  Wow.  Toes wiggling and clear thinking.

I have never felt so wonderful after anything.  No stress.  No pain.   I felt I could fly.  

The surgeon walked in after the procedure was complete.  He said that I had a "Pioneering" Spirit.  Asked how I was.  And I could tell he  was quietly proud of how good he made me feel.  Not proud in a negative or nose in the air way, rather, he did a great thing for a patient. He will never know how appreciative I am.

I am thankful to the doctor and the team and the hospital.  I may not be a top performer in how I am feeling, but I know without CCSVI, I would be wheelchair bound and talking to my computer.

I type and walk my dog.  Basic stuff is wonderful.