Stenosis carotids

[Pinkpeony]

Hello new here . I had a TIA three months ago and was given statins and Apixaban anticoagulant . It appears that my carotid arteries have 50% stenosis . I expressed my worries to the doctor who did my follow up ,and she airily said that they they don't worry until it reaches 70% . I have an under active thyroid and also Pernicious anaemia . I have lost a lot of weight over the last six years and between the nurse giving me high protein diet sheets to gain weight and the need to control the stenosis I am completely lost . Sorry to ramble Pp

[Zena166]

Hi pink peony I had a TIA before my heart attack and like you was told because there was good flow they didn’t think it warranted a stent. Started me on statins and anti platelets. Do you have a clinic nurse to discuss with or your GP? Or ask to be referred back to the stroke consultant? The advice for stroke prevention is the same as for cardiovascular disease. Healthy lifestyle. Diet exercise medication and moderation. What about checking on stroke association website. They have good resources as well as a helpline. Maybe good to chat to them as well. Hope this helps. Take care. Zena

[Pinkpeony in reply to Zena166]

Zena thank you so much . I'm afraid my G.P surgery is not very good and there isn't a nurse to talk to . I am trying to change my diet , not that it was bad to start with and have acquired an exercise bike . The stroke association is a good idea and I will talk to them . Are you still taking statins ? They made me feel unwell from day one . Take care Pp

[Zena166]

Hi. I was thinking of a stroke nurse from your TIA clinic. I still contact them even though I was discharged 18 months ago! Yes I take statins except I was allergic to 3! So starting again with a 4th! I was referred to a lipid clinic who see me annually so they monitor my cholesterol levels. I follow a very strict vegan diet so avoid any oils or fats. But that’s through choice and that has helped my cholesterol. Just keep changing your statin until you find one that suits. Hope it’s sorted. Zena

[Hidden]

hi

On statins I foun d that I could not tolerate three of my previous ones and only now do I take a very low dose of Atorvastatin. if you cannot cope with those prescribed there are many out there, get GP to try another one and keep trying until you find one that you can tolerate.

Good luck and I hope it all settles soon

[Pinkpeony in reply to Hidden]

Fredbeare , the problem was I think that the hospital put me on 80mg Atorvastatin and maximum Apixaban I take medication for under active thyroid and believe it is not recommended with statins . I am down to 20mg of the statin and the follow up doctor at hospital said try others or stop taking it . I do have Benecol and I am hoping a change of diet and lifestyle will do it . The trouble is I am 76 now and exercise can only be the gentle kind . Thank you for your reply . Pp

[Springray]

As Zena166 has already said... Do look into a wholefood plantbased (WFPB) diet. It will help you reduce cholesterol naturally and to maybe reduce the need for statins and prevent further progression of arterial disease. Remember there is zero cholesterol in plant foods. All animal foods including daiey have cholesterol (even fish). I know altering diet would be a major undertaking but so would be surgery if the disease progresses.

And the best of all is that as long as you watch WHAT you eat, on a WFPB diet you can eat to fullness. It is also recommended for helping stabilise autoimmune issues such as thyroid and arthritis. Win-win!

[Pinkpeony]

Springray t Pphanks for that . It would be a massive change . I guess if you were on your own it would be easier but when you have someone else to consider it might be difficult . We are looking at the Pioppi diet book which someone posted on Thyroid UK . I will certainly have a look at the WFPB diet