So, after going to doctors since September 3, 2014, the vascular surgeon we saw at the end of March performed an endarterectomy . Endarterectomy is is the general term for the surgical removal of plaque from an artery that has become narrowed or blocked. Normally, they don’t do surgery until the artery is blocked 90%.
Fabgrandpa’s artery was only about 65% blocked, but it had ulcerated. This means that part of the plaque had broken loose, and left a hole where it had been. Blood could pool in the hole, and form a clot. If that happened, and the clot then broke loose from the hole, it could cause a massive