NEW YORK, NY, USA - Monita Horn, sister of co-world No.1 doubles player Liezel Huber, updates us from New York City on her procedures and recovery.
Monday, March 8, 2010
Good Morning to all Liezel's fans, our friends, her loyal beloved supporters, family, colleagues and to everyone who has been keeping me and my family in their thoughts throughout the last couple of months. The support we have received has been truly heartwarming and overwhelming. Many have followed my progress and many have said a prayer - I am so grateful to all.
Background
For those not familiar with my story, I am Liezel's twin from Holland, and I was born with KT syndrome, AVM, vascular malformation, a rare and complex chronic illness affecting the arteries, blood circulation, tissue and bone. I was misdiagnosed from a very young age and after 33 years of living with severe pain, Liezel managed to find one of the best surgeons in the world, who has made a remarkable difference to my life. Liezel arranged for me to see Dr. Milton Waner in Berlin. Dr. Waner coordinated my procedures in New York at St. Luke's Roosevelt Hospital, and was confident his team could make the difference. He did not hesitate for one moment to help me, and brought me in touch with Dr. Robert Rosen and the rest of the team. Dr. Rosen has 25 years of experience in this field and has done remarkable work - I will be grateful to him in all eternity.
My first procedure was in January in New York. Prior to this I experienced seven months of sleepless nights and severe pain. I was on constant medication. The first procedure in January has been a great success and as you might already gather - I sleep like a baby. I cannot believe the difference, I have a new life. The blood clot situated on my wrist is gone, the swelling and pain is much less and I go through life smiling again. The sclerotherapy (foam radiation substance) in the arteries has caused the access arteries to get inflamated and collapse, leaving me with a much better quality of life and less pain.
Per body weight/mass index, ratio radiation foam - the procedures had to be divided into three individual surgeries (with a 6-8 week break in between).
Latest Update
On March 2, I had the second procedure in New York and I am pleased to report all went well. Dr. Rosen is thrilled with my progress and I am not sure who has the biggest smile, my sister, my mom, Dr. Rosen or I. We cannot believe the difference. My left side is still very swollen and I have limited movement for the time being, but this is just temporary and soon I will be better than ever. The date for the third procedure is not yet known, but for me this has been a miracle journey so far and a story I want to share with all.
My disease cannot be cured but these amazing doctors are doing everything in their power to improve my quality of life. A very special thank you to the best sister in the world, Liezel, for flying me out and making all my arrangements, and getting in touch with Dr. Waner. A big thank you to Sherri from the Waner Children's Vascular Anomaly foundation for all her coordination and hard work. To my mom for coming from South Africa and being with me, and to Dr. Rosen and his team for working miracles and making the pain go away - without you, none of this was possible. And to my husband for always keeping the faith.
I have enclosed some pictures... Liezel's words: "Aren't we beautiful!"
To those of you who have supported the Waner Children's Vascular Anomaly Foundation by financial means or just by telling someone about them - we appreciated your support and you spreading the word. Help us to help others like myself. Lots of love and best wishes and be sure to follow my progress,
Monita
