This operation, performed at St. Luke's Hospital in Utica, NY, determined that I did not have an aneurysm.
During the operation I was conscious. A small cut was made in my right leg and a catheter (an extremely thin flexible tube) inserted into the blood vessel.
Using technique and skills I can not fathom, the surgeon wove the catheter up through my body and into various blood vessels of my brain. As he reached certain areas, he would inject a dye and simultaneously an x-ray type machine would take a series of pictures. Some of the shots in the back of my head were painful but fortunately not long lasting.
There was a real risk of stroke during this procedure. The nurses and I talked to make sure I was doing OK. My surgical team did an excellent and efficient job.
By the grace of God I walked away with no problems, only soreness, about 6 hours later.
Medical Center
approx.
March 8, 2003
after Second Surgery
in ICU
with Nurse Sayla.
Family friend Don and I
after cutting up a large maple log
with the Big Chainsaw.
Don and Dad ran the saw,
I just supervised and posed.
This is one week after
returning back to NY
from Duke Hospital.
March 22, 2003