Carotid endarterectomy

[JSCAPM]

Hi all - just seeking some advice.

My partner had a TIA on 27 April and didn't manage to see a stroke consultant until 24 May. Immediately prior to the 24 May appointment he had a carotid doppler test, which showed that one carotid artery is completely blocked and the other is 80% narrowed.

Yesterday (4 July) he had a telephone appointment with a vascular consultant to discuss the possibility of a carotid endarterectomy. The consultant has said that it could be done early September.

To me, this seems a long time to wait. The NHS' own website indicates that ideally it should be carried out within two weeks of the symptoms and the Stroke Association says one week.

Has anyone any experience with how long it normally is between a TIA and this surgery? I'm happy to take it up with the NHS but if waiting five months is normal we'll just have to accept it.

Many thanks

[Hidden]

Hello

I suppose different areas will have different waiting times

I would like to think if this was needed doing asp they would still fit someone in and not leave them waiting

However there is no harm in asking and expressing your concerns and I would do that if only to give you both peace of mind

Let us know how you get on x

[JSCAPM in reply to Hidden]

Thank you Hidden .

I spoke to the consultant’s secretary last Thursday and was told that my partner’s case would be discussed at the team meeting last Friday and they’d know more this week. I was hoping that we would have had some communication from them by now but so far we haven’t heard anything. My partner has asked me to leave it until next week before I chase it up and as it’s his medical issue I need to respect that.

Thanks again for replying.

[Hidden in reply to JSCAPM]

Hello

I would be wanting to phone up this week and ask but of course this is your Husbands thoughts and you will soon know and I would if you have time like to hear what they said

Sometimes things are never as bad as we are expecting and hope this is the case when you do get to know x

[JSCAPM in reply to Hidden]

Thank you Hidden . It’s a dilemma isn’t it? I really don’t want to stress him as I’m trying to keep everything calm, but I know he’s concerned.

You’re right about things usually not being as bad as we fear. There will be other patients also waiting and this situation will be routine for the medical people. It just isn’t routine for us so we’re probably thinking worst case scenario.

Thank you for your concern. I’ll update you when we get some news.

[Hidden in reply to JSCAPM]

I agree

They do work wonders though now so stay focused on that thought it is marvelous what they can do

Look forward to you getting that reply from them so you know what is happening and you can start moving forwards x

[JSCAPM in reply to Hidden]

Hi Hidden - a quick update. Out of the blue yesterday my partner had a call from the vascular consultant (himself). The upshot is that his pre-op is booked for this Friday, with the surgery scheduled for 9 August. We’re very relieved to finally have a date.

Thanks again for your support.

[Hidden in reply to JSCAPM]

Hello

Thank you for letting me know and I am so pleased that he is getting his op

It must be a relief and a new start to look forward to as well

Please let us know when he is on the road to recovery which he will be soon

If you need to talk you know where we are x

[10gingercats]

I would not accept that. You can quote the stroke association.Also ask if they have a cancellation list in the dept. that will deal with your partners case. Most hospital depts do have cancellation list and i have found they often work in your favour. Do everything you can to bring this forward.I feel sure you will succed.

[JSCAPM in reply to 10gingercats]

Thank you 10gingercats .

When I spoke to the consultant’s secretary last Thursday I did quote both the Stroke Association and NHS websites. I also asked her to make him aware that he would be available at short notice to have the surgery. Not sure it worked particularly well as she just said the consultant is aware of when my partner had the TIA and they’re still hoping to do the op next month.

I would be prepared to cause a fuss but my partner doesn’t want me to and as it’s his medical issue I need to respect that (plus I’m trying to keep his life stress-free). He has agreed that I can follow it up next week if we haven’t heard anything so I will be doing that.

Thanks again for replying.

[10gingercats in reply to JSCAPM]

It sounds as if you have done the best possible to make the surgeon aware of your concern.Good luck for your partner and I hope they find a slot for him soon.

[JSCAPM in reply to 10gingercats]

Thank you 10gingercats , appreciate your support.

[JSCAPM in reply to 10gingercats]

Hi 10gingercats - out of the blue yesterday my partner had a call from the vascular consultant (himself). He’s managed to get him into a cancelled slot and the surgery is now scheduled for 9 August. We’re so relieved.

Thanks again for your support and for prompting me to mention a cancellation.

[10gingercats in reply to JSCAPM]

So glad to hear the cancellation worked.It quite often does. Good luck to your partner with the op. Hope all goes well.

[Gemini1966]

Morning I had TIA in the August 2020 and had 2 valves replaced in the following April,hope this helps wasn’t too bad a wait.All the best let’s face it the NHS has such a backlog due to pandemic😊

[JSCAPM in reply to Gemini1966]

Thanks Gemini1966 .

I’m glad it worked out for you and it’s good to know that the wait wasn’t detrimental to you.

Thanks again for replying.

[JSCAPM]

Thanks Hidden , 10gingercats and Gemini1966 for the advice/reassurance. I'm happy to report that the carotid endarterectomy was done as planned on 9 August and my partner is now at home recovering. He's still feeling unsettled by having a general anaesthetic but the surgeon is happy it went well so we're expecting a full recovery.

Thanks again and best wishes.