My interventional radiologist tells me that even though the PED will cover the opening of my ophthalmic artery, which grows out of the annie, the pressure differential is supposed to continue blood flow to the ophthalmic while occluding it from the annie. I have decided to move ahead with one more caution: I have long believed I have a nickel allergy.
I was sent to a dermatologist for skin testing. For three days I had a nickel test spot on my back. I did not react. For a full week, I had an actual PED taped to my back. I also didn't react to it.
At my dermatologist appointment to discuss the results, it was decided that to be absolutely certain, I should wear the PED for another week. This time it was covered in vaseline and taped to the inside of my forearm. I go to the dermatologist tomorrow to have it removed and looked at. Nothing itches, so I assume all is well.
Once I get the clearance, I will set up an appropriate date with the I.R. They tell me I could have it done on a Thursday, spend the night in the ICU, go home on Friday, and go to my desk job on Monday. Since my kids have better availability on Mondays, I'm going to ask that it be done on that day and miss a whole week of work.
I'm excited and scared. The PED is a cute little thing.
I am glad to hear that your doctor tested you for a nickel allergy. I had a scare, three days after my PED operation I broke out in a crazy rash. I was frightened that I was allergic to something in the PED. It turns out it was a reaction to the trauma or invasiveness of the surgery. Also, while many people recover quickly, don't be surprised if it takes you a little longer to feel 100%. I tried to go back to work after 1 week off, and I was not ready. It took me 3 weeks to feel back to my old self. I am about two months past my surgery, and it feels as if there was never anything wrong. It is frightening, but there are such good results, that it is worth it. Good luck!
HNH, what wonderful and exciting news for you! I will keep you in my prayers that this test again shows no allergic reaction to the PED. Best of luck tomorrow!
And, hopefully, you can go ahead with the surgery and begin the journey of healing.
I agree with NYC1, don’t be surprised if after 1 week, you still are not feeling “yourself”. I tried to go back to work after 2 weeks myself, and wound up having to extend it another 2 weeks. It’ll be 4 years for me in June, 2015 since my PED surgery! It really took me, and probably most of our members if you read back on some of their stories, around 6 months to really feel “normal”. Some members, again myself included, complained of Fatigue and headaches being the biggest culprit, but if you suffer from either, you will notice that they will subside every day. I was prepared for the headaches because my doc did warn my hubby they were possible. After all, ther is a foreign body invading your brain!
You will most likely have an Angio done at the 6 month mark. A lot of members were lucky to hear at that point that their annies fully occluded, some a little while longer.
Most importantly, listen to your brain! It will tell you when you have done enough. Rest, rest and rest!
Please keep us posted on when your surgery is scheduled, as well as when it is completed and how you are feeling. We are here to help guide you in your journey and point you in the right direction! We will be pulling for you and a successful surgery!
I am happy to report that the second week of having the PED as a passenger has not resulted in any sort of irritation. The dermatologist will contact the interventional radiologist, and I expect to hear from them about scheduling. Thank you, everyone, for the advice and good wishes.
Awesome news! Now you will notice how often you bump into things by the bruising you will have for the next 6 months! I used to get some big bruises and my hubby would comment it looks like I beat ya!
Bruises are definitely a part of life with Plavix. You may also want to get a soft toothbrush, although my usual medium has been fine for me, others have had sensitive gums.