Skip to main content

Plot Twist

PLOT TWIST!

Kim is out of her first surgery—but things didn’t go quite as originally planned. Instead of performing interventions today, the surgeon chose to map sections of Kim’s vascular system, which means… she’ll now need TWO additional surgeries instead of just one.

The good news? Because today’s procedure was less invasive than expected, Kim was able to discharge from the hospital and return to their rental stay. Her pain level is around a 6 out of 10, and she’s dealing with severe swelling.

What We Know:

While detailed imaging and results from today’s mapping are still pending, Dr. Huey shared some key insights:

  1. The Left Internal Jugular Vein—previously reconstructed—has started to scar, once again impairing blood flow from the brain.

  3. The Right Internal Jugular Vein is fully compressed by bony structures. This is not due to scar tissue or clots.

These findings explain the increasing pressure in Kim’s brain, the painful swelling of her face and neck, and the pressure on cranial nerves and surrounding tissue.

The Plan:

On Wednesday, all four surgeons will review the imaging and surgical mapping. Based on that meeting, they’ll finalize a plan for Friday’s surgery—though Kim and Jason likely won’t know the full plan until after it’s finished.

Here’s what we do know:

  1. They will work to relieve the compression on the Right Internal Jugular Vein by removing bony structures. While stenting isn’t currently expected, it hasn’t been ruled out.

  3. They will stent the Left Internal Jugular Vein to combat scarring and restore proper blood flow.

These interventions are critical. Dr. Huey explained that a third surgery is likely, because the brain itself can’t be properly treated until stable outflow is restored through both jugular veins.

How They're Holding Up:

Understandably, this unexpected turn is emotionally and physically draining for Kim and Jason. More surgeries than expected. A longer healing timeline. Bigger financial strain. Uncertainty about what’s next. It’s a lot.

But there’s one thing they can count on: us.

Let’s rally around them—keep Kim in your thoughts and prayers, and help however you can. Share their story. Donate if you’re able. Spread the word. Let them feel our strength behind them as they face the next step.

Let’s hit the next MATCH GOAL of $3,500 by Friday! TOGETHER, we’ve got this.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Hope Lives Here

  Updates & Information on Kim            We have created this Blog for: Those who are taking time away from social media Those who do not have social media Give Kim the opportunity to share this journey, if willing and ready, as she heals. Advocacy, Awareness & Education purposes What will be posted? Well, Kim's family will be updating a few designated people on surgery, post surgical healing and what will be next throughout this process. There will also be information on ways the community, friends & family may help. Trying to keep Jason, the kids and her immediate family concentrating on Kim and their own needs instead of updates. This is our friend Kimberly Cronan Gifford. We would like to tell you a little bit about her.  She and her husband Jason are the wonderful parents of  three amazing young adults, Cole, Giovanna  & Isabella.  She has been a Lyme Advocate and Educator for 10 years. Energy Work an...
3 comments
Read more

Surgery Update

6/20 – Kim’s Surgery Update Kim underwent her first major surgery in Hawaii on Friday. The surgical team focused exclusively on restoring proper function to her right internal jugular vein (IJV) . Here’s what the procedure involved: Resection of the first cervical vertebra (C1): This bone, along with an elongated styloid process and associated ligament (a condition known as Eagle’s Syndrome ), was compressing the vein, preventing blood from draining properly from Kim’s brain. Removal of scar tissue: The vein was also constricted by unusual scar tissue, further reducing blood flow. More details about this scar tissue are shared below. Following the surgery, initial assessments suggested improved blood flow through the vein. However, subsequent imaging revealed that the vein remains partially collapsed at the C1 level . As a result, Kim may require a second surgery this coming week to place a stent and fully open the vein. Understandably, this news is deeply disappointing and emotiona...
Post a Comment
Read more

Update from Kim’s Healing Journey

It’s been about two weeks since Kim returned home from Hawaii, and right now the focus is simple but vital: monitor,  rest and recovery . The medical team has made it clear that this is top priority. Kim’s body has been through a lot—her system responds intensely to procedures, and this has added layers of complexity that doctors are working to better control. Further testing is scheduled for late August to evaluate her brain, vascular compressions, and jugular veins. The medical team is specifically monitoring Kim’s right jugular vein, which collapsed post surgically, to see if rest, time and reduced swelling will allow it to re-open. These results will help guide decisions about what comes next and when. It’s not the update Kim hoped for. She had been holding onto the hope that this chapter might finally be closing—but for now, it’s a “wait and heal” season. We continue to cheer her on and hold the vision of her receiving the very best care at every turn. 💜 #LymeDisease #HAE #He...
Post a Comment
Read more