During the last 6-9 months, my CH attacks have been few and sporadic. And all have been easily controlled with O2 I have attributed this to 100 Mg. of Topamax as a prevent, keeping most of the attacks at bay. But tests earlier this week show that my left carotid artery is 90-99% blocked, and the right one is 70-79% blocked.
  So has anybody else run into this. Where the blood flow has been blocked and their CH attacks have demenished? Or is the Dopymax actually doing its job, and this is just a coincidence?
[smiley=smokin.gif]

Wow Kirk that doesn't sound good the arteries that is whats the plan there and as far as dopamax goes if I remmeber correctly thats the one you tapper up on and by the time I made it to 100mg I was a total zombie, I can't remember if it helped my CH or not thats how bad it was.  You better have a plan for those arteries,  your brain still needs blood even if you have CH's.  Good luck Kirk and let us know what the plans are.    Phil

Not knowing much I would suspect the topomax is doing its thing on the nervous system.

The blocked arteries might be a benefit for CH pain, but potentially a pretty nasty problem otherwise.

I would wonder if the topomax can cause kidney stones could it also be a part cause of the artery blockage.

MJ wrote on Sep 25^th, 2008 at 11:55pm:

I would wonder if the topomax can cause kidney stones could it also be a part cause of the artery blockage.

   I think it has more to do with the couple of packs of cigarettes a day I used to smoke. Atleast thats the consensus among the medical "professionals" I've discussed it with so far.
[smiley=smokin.gif]

Kirk,
Not good news about the blockage, my friend.  A helluva "cure" for CH-stop blood flow to brain.  Topomax didn't do anything for me- I discontinued because of untenable side-effects.
Keep us posted, okay.
PFDAN
kathy

How do they clear the blockage without risking stroke?  Sounds dicy to me.  Let us know how it goes...

Good luck...

-Dennis-

I recall reading a thread a few years ago about a blocked carotid and it triggering an episode when cleared. It is foggy and could have been the other way around. Just a thought. All the best with that.
thebb

I'm sure that you already know that when they find Cartoid blockage that bad, there is probably more residing further down..........

My last Neuro insisted on seeing an MRA every two years because of exactly that concern.

Be careful and hang in there Kirk.

Marc

wrote on Sep 26^th, 2008 at 1:48pm:

I recall reading a thread a few years ago about a blocked carotid and it triggering an episode when cleared. It is foggy and could have been the other way around. Just a thought. All the best with that. thebb

Actually, I remember the same thread...and you have it right, John.  Can't recall who it was, however.

I've known a couple of people who've had the surgery to correct a partially-blocked carotid (including my mother) and it seemed to be relatively simple and uneventful.  Marc, of course, is correct that there may be blockage elsewhere, which is certainly something to be aware of.

Best wishes,

George

  Thanks for all the info guys. Hopefully the Dopeymax will keep on doing its thing after the procedure is over.

Getting it taken care of this week. Gotta go for a dye test to see how far it is, then I'm hoping they keep him to get it fixed. Have to drive to Indy, and I hope we don't have to drive back and forth. Just a bit worried.

Lots of vibes being sent out to you Kirk.  My mom had the procedure and ended up having to have the bypass sugery due to 100% blockage of her carotid artery.  Let us know how everything goes Chris.

Hugs,
Beth

   Just got back from from seeing the Indovascular Docs at Indy. They are going to Roto-Rooter the left Carotid to remove the blockage. The scheduling nurse will get in touch with me to set up a date for it. I'm going to try for a Fri. morning so I can be discharged on Sat. That way Chris can go over with me,check me in for surg. on Fri. morning, and pick me up on Sat. morning. then we can spend the rest of the weekend with our Trikes together. Weather permitting.
[smiley=smokin.gif]

OK.  A Friday sounds good.  Your attitude is so good.  I hope they call soon.  I hate "hurry up & wait".

Charlotte

Check your PM's ASAP please!

Prayers, vibes, mojo and all that shit coming from Boston, bro!!!!

Charlotte wrote on Oct 1^st, 2008 at 9:51am:

I hate "hurry up & wait". Charlotte

That's what is getting me. Supposed to be scheduled to have surgery within 2 weeks. I wish they would call so I can make arrangements.  ARRGH.