topic Re: Embolization in Wellness

Embolization

nagrom — Wed, 04 Nov 2015 00:23:04 GMT

Has anyone had experience with vascular anomalies embolization surgery? My son just had this surgery for the second time in ten years. He is saying research finds only 20% success rate. This is a rare surgery so there is not much data available. It is very dangerous as a bump or nick could bleed out so quickly that there would not be enough time. Needless to say I am very worried. This is our second time with possibilities of more surgeries to follow.

Re: Embolization

Lucky Charm — Wed, 04 Nov 2015 02:35:54 GMT

I've only heard of chemo embolization. Several people I know have had it and with success. Not sure exactly, but I think they sort of block off (with oils?) arteries to areas that are being treated w/chemo so it doesn't escape. Stays more concetrated in the area.

That said, I hope that your son's surgery goes well and with continued success. I also think that looking at the best possible hospitals that do these sort of procedures is worth looking into. If at all possible.

Re: Embolization

Lucky Charm — Wed, 04 Nov 2015 02:50:28 GMT

I just googled the subject and came upon Johns Hopkins website regarding this procedure.

So my first post really missed the mark and was not helpful at all. For that I am sorry.

Not sure what part of the country your son is in, but it is definitely worth looking into top hospitals with good doctors. I believe that would be interventional radiologists.

Sending positive thoughts your way.

Re: Embolization

nagrom — Wed, 04 Nov 2015 03:19:25 GMT

Lucky Charm, thank you for posting. Yes this is his second surgery performed last week Friday. He is home recovering and on anti inflammatory meds. His foot is huge and really red and swollen. The doctor said to come back Friday if it doesn't get better. They did 70% of the right side of his foot to restore blood flow to the left side and toes. Unless the inflammation goes down drastically he will never be able to stand on that foot much less get any size sock or shoe on. There has been talk of amputation. Yes, we are at a teaching university hospital here in the Midwest. Last time they conferred with Duke, Mayo, John Hopkins and one other I can't remember. He is in good hands but this is rare surgery and I believe they are still learning. A mom always worries. We made it through the critical time where the port in his leg could come out after the surgery making him bleed out before emergency crew would arrive. He survived that scare. Me....I think I got more gray hair. It's so hard to watch your child suffer even when they are grown up.

Re: Embolization

Lucky Charm — Wed, 04 Nov 2015 14:39:52 GMT

Nagrom~I'm just now realizing you said he already had the surgery in your opening post.

It must be hard as a mother knowing your son was facing this.

I hope the inflammation goes down, and the healing continues. I image he must be very careful moving around until then.

Wishing your son the best possible recovery.

Re: Embolization

Lilysmom — Wed, 04 Nov 2015 15:17:29 GMT

Prayers for your family @nagrom. Some of these surgeries are so scary. Sending good thoughts your way. LM

Re: Embolization

nagrom — Wed, 04 Nov 2015 15:29:30 GMT

Thank you Lilysmom. It is very scary. I appreciate your prayers. So far things are progressing but time will tell. His foot is very red and swollen and misshapen due to the AVM. Hopefully he will be able to walk and wear shoes and socks down the road. We live in Wisconsin where our winters are icy and cold. He has not been able to wear socks or shoes for ten years. He gets a partial sandal on his foot but now unable to. I feel so helpless. People just look at him in public and give him a lot of space to get around him.