Carotid Artery surgery in the neck

[clydefrand]

Having this surgery next week. This is where they actually cut into the artery, scrape the crap out, then sew it back up. Any one here ever have this? If so, how did recovery go?
(my surgeon has done several thousand of these and has had 1 die of heart attack after the surgery, and 3 that went on to have a stroke. Sound pretty good to me)

[vt_native]

1. Good luck

[bigwillq]

2. All the best.

[Dont call me Shirley]

3. Speedy healing.

On a brighter note, you will have much better blood flow to your brain. That's a good thing.

[clydefrand]

5. Brain?

If I'd had a brain, I wouldn't have this problem in the first place.

[Dont call me Shirley]

6. LOL

I had an iliac bypass, now I can walk again. There's hope for us yet.

[Jackpine Radical]

11. I'm gonna need to get one of those thins spring. (Don't want to do it in the

Wisconsin winter.

What can you tell me? What was it like?

[Dont call me Shirley]

16. Oh geez....

Lots of MRIs, CT scans, blood work as prep.

Surgery took 6 hrs, I had full bypass, diaphragm to top of legs. I had to start walking somewhere between 24-48 hrs after surgery. Had to use a walker for a couple weeks. 6 week recovery before I could drive, pick up loads heavier than 5ish pounds. Was painful at first, hurt to walk but walked anyway, lots of rest, within 4 weeks I was walking a couple hundred yards at a time without a walker. It's been a year now and I can really walk, up and down hills, no more struggling just to get from the bedroom to the kitchen! Glad it did it! I was almost wheelchair bound, could not grocery shop without motorized cart. Now I can walk the dog!

Smart move to wait until spring!

Good luck, Speedy recovery! Let me know how it goes.

[hlthe2b]

4. carotid endarterectomy

is treatment of choice to prevent stroke for those symptomatic--with a very high success rate and low mortality rate for the best surgeons and hospitals. Surgeons are divided over whether asymptomatic patients should be treated with medication alone or should have surgery, but for those with clear symptoms and risk for stroke, the indications are pretty clear. The risks of this procedure vary, depending on the severity of your carotid artery disease, location of the blockage, whether you've had a previous stroke and the presence of other coexisting medical conditions, but benefit generally far outweighs risks.

Sounds like your surgeon is very experienced. Best wishes for a full and speedy recovery!

[packman]

7. Two people I never argue with

are doctors and car mechanics. Trust in the person, the hospital and care is utmost in your treatment. You MUST be confident that they are the best, the hospital you are having the procedure done in is the best, and your after care treatment will be the best.
Have a positive attitude. Sounds like the odds are in your favor. Good luck and quick recovery.
Getting old is a bitch, ain't it?

[clydefrand]

8. Mechanics? maybe, Drs yes

I did ask my surgeon how many of these procedures had he done, and how many had he lost (see above)
I do trust this one, just glad I haven't needed him in the past. May have to have the other side done later.
AND THANKS to everyone for responding.

[B2G]

9. My mom had this done last year

They put a stent in one side and then the same procedure you're having on the other.

She's 78 and had no problems whatsoever. Recovery was quick and much easier than she anticipated...I think the stress leading up to it was far worse than the procedure or recovery.

You'll do great...best of luck!!

[Delphinus]

10. Good luck!

My grandmother had this done 30+ years ago and lived a long, healthy life.

[femmocrat]

12. Best wishes, clydefrand.

And a quick and healthy recovery!

[Yo_Mama]

13. If you have a badly blocked artery, it can only improve your prospects. n/t

[Old Codger]

14. I have had that one

I had that last year,had 98% blockage in right carotid and was having symptoms of blood loss to right eye ,I would lose vision completely for short periods. It is in fact a major surgery but pretty common now and they have it down really well. The only reminder I have of it now is a small numb spot on my neck, the scar is barely visible. I am sure you will do well.

[Sheldon Cooper]

15. My dad had it done twice.

He recovered just fine and lived for another 15+ years. He did not die of any stroke-related condition.

[SalviaBlue]

17. My Dad had this done over 10 years ago

He is still going strong at 87. As I recall, there was very little recovery time involved, you just have to be careful of the incision for a few days.

Best wishes for an uneventful procedure

[AwakeAtLast]

18. My Great Aunt did at least 30 years ago

She lived to the age of 96.

I'm sure all will go well, wishing you a speedy recovery!