For Rami

***Rami*** · July 15th, 2018, 14:08

Fibber,

I really appreciate your private encouragement with regard to my leg issues, and wanted to let you and others know I took your advice and insistence that I persist in finding a solution, and that my medical team at the wound care center has sent my information to doctors at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota to see if I am a viable candidate for venous reconstructive surgery, where they literally use stents to reconstruct your interior vena cava.

They are the only facility in the country that does this procedure, and according to them, they do this type of operation "all the time," which is mind-blowing to me. They also think they can "de-clot" and fix some of the main veins that are currently blocked. Most of the people who have had this surgery successfully are about my age, and since I do not have either heart disease or diabetes, I may be an ideal candidate.

If it works, I will be much more comfortable, have greater venous flow, more duration on my feet, be far less prone to skin ulcers, and I won't have to teach from a wheelchair anymore!

The information was sent out on Friday, so I am hoping to hear this week. If they do want me to come out for the surgery, I will let everyone know. Even if this particular type of operation doesn't work in my case, the fact they have advanced this far means that there will likely be a way to help me in the near future.

**Captain Kurt** · July 15th, 2018, 14:24

My prayers go with you buddy.

**Devildog73** · July 29th, 2018, 05:22

I'm a certified sub here in FL and would help you out, but I'm sure MA has a butt-load of subs looking for a long-term assignment that would fill a semester for you.

Besides, my basketball team and program is beginning to pay dividends, so heart of my Varsity season........winter instead of fall temps.....

I'll stick with Florida and praying for your surgery and quick recovery.

**Fibber** · July 29th, 2018, 13:55

..I don't want to pontificate but consider your own physical, and family, options first. That should be your first priority. The school administrators might have to do what they are supposed to do and that is administrate. Actually make some decisions on coverage.

If you delay too long there could be physiological changes that might change the equation on your getting the treatment and in might not be in your favor. Keep in mind that original story of my late brother in law (RIP) and what happened to him. His turned for the better yours might not.

Also, with today's political climate and constantly changing medical coverage what is covered now , in a pen stroke, might not be covered tomorrow. Happened to me and cost a wee bit of money.

In that old saying " Don't put off to tomorrow what you can do today"

***Rami*** · October 3rd, 2018, 10:30

Ravenna,

Thank you. It can’t come soon enough!

***Shessi*** · October 3rd, 2018, 11:29

ooooOOO...(sharp in take of breath)...bet that just stings a little!!

Best of luck with it Andrew.

Cheers

Shessi

**highpockets** · October 3rd, 2018, 14:25

Oh my gosh!!!

***Rami*** · October 3rd, 2018, 14:49

Originally Posted by Shessi

ooooOOO...(sharp in take of breath)...bet that just stings a little!!

Best of luck with it Andrew.

Cheers

Shessi

Mark,

Especially when they do a bleach soak on the wounds for five minutes!

***Rami*** · October 15th, 2018, 05:53

Good morning,

Tomorrow is testing day at the Mayo Clinic...blood work, followed by an electrocardiogram, followed by an ultrasound, followed by a CT scan, followed by a bandage change.

All that's missing is me putting on tap shoes and doing a dance number.

***Eoraptor1*** · October 15th, 2018, 07:07

Originally Posted by Rami

Good morning,

Tomorrow is testing day at the Mayo Clinic...blood work, followed by an electrocardiogram, followed by an ultrasound, followed by a CT scan, followed by a bandage change.

All that's missing is me putting on tap shoes and doing a dance number.

Rami,

My cousin had the same procedure you're looking at a few years ago and he's doing fine now. Also, he much older than you, so you have that going for you. I'm a heart event survivor myself and I now firmly believe it's better to find these things out, and do it as early as possible. Not to cover you in butter, but your campaigns were a great help to me in getting out of my own head. You get well soon. I'm sure everyone here is rooting for you.

JAMES

**Shadow Wolf 07** · July 15th, 2018, 14:25

I hope it all works out for you Drew. From what you wrote, it sounds encouraging.

**Ravenna** · July 15th, 2018, 15:14

So good to hear that your venous issues may be treatable/reversible Andrew. Being pain free and mobile is valued all the more when you experience their absence. I hope that the clinic accepts you for treatment and that it is successful. It is a long road but it sounds like you have great support on the journey.
All the best.

***The B24 Guy*** · July 15th, 2018, 15:25

It is amazing what modern medicine can do.
Best wishes for you and yours.

Regards,
B24Guy

**bub** · July 15th, 2018, 18:55

Hope it all works out for you. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. Best of luck.
Bob

**AcWai** · July 15th, 2018, 19:09

Rami,

I will keep you in my prayer, wishing you the best of luck.

Andrew

**No Dice** · August 1st, 2018, 07:26

That is great news Rami.

This could be like starting a whole new life without the constant pain.

***Rami*** · August 1st, 2018, 07:17

Good morning,

The date for the surgery is October 18th, provided that the required testing goes well on the 16th and 17th of October.

**dvslats** · July 16th, 2018, 00:12

Originally Posted by Ravenna

Being pain free and mobile is valued all the more when you experience their absence.

Here's to you getting there Drew.

***Rami*** · July 29th, 2018, 15:28

Fibber,

Over the last couple of days, with prayer and reflection, I have come to the same conclusion, based on many of the reasons you laid out. Not to worry, my friend.

**No Dice** · July 16th, 2018, 05:39

Hoping that everything works in your favor....

***nagpaw*** · July 16th, 2018, 11:32

Sounds very hopeful and promising. Hang in there! I'll definitely be thinking about you, and sending some positive waves!

**Anthin** · July 16th, 2018, 11:37

My best wishes join all the others.

Good luck to you Sir.

Anthin.

**Fibber** · July 16th, 2018, 13:15

... I was only the instrument of guidance, you made the decision. Glad to hear that you sought them out though.
That center does really amazing work and has some things in development that almost sound like science fiction. Hope it is successful and you can get legs up

**Allen** · July 16th, 2018, 13:48

Sounds like good news over all! Best of luck!!

***Rami*** · August 6th, 2018, 15:31

Good evening,

Well, I received my official welcome packet from Hold the Mayo Clinic this evening, so I guess it's official now. 74 days and counting,,,