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Sometimes it doesn't rain but it pours...

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- Rated: 61 ↑
Nov 13, 2008 10:37 a.m. Bear:

I just got a call from my cardiologist about the results of some tests I had done last week. It turns out I now have a substantial blockage in my carotid artery (the artery that routes blood from the heart to the brain). My doctor says he needs to perform surgery to open the artery up but with my recent heart attack, he is somewhat reluctant to do so right away due to the added risks. However without the opening of the artery, I could either develop a blood clot or have a stroke. There is a fairly new procedure of putting a stent in the artery which is less invasive but still carries a substantial amount of risk and even then, may not work.

Sorry to dump this on you folks, but I consider all of you as friends and I needed to get this off of my chest. I'm scared. Getting old SUCKS!
- Rated: 48 ↑
Nov 13, 2008 10:41 a.m. dmanlow:

Not sure what to say Bear. Perhaps some other folks on here have more experience with these kind of procedures than myself. I'll be thinking of you and best of luck with the outcome.
- Rated: 3 ↑
Nov 13, 2008 10:47 a.m. jc28:

Bear,

I am not the most religious person, however in times like these sometimes you have to have faith that god is watching over you. That being said, it is a tough hand you have been dealt, I wish you all the best. My prayers will be with you and your family.

Jeff
- Rated: 53 ↑
Nov 13, 2008 10:49 a.m. Ratrod:

Are there any other options?

Maybe medication? Or a second opinion? Sometimes another doctor can view things differently.

Anyway, I'll keep my fingers crossed for ya.
- Rated: 8 ↑
Nov 13, 2008 10:51 a.m. Ripley1046:

That's got to be hard to hear. I wish you luck man, whatever you and your doctors decide to do. I hope everything works out for the best, but I know it's tough in the mean time. You'll be in my thoughts. Take care of yourself Steve. Keep us posted.
- Rated: 57 ↑
Nov 13, 2008 10:52 a.m. Curt:

You're in the drivers seat and please feel fortunate that you have the option to do something about it BEFORE it does something to you. Sorry to be blunt but my dad had an aneurysm of the carotid, stroked out at dinner and it left him disabled in his early 50's. THEY told him he would never walk or talk again but he started back at work programming in six months. I think he would have welcomed the information so that instead of being the victim of a stroke he could have weighed his options and made a decision. Positive attitude, thinking and a lot of research are what it takes my friend.
- Rated: 61 ↑
Nov 13, 2008 10:58 a.m. Bear:

I'm sorry guys, I probably shouldn't have posted this. I don't want to drag any of you down or cry on your shoulders, I just needed someone to talk to and being cooped up in the house, my computer is really my only form of group communication. I apologize if I bummed anyone out. I'll get through this; it's just that the news is new and I haven't had a chance to process it yet. I plan on doing some more research, but I really trust my cardiologist and he says the pictures from the ultrasound clearly show the blockage so there is no chance of error in the diagnosis. He is the kind of doctor who calls you personally and talks with you as long as you need to talk.
- Rated: 8 ↑
Nov 13, 2008 11:04 a.m. Ripley1046:

Don't be sorry man. This is a community, a family, of like minded people and for many of us it turns into an outlet, and a great group of friends. I haven't met anyone from this site in person, but I have a feeling that if I did it would be like I knew them for years. It's always helpful to know that there are people who care. And I think I speak for almost everyone in saying that we do.
- Rated: 49 ↑
Nov 13, 2008 11:05 a.m. Ric12string:

Bear, I know a couple of people (one a distant family member) who have had exactly this type of procedure...both had it on both sides. Both have had very successful outcomes. That being said, I am not sure whether the surgery is one that has a long shelf life, of if you have to be concerned about doing it again.

Essentially, a vascular surgeon incises the artery over a distance of five to six inches, as I recall, and then scoops out the plaque that has built up in the artery. They typically do only one at a time and put about three to four weeks between the two surgeries.

I know this is very hard for you, particularly after what you have been through. But, my bet is that you have been spared your life once, and whatever Superior Being you believe in is not going to take your life when it was just spared a matter of only weeks ago.

My best wishes and hopeful thoughts are sent your way, Bear.
- Rated: 12 ↑
Nov 13, 2008 11:06 a.m. Rally:

Bear,

I don't know you, but it sure sounds as if you have friends here who care for you. I certainly wouldn't characterize you reaching out (about something as important as this) as dumping.

Curt said it best...you're dealing with your health issues proactively. Many men ignore their bodies and let "what happens, happen."

Don't fear the diagnosis and prognosis from the doctors. Remember, they are using experience and knowledge from other patients' issues. Although our bodies are essentially the same, we respond uniquely to medicines and treatments.

My stepfather lived a healthy adult life (really bad young life of drugging and drinking...you know...the '60s) and he had a heart attack in 1998. He subsquently had an 11-bypass procedure and had taken the bull by the horns and really focused on taking good care of himself.

