Esperer: (French) to hope, to trust
Il faut esperer - You must have faith
WHAT IS FMD?
Fibromuscular Dysplasia
Fibromuscular Dysplasia, commonly called FMD, is a disease that causes one or more arteries in the body to have abnormal cell development in the artery wall. As a result, areas of narrowing (called stenosis), aneurysms, or tears (called dissections) may occur. If narrowing or a tear causes a decrease in blood flow through the artery, symptoms may result.
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FMD can be found in any arterial bed in the body. It is most commonly found in the arteries that supply the kidneys with blood (renal arteries) and the arteries called the carotid and vertebral arteries, which are found in the neck and supply the brain with blood. In more than one-half of people with this disease, there will be evidence of FMD in more than one artery.
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LISA'S STORY
MY STORY STARTED WITH AN ARTERY DISSECTION AND A STROKE.
SEPTEMBER 2022
On September 22, 2022 I suffered a stroke. I (we) didn't realize at the time that I had, but a trip to the Emergency room at Spectrum Health in Grand Rapids, MI confirmed it.
I have learned through subsequent medical visits to have a specific rundown of events of that day that satisfies the physicians of the world... and an whole other easier, less comprehensive version for the rest of us.
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Here is my medical version:
I had a SCAD in my left ICA that led to an AIS which led to a Thrombectomy that was aborted due to the full occlusion which prompted an administering of TNK with the ending prognosis being a patient of FMD.
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But that isn't quite how I remember it...
FMDSA
FIBROMUSCULAR DYSPLASIA SOCIETY OF AMERICA
The Fibromuscular Dysplasia Society of America (FMDSA) is a not-for-profit patient advocacy organization working towards better diagnosis and treatment of Fibromuscular Dysplasia (FMD). We do this by building awareness of FMD, funding research activities, providing support and educating patients and the health care community. FMDSA works to inspire and facilitate collaboration between national and international organizations devoted to FMD and FMD-related research, education, and patient care.
AWARENESS:
YOU CAN EASILY HELP!
Are you a family member or friend who has a loved one that has been diagnosed with this rare disease? It's tough to care and not feel like you aren't able to help.
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However, there are easy ways to make a difference that can and will help not only your loved one, but the FMD community as a whole, including everyone out there who has yet to be diagnosed.
FMD In Numbers
0.3%
POPULATION
1938
FIRST DIAGNOSED
90%
PREVALENCE IN WOMEN
0
AVAILABLE CURES