We didn’t expect much from Andy’s appointment today with our substitute doctor (ours is on sabbatical in France) at our local medical group, but we were pleasantly surprised.
Once we checked in and were ushered into the exam room, we had to wait about a half an hour. That can often be a bad sign, but in this case the doctor had been reading the information from the hospital and was trying to make sense of it all. She took notes when Andy told her what has been happening, and she agreed with the neurosurgeon that the carotid artery dissection was a more serious problem than the blood on the brain. She excused herself at one point to talk to the head of the group, a cardiologist, to get another opinion, and they said that Plavix plus aspirin (and the vitamin E he takes in his eye supplements) was the best treatment — Andy shouldn’t worry about how easily he bruises now, the dissection is more important. They don’t think a stent is advisable, not just because of age, but because the dissection is too close to the brain — a stent would be too dangerous to take the risk. And, as we’ve read, with medication dissections often heal themselves.
Andy’s discharge papers from the hospital said he had acute renal deficiency, and we asked about that. She said the dyes they inject for an MRI with contrast can be hard on the kidneys but the effect can be temporary so she gave him an order for blood tests to check if it’s still a problem.
We also asked about the discharge orders to take Keppra twice a day for 14 days, then stop — we have read that it’s best to taper off gradually. She said go down to one a day until Andy finishes all 28.
We have a follow-up appointment with her in a month.
I was very pleased. We will still go to the Mayo Clinic just to be sure, if/when they set up an appointment. It usually takes two to three days to hear, so presumably in the fullness of time….
I should point out the cardiologist said that to be safe (close to the ER) Andy should take his walks around town for a while, but that clearly isn’t going to happen. When the doctor told us that I told Andy, “That means don’t go up to the land!” His body language gave his answer and the doctor laughed and threw up her hands. That was on him, not on her.
oh…this all great news – and maybe the idea of Rummuser’s of “down the garden path” is on track; with no major surgery at this point in time. Now to try and follow the homely advice of stuff…
one of my older friends takes aspirin and the bruising is very bad – it often looks like he’s had a very bad accident. But he understands now what/why and tries to just go with the flow…
Yes, it was encouraging that the doctor wasn’t worried at all about Andy’s bruising. The interesting thing is he hasn’t discounted the idea of surgery – he thinks maybe the Mayo Clinic might still recommend it. Maybe they have some new technique, he thinks. I’m doubtful, but we will see.
oh that was a very positive visit!
it’s all looking good. or at least more hopeful and less scary.
as is often the case the more we learn the less we fear. and through Andy’s ordeal I’m learning too!
it feels good to have some control over your own health and body! xo
The only time I worried/got tense this whole time is when I looked up the dangers of the stent and wanted to warn Andy. I got up around 7:30 that Tuesday morning (early for me given my schedule) to phone him. Once I talked to him I relaxed again, I had done my part.
This definitely sounds good.
The doctor sounds thorough.
And I’m glad you are also going to Mayo, if they decide that’s best.
And Andy and his walks… he reminds me of my dad.
He’s gonna do what he’s gonna do.
That’s just who he is!
Fingers still crossed.
xo
Yes, I’ve ever tried to talk him out of it. We just make contingency plans for if something goes wrong, and we have the cell phone, internet, and the Garmin for communication. Well worth the price for peace of mind.
Great news indeed. All the best.
Thank you.
That is great news. I’m impressed with how you and Andy are handling it. It’s clear that you are a critical member of the team, Jean!
Thank you. We make a good team. 🙂
Andy’s stubbornness may pay off in the long run. Dave’s father’s stubbornness is what helped him recover more than predicted from his stent-surgery induced stroke. He just kept pushing past what they thought he could do.
He knows what’s important to him, and fingers crossed he can continue doing it for a long time.
That doesn’t surprise me. I can’t see Andy giving up the great outdoors in a hurry, even on a temporary basis. Glad the substitute doctor was so knowledgeable and helpful.