1. < Stroke & Cerebrovascular Diseases

blockage of carotid artery

Posted by starfirey2k @starfirey2k, Nov 16, 2019

just a quick question, I have been diagnosed with a blockage in my carotid artery right side, had ultrasound, cat scan and since an MRI, my question is this, I have been told the blockage is 70-75 percent, also that they will not do anything until it is 80% as per the insurance company. I have done extensive reading on this and cannot find anything pointing to the 80% rule. I would rather have something done now rather than wait till I am older and maybe not be able to handle it then, I am 68 now, if anyone has had this done can you shed some light on this? is there a 80% rule? any info on this would be great, thank you for your help.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Stroke & Cerebrovascular Diseases Support Group.

heidemarie | @heidemarie | Oct 17, 2023

Thank you for the information. That is exactly what I am afraid of. Now just find the right surge an. I live in the Philadelphia area. Any recommendations?

REPLY
1 reply
Ingegerd Enscoe, Alumni Mentor | @astaingegerdm | Oct 17, 2023
In reply to @heidemarie "Thank you for the information. That is exactly what I am afraid of. Now just find..." + (show)
@heidemarie

Thank you for the information. That is exactly what I am afraid of. Now just find the right surge an. I live in the Philadelphia area. Any recommendations?

Jump to this post

@heidemarie
Welcome to Mayo Connect!
Finding the best doctor in any specialty is difficult. We usually advise other members to find a University Medical Center.
I believe Philadelphia has more than one.
Check their Cardiovascular departments and compare.
You can also ask your primary care physician for recommendations.

REPLY
dvh | @dvh | Oct 23, 2023
In reply to @predictable "@heidemarie, a quick suggestion! Be sure the surgeon is using the latest surgical technique for cleaning..." + (show)
@predictable

@heidemarie, a quick suggestion! Be sure the surgeon is using the latest surgical technique for cleaning out a Carotid artery. A friend of mine had this kind of surgery a few short years ago, and he has been an invalid ever since -- limited both physically and mentally, in and out of the hospital a few times each year. Why? Using old and careless surgical techniques, the operation kicked loose calcium granules and other waste products contained in the blockage material; those junk particles dropped into arteries opened by the surgical knife and soon moved into critical blood pathways in his head and brain, causing some form of a stroke.

As I understand from talking to him, there is new technology that connects the blocked artery to a pump and filter to which any waste particles are diverted and removed, and the clean blood is immediately fed back into the ascending artery headed for the brain, the eyes, the ears, etc. He tells everybody about his plight and recommends only the new technology for surgical cleaning of Carotid arteries. Check above for words from @jakedduck1 on what he calls TCAR.

Jump to this post

Thank you thank you for such a valuable information I am looking at two carotid arteries over 70% blocked

REPLY
lizthebrit | @lizthebrit | Oct 24, 2023

During my stroke surgery ( removal of clot from brain) my surgeon placed a stent in my right carotid artery. Since then I have had 6 months tests on both carotids. Mine are blocked around 65% I am now required to see my surgeon ONLY EVERY YEAR. I feel that my safety net has been removed. As I left the last appointment he reminded me of the stroke symptoms and said if any to head straight to the Mayo Clinic. I feel like I am a walking time bomb with a timer that is not being checked now! I trust his judgement ( he saved my life) but the psychological aspect of living this way weighs heavily and is scary. Can I insist that the 6 month tests resume?

REPLY
jessica79 | @jessica79 | Nov 28, 2023

My son had a stroke in 2017. His right carotid is now 100% closed and they can’t do anything when it gets to that level. I’d advise having it taken care of before that happens. Maybe get another opinion.

REPLY
1 reply
heidemarie | @heidemarie | Nov 29, 2023
In reply to @jessica79 "My son had a stroke in 2017. His right carotid is now 100% closed and they..." + (show)
@jessica79

My son had a stroke in 2017. His right carotid is now 100% closed and they can’t do anything when it gets to that level. I’d advise having it taken care of before that happens. Maybe get another opinion.

Jump to this post

My carotid artery is 100% blocked and I know nothing can be. I am lucky that my left artery is taking over. The artery is calcified but I was told nothing on that side needs to done. Was very lucky have just minor problems. Changing the food I am eating hoping to get healthier

REPLY
1 reply
jessica79 | @jessica79 | Nov 29, 2023
In reply to @heidemarie "My carotid artery is 100% blocked and I know nothing can be. I am lucky that..." + (show)
@heidemarie

My carotid artery is 100% blocked and I know nothing can be. I am lucky that my left artery is taking over. The artery is calcified but I was told nothing on that side needs to done. Was very lucky have just minor problems. Changing the food I am eating hoping to get healthier

Jump to this post

My son is hemipalegic from his stroke. He has some blockage in the left one, but so far they’re just keeping an eye on it. He takes Crestor 40mg and Fenofibrate 20 mg. So far, so good. Sounds like you’re making good choices with diet, etc. We’re trying to trust the Lord that he’ll be able to walk by himself again some day.

REPLY
applesforall5370 | @applesforall5370 | Feb 16 6:49pm

Get all your options surgery or stenting it.
Get another perspective. I have been to Mayo myself they will figure out what would be best for you.

REPLY
View MoreView Less
Please sign in or register to post a reply.