By coincidence I just read relevant information regarding the medical information from the Mayo Clinic. I hope this helps and if you have any further questions or comments you are welcome to respond. Take care,
Ken
http://newsblog.mayoclinic.org/2009/06/10/treatment-options-should-be-carefully-considered-for-blocked-carotid-arteries/
May I ask if you are having stenting or endarterectomy?
http://www.google.co.uk/imgres?imgurl=http://www.yalemedicalgroup.org/stw/images/125509.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.yalemedicalgroup.org/stw/Page.asp%3FPageID%3DSTW029071&h=530&w=530&sz=93&tbnid=gA4LY7-HgEK1qM:&tbnh=132&tbnw=132&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dcarotid%2Barteries&zoom=1&q=carotid+arteries&hl=en&usg=__2soeJ2LdZBARoVzgt6d3wxYDwmA=&sa=X&ei=YUV2TbfTI9G5hAfw5YiSBw&sqi=2&ved=0CEsQ9QEwBQ