Category: Popliteal Artery Entrapment Syndrome

Third Time Was a Charm!

On By GO ALEXIAIn Compartment Syndrome, McGinley, Medical Journey, Popliteal Artery Entrapment Syndrome, Wyoming7 Comments

It took a third trip to Dr. McGinley’s offices in Casper, Wyoming during the week of Thanksgiving, and I’m happy to report that I’m officially pain-free and back to normal activity!

Denver Selfie

I had planned to post sooner; however, with the frustration building after my second round of Botox not working, I not only didn’t have the mental and physical energy to do regular updates, but I also didn’t want to jinx myself after round three. With the huge let down of not feeling any relief, it was tough to make the decision to go back again. In this post I’m including not only why this round actually worked, but also what led me to giving this a third try.

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One-Month Post-Procedure, What’s New?

On By GO ALEXIAIn Compartment Syndrome, McGinley, Medical Journey, Popliteal Artery Entrapment SyndromeLeave a comment

It has officially been a month and three days since I had my touch-up procedure done by Dr. McGinley, and unfortunately the pain is still present. It’s just as strong if not stronger than before, and I find myself even more frustrated, not to mentioned exhausted and bummed out.

Safari West
While waiting for my leg to heal, I took an adventure in Santa Rosa at Safari West! I could sit comfortably in the Jeep which was well worth it for the amazing views.

I apologize for those of you that have been following along and sending such nice notes! I was hoping to post an update earlier than today that would also include more positive results than what I will actually be sharing.

As each day went by these past few weeks, I procrastinated writing up a post because I thought (and wished) that the next day I’d have something positive to report back. Since that isn’t the case, I think it’s best to share what’s been going on with my leg for the past 3-4 weeks regardless.

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The Mental Side-Effects of Chronic Pain

On By GO ALEXIAIn Compartment Syndrome, Medical Journey, Popliteal Artery Entrapment SyndromeLeave a comment

For those also diagnosed with Chronic Exertional Compartment Syndrome, do you ever find yourself bummed out that you can’t partake in activities you once enjoyed, actively avoiding anything that will bring on the pain, or being constantly overcome with extreme exhaustion from the lack of sleep and constant ache?

Yeah, sounds like an infomercial for my current life. Welcome.

IMG_0781

The pain you experience during activity is one thing, but the mental effects of constant pain are a whole other ballgame. I wasn’t familiar with these effects, and if you’re like me, you may be overlooking some side-effects that have developed due to this sneaky neurological nightmare.

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I’m Alive! Progress Post-Botox

On By GO ALEXIAIn Compartment Syndrome, McGinley, Medical Journey, Popliteal Artery Entrapment Syndrome, Wyoming2 Comments

Good news. It didn’t hurt as much as I had anticipated and I also still have a functional leg attached to my body.

CT Scan

My apologies that this progress post is a little delayed! In all honesty, after flying back home from Casper, the only thing I wanted to do for the rest of my 3-day weekend was absolutely nothing – and it felt great. Although I’m still waiting for my magic moment of no-pain, the trip was 100% worth it, and I figure it could be helpful to list out what I expected from the procedure vs. the reality.

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Pre-Botox Jitters

On By GO ALEXIAIn Compartment Syndrome, McGinley, Medical Journey, Popliteal Artery Entrapment Syndrome, WyomingLeave a comment

Here we are! I made it to Casper! Minus a few delays out of SFO and a connecting flight later, it has been a smooth first day.

I’ve never been to Wyoming before, and I have to say that the views are beautiful. It’s that vastness that is difficult to capture with the only way to take it all in is to just enjoy the moment.IMG_1114

Snapping back to reality, though, tomorrow is the big day, and I’m experiencing all sorts of feelings and anxiety about Dr. McGinley’s Vascular Pressure Treatment. In order to combat the nerves, I think it’ll be helpful to list the reasons behind why I decided to move forward with the procedure in the first place.

 

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Botox, a Miracle Drug? Countdown to my last resort…

On By GO ALEXIAIn Compartment Syndrome, McGinley, Medical Journey, Popliteal Artery Entrapment SyndromeLeave a comment

The most mentally debilitating part of dealing with chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS) and popliteal artery entrapment syndrome (PAES) is the constant struggle of finding the right doctor with a solution that actually works. I can’t even begin to share the state of frustration and plain exhaustion I’ve been suffering through for the past 2.5 years.

In other words, I am desperate to try anything to relieve my pain and get me moving like a normal human again.

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What is PAES?

On By GO ALEXIAIn Medical Journey, Popliteal Artery Entrapment Syndrome1 Comment

PAES = Popliteal Artery Entrapment Syndrome

According to the Cleveland Clinic, PAES is a rare vascular disease that affects the legs of some young athletes. The muscle and tendons near the knee are positioned so that they compress the popliteal artery – the main artery that runs through and behind the knee. Compression of the artery restricts blood flow to the lower leg and can damage the artery.

BOOM! Sounds intense, right?

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