ANA Discussion Forum

General Category => AN Issues => Topic started by: jason z on October 29, 2006, 01:31:40 pm

Title: looking for patients of dr mckenna at mgh
Post by: jason z on October 29, 2006, 01:31:40 pm
i am looking to talk to whoever had surgery at mgh in boston. I was diagnosted last week with a 3 cm  AN and I am meeting with my surgeon on thursday.I am obviously scared and overwhelmed.
Title: Re: looking for patients of dr mckenna at mgh
Post by: Crazycat on October 29, 2006, 01:44:33 pm
That's me bro!!


I can tell you  a lot. I've been through the mill. You live in Mass? You're probably real close. I'll call you if you'd like. There's much to discuss......

  Paul
Title: no subject
Post by: jason z on October 29, 2006, 01:47:58 pm
Thanks for the feedback- feeling a little more positive than before I discovered this site. Thanks guys hopefully get a chance to meet some of you at the brunch!
Title: Re: looking for patients of dr mckenna at mgh
Post by: Joef on October 29, 2006, 01:57:38 pm
Welcome .. I did not go to Boston , but I'm in CT. not far away. There are serveral here that did go to Boston , it seems its one of the more popular places to go the Northeast.. It can be scary, but life does go on... and this is the BEST places for help!! First hint .. please "Modify" your message and remove your phone ... there are SPAMMERS about .. and you would not them calling .. If you like to have lunch with us in a few weeks, a bunch of us are getting together for lunch in Worcester http://anausa.org/forum/index.php?topic=1818.0
Title: Re: looking for patients of dr mckenna at mgh
Post by: Crazycat on October 29, 2006, 02:20:57 pm
Alright Joe!!!

   Yes, Jason and I have already spoken an he'll probably be coming to the brunch!



   Paul
Title: Re: looking for patients of dr mckenna at mgh
Post by: krbonner on October 29, 2006, 02:55:53 pm
I'm another patient of the McKenna/Barker team.  My surgery was 6 weeks ago and I feel great!!  You're in great hands with them.  But I certainly remember how terrified I was this last summer, and Paul was one of the key players who talked me through it.  I'll also be at the brunch in a few weeks, but I'm also happy to talk in the meantime. 

Katie

Title: Re: looking for patients of dr mckenna at mgh
Post by: Laura on November 02, 2006, 12:41:15 pm
Jason -  you will find a lot of good advice and information on this site; you have come to the right place. Good luck with your appointment on Thursday. Please be sure to post and let us all know how things went.

Laura
Title: Re: looking for patients of dr mckenna at mgh
Post by: Crazycat on November 02, 2006, 12:53:54 pm
He's probably there right now! I spoke with him last night.


  Paul
Title: Re: looking for patients of dr mckenna at mgh
Post by: chelsmom on November 02, 2006, 03:13:38 pm
Jason,
My daughter was at UCLA for her AN,  but as you may already know you are in the best of care.  According to US News and Report you are at one of the top 3 hospitals in the country for neurosurgery.  Not only are they rated for the Doctors but also for the aftercare which is just as important. 
Best Wishes......Michelle
Title: Re: looking for patients of dr mckenna at mgh
Post by: Windsong on November 05, 2006, 06:58:21 pm
Hi Jason,

Tile and marble... that takes talent... love them both!

I think your first sentence says a lot of it as to symptoms and what is going on before Ans more than a few mm are discovered. Probably having an MRi with contrast would make a huge difference in having these Ans discovered earlier. I am well aware of other situations that can be the cause but at the same time I am  thinking that an MRi as already mentioned would catch these ( and other things) much earlier...

From everything I have heard about MGH i am thinking you are in very good hands.

Finding out about having an An is quite the experience. All sorts of emotions run through us. Looking at how one's life might change is aprt of that. A good thing is when one makes a decision about which treatment after any research one can do, and you have done that it seems, more calm enters. You are, I am sure, in good hands.

Sending you all the best and soon you will be handling tile and marble which makes a lot of beauty in our lives.

Be well,
Windsong