No Need for Ultrasound for Carotids

[Advice1]

Hi to the Forum members ,I'm 76 year old Female and had 2 strokes from Carotid Arteries a year ago in 2016 , both Carotids are under 50% blocked a couple of weeks ago lost left eye sight for 10 mins have been having headaches from neck up leftside also my eyesight flickering for 5 mins temp, Consultant says in letter NO to Ultrasound 1 yr on, or even a review with him and says i am not needed to be seen by him again!

He blames the Medication as my BP has risen Quinaprol was changed from 40mg a day to 60mg which he says my GP is wrong to put me on as it over the recommended dosage?I didn't get headaches 1 year ago from starting the medication!

The Consultant has dismissed these symptoms above as he thinks the blockages would not be changed much in 1 yr but i have heard of many people going up by from 50% to 70% in one year what's the harm in a simple test even if it is ok at least it is peace of mind .I think with Ultasound this could give me the advantage of a chance of operation of the Carotids while i am young 76 yr old.

Any ideas suggestions would be appreciated, thanks

[TonyToo]

I wish there was something I could suggest, but I have nothing.

[Advice1 in reply to TonyToo]

Thank you TonyToo for your kind reply

[spider555]

Hi can you have a private appointment?

[Advice1 in reply to spider555]

Hi Spider555,

Thanks for your reply ,It does seem a good idea as i naturally was focused on NHS i will contact private

while i am waiting for the GP advice if they

will send me for a second opinion referral .

Good Luck

[Pwats]

I had a TIA in July 2016 and I came out of it with no permanent damage. I want to see a specialist and I have many tests mainly the carotid artery test it was found that my left carotid artery was blocked 80% and the doctor wanted to open it up and take out the gunk. I asked him if this would be a guarantee that I would never have another stroke and he was honest and said no. I am on Lipitor and Plavix and I'm hoping that they will prevent me from having an actual stroke. I just knew I couldn't have the operation even though it was probably indicated. I am in my 70s and when something feels wrong medically I just can't do it. I hope that I will be stroke free....,

[Advice1 in reply to Pwats]

Hi Pwats

sorry to here about your TIA you are still young .There is a lot of info out there and from my research on Carotid operation i found that it is best to get a high volume Surgeon and this website link is very good to find one to look at vsqip.org.uk/surgeon-outcomes/

there are many others on Carotid Pros and cons of these two procedures Stenting and Endarterectomy it seems to be a low risk procedure ,but low risk doesn't mean no risk!

Here is some more info

health.clevelandclinic.org/...

I am not medically trained or giving advice but from advice i have received from UK and USA it would appear the operations may be in my opinion helpful in this type of disease

Good luck and good health to you.

[Pwats in reply to Advice1]

I realize the alleged advantages of having the dissection. But psychologically I just could not do it and the doctor was really wonderful and telling me that there was no guarantee that if he did do it I would not have another stroke. I asked him if I took Plavix and Lipitor if that could possibly reduce my chances of another stroke or TIA and he said yes there's not enough knowledge yet I am in the USA. So I have my new doctors to choose from and this one was quite knowledgeable and I really liked him. This to me makes a big difference. I appreciate the feedback but it is not a matter of what is good for me it's how I feel about it