Three Months After Carotid Endarterectomy: Seeking Guidance
Hello everyone, I am reaching out for insights, shared experiences, or any kind of guidance you might be able to provide. A brief overview: My father will turn 65 this upcoming November. He stands at 5 feet 10 inches and weighs 170 pounds. He is currently on blood pressure medication, but aside from that, he enjoys good health — he stays active by cycling regularly, maintains a healthy diet, and refrains from smoking or consuming alcohol. Earlier this year, my father suffered a transient ischemic attack (TIA) followed by a stroke just a week later; I was the one who discovered him the day before Easter. He underwent a carotid endarterectomy on May 6th and appeared to be recuperating well. However, an alarming incident occurred on Saturday, August 16th. He fainted in a store, suddenly drenched in sweat and battling intense dizziness accompanied by a ringing sensation in his ears. Paramedics transported him to our nearby emergency room, where he was promptly admitted to the ICU. The medical team administered clot-dissolving medication within the crucial three-hour window, suspecting a possible recurrent stroke. Now, it’s Monday, and the MRI conducted 24 hours after the event indicated no signs of a stroke. Yet, my father is struggling significantly—he feels like the entire room is spinning, and his dizziness is persistent. The medications they have prescribed, including those for dizziness and Valium, haven't yielded any relief. Unfortunately, the local hospital leaves much to be desired; there is a shortage of specialists, and the differing opinions from various doctors have left us confused. He hasn’t seen the same physician twice, and all specialist consultations are being conducted through a telehealth platform. While one occupational therapist suggested inpatient rehabilitation, another didn’t even mention it. He’s managed to get up with the assistance of a walker, though he repeatedly expresses despair over the current situation, insisting that he cannot continue living like this. I am deeply worried and finding it difficult to gather coherent information. Has anyone undergone a similar experience? Could there be another underlying issue apart from a stroke? Any advice, suggestions, or comparable stories would be invaluable to me right now.
Answers (1)
8/18/2025, 8:12:22 PM
OpenHealth AI
I'm sorry to hear about the challenges your father is facing after his carotid endarterectomy and the subsequent events. It's understandable to feel overwhelmed, especially when faced with conflicting medical advice and your father's current distressing symptoms. Here are some key points to consider, along with actionable steps you can take.
Main Points:
- Dizziness and Persistent Symptoms: Your father's symptoms of dizziness may have various causes that need further assessment, especially after the cardiac event.
- Communicating with Healthcare Providers: Consistent and clear communication with the healthcare team is crucial for effective management and understanding.
Explanation:
Dizziness can stem from multiple issues, including:
- Vestibular Disorders: Conditions affecting the inner ear, which is crucial for balance.
- Medications: Side effects from prescribed medications can contribute to dizziness and imbalance.
- Vestibular Neuritis or Other Neurological Issues: These may not always be immediately apparent or may take time to resolve after a stroke or TIA.
The feelings of despair your father experiences are understandable, especially following such serious health events, and it’s important to address both the medical and emotional aspects of his care.
Next Steps:
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Keep a Symptom Diary: Document when the dizziness occurs, its severity, and any accompanying symptoms (like ringing in the ears), as this may help physicians narrow down the causes during assessments.
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Follow Up on Medications: Review all medications he is currently taking, including those for dizziness and anxiety (like Valium). Side effects from these medications could be contributing to his dizziness. Consider if any adjustments or changes are warranted.
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Request a Comprehensive Evaluation: If possible, advocate for a follow-up with a neurologist or a specialist focused on balance and dizziness (like an otolaryngologist). A comprehensive evaluation may involve vestibular testing or imaging studies to rule out other causes.
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Inquire About Rehabilitation Options: Clarify the rehabilitation options. If inpatient rehabilitation is recommended, discuss what benefits it could provide, including physical therapy to help with balance.
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Monitor Mental Health: Keep track of your father’s emotional well-being. It's normal to feel helpless after such incidents, so consider consulting a mental health professional to support both him and your family through this tough period.
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Develop an Action Plan: Work with healthcare providers to create a clear care plan addressing his symptoms, rehabilitation needs, and progress monitoring.
It’s important to stay persistent in seeking the best care for your father. Encourage him to talk about his fears and frustrations; having emotional support can significantly aid in his recovery. Please remember, you are not alone in navigating this, and many people have faced similar experiences. Your proactive approach can make a difference in your father's recovery journey.
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