Impending stroke

[Calusa]

Some time back (see Archives, 2004) I inquired through this forum into what steps I should follow after being diagnosed with complete occlusion of my right carotid artery.  I am male, now 70-years old, and things haven't changed much, however; I am trying to exercise more and change my diet (a hard job). My cholesterol med has been upped from 40 mg of Zocor to 1000 mg/20 mg tablets of Advicor/day.  My BP meds have also been altered and my BP is slightly below the desired value with adjustment.  Recently, however, I have noticed a feeling of "fullness" or pressure inside my forehead and pressure at my ears, but the ears are not feeling “plugged.”.  I am using my internist's prescription (drops) for some kind of unidentified ear ailment (itching and fluid buildup) but this has not improved.  On my own I've made an appointment with an ear specialist to try and get to the bottom of the ear problem, but I can't get into see him until the middle of next month.  Periodically, during hot weather here in FL, over the last year, when I exit my cool vehicle I also sometimes feel strangely faint for a few moments but this soon passes.  I do have minor transient headaches/head pain infrequently, too.

Could my atherosclerosis problem be the cause of the way I feel?  Could a stroke be imminent in my case, and if that's possible should I bypass my internist at this point and check into the ER of a good hospital for evaluation by specialists before I keel over somewhere?  Or, should I say the hell with it, nothing can really be done so let this run it's natural course . . . and go out and buy a carton of Marlboros and a liter of Jim Beam Black and pig-out on ribs at my local BBQ restaurant?  Thanks for any insight.  Calusa

[CCF-M.D.-MJM]

Hello,

Glad to hear you have a better control on diet,exercise and cholesterol.  those are big and difficult steps sometimes.

Could my atherosclerosis problem be the cause of the way I feel?

I am not sure.  I have never heard of those complaints associated with occluded carotid arteries, but I also have little experience with carotid and peripheral vascular disease.

Could a stroke be imminent in my case, and if that's possible should I bypass my internist at this point and check into the ER of a good hospital for evaluation by specialists before I keel over somewhere?

Again, I have never heard those complaints associated with an impending stroke.  Have you tried getting an appoinment with a neurologist or cardiologist?  You may want to talk to your internist.  They may be able to admit you to the hospital and obtain a cardiology consult rather going to an ER and waitng for hours in line.  I have not heard the association between fullness in the head/pressure and impending stroke.


Or, should I say the hell with it, nothing can really be done so let this run it's natural course . . . and go out and buy a carton of Marlboros and a liter of Jim Beam Black and pig-out on ribs at my local BBQ restaurant?

I would hold off on the smoking and drinking (in excess) for now.  I would just enjoy the sun in Florida, but that may be because it is snowing here and I haven't seen the sun since November.

Call your internist on Monday and see if he can swing an appointment with a local cardiologist or neurologist.

Good luck and thanks for posting.

[line]

You are funny, you made me laugh, but maybe you are right about the booze and butts.

My Sil claims she has facial and neck ingling plus pressure on the cheekbone, she says her DR.said this is from the carotid blockage, she is at 70% and said he will not operate until she gets to 80%. either the DR. is an idiot if she has symtons by not operating or else she is lying, I go for the second.

I have mininal intimal blockge both sides, I did a search on carotid blockage and found nothing but a TI as a symton. I do know a woman that is in her 80's and is 100% blocked both sides,no symtons but her blood flow rerouted itself through other arteries.

Keep up the sense of humor.

Linda    

[masuna123]

A related discussion, no answer to what he has was started.