I see these sorts of issues as wake-up calls. You do need to get through them (and you will get through this) and then make the changes you need to make to live a full, healthy life.

It looks bleak (to you) right now...but it isn't. Medicine is good and your doctor is knowledgeable. You'll pull through this.

Hang Tough!
- Rated: 93 ↑
Nov 13, 2008 11:21 a.m. Pappy:

Don't be sorry, Bear. I look at quite a few members here as close friends and what are friends good for if they're only around for the good times?

If anything you should keep us posted! You're in my thoughts and if you want to talk off-line (well, I guess it would still be on-line but with less of an audience) you know how to get a hold of me.:-)
- Rated: 4 ↑
Nov 13, 2008 11:27 a.m. RhythmMax:

Good luck with this and our prayers are with you.
- Rated: 37 ↑
Nov 13, 2008 11:31 a.m. MR TROUBLE:

Bear,

you know from us talking before that my dad is in the same situation...only the blockage is in an artery that is too small for a stint...I know all to well about this procedure and the risks involved. He's on borrowed time probably. Don't worry about bringing us down, this is normally a group that shows empathy and sympathy in times of need. I'm sure everyone here is going to be pulling for you every step of the way as you deal with this.
- Rated: 20 ↑
Nov 13, 2008 11:32 a.m. truthtellerspook:

Bear,

I sent you a PM. Guess it went to whatever email you have on file here.

Let me know if it didn't get through, here in this thread.

Bill
- Rated: 41 ↑
Nov 13, 2008 11:33 a.m. dubkitty:

it's not dumping if someone's willing to listen. please keep us informed.
- Rated: 45 ↑
Nov 13, 2008 11:48 a.m. Tsar Nicholas :

Yeah we all want to know these things, Bear. We can take it. Hang tough.
- Rated: 50 ↑
Nov 13, 2008 11:49 a.m. Richard Hudson:

My internist recently told me that my right carotid was 40% narrowed; which, he said, was no big deal. As others have mentioned, Bear; we're all pulling for you to get through all this. I know you're a sensible guy and it sounds like you have a good doctor that you trust; so if it were me I think I would use common sense and listen to the doctor. He/she knows your medical history and should be able to give you good advice. If you are unsure, even though you trust him/her; get a second opinion. We still have to get together for that jam session; so tread wisely.

Your pal,

Richard
- Rated: 35 ↑
Nov 13, 2008 11:55 a.m. crowbone:

Bear,

The stent is a great thing and the effects of it opening up your blood flow can be felt almost immediately.

My Dad(before terminal lung cancer) had that mod and he really felt the difference in a big, positive way.

I hope it goes well for you, we're pullin' for ya!
- Rated: 67 ↑
Nov 13, 2008 1:48 p.m. antik:

I have several friends who had a stent put in. From the results they experienced I would not hesitate to have it done if I had a significant blockage. They where up and about almost as soon as the anesthetic wore off. Within a couple of days they were feeling great. This is a monsterfully huge difference compared to surgery where the recovery time period is often measured in months.

One problem I see with stents is trying to decide which type would be best.
- Rated: 25 ↑
Nov 13, 2008 1:57 p.m. donwood:

Bear, I had a stent put in bout a year back Not a big thing I thought. Done as outpatient and spent 1 night in hosp. The biggest problem was when I got the BILL. Ha. always the bill... Hang in there, be positive. Luck to you Bear. Piece of cake. Don
- Rated: 61 ↑
Nov 13, 2008 2:20 p.m. Bear:

Thanks all, I appreciate your support and compassion very much. I am very familiar with stents as I have five of them already. From what I understood from my doctor, stents in the carotid are a fairly new procedure and haven't always worked as well as hoped. His main concern is how weak I still am and how more anesthesia and the body shock one experiences with any type of surgery my heart can withstand. On the other side of the coin is the urgency required in removing the blockage. I have an appointment to see him tomorrow morning at 8:30 to discuss the risks and options.
- Rated: 40 ↑
Nov 13, 2008 2:23 p.m. gretschman36:

Knowledge is power, Bear.

Do the diligence so you are well informed and able to challenge/speak with your Doc about the risks, rewards, etc.

Perhaps there's a medication that can be used for X weeks or months to better serve your surgery results, recovery time, etc.

I have a few close friends that are Docs. Their advice for ANYTHING medical: You are your own BEST Advocate. Always, always gain as much knowledge as you can with respect to your medical issues and challenge your Doc.

Squeaky wheels get the grease
- Rated: 42 ↑
Nov 13, 2008 2:25 p.m. JC:

Hang in there Bear,and keep us posted .
- Rated: 4 ↑
Nov 13, 2008 3:03 p.m. Mark:

I can only echo what others have said Bear. I`ll be thinking of you.
- Rated: 15 ↑
Nov 13, 2008 3:22 p.m. AndyJ:

Wishin' you the best, Bear!

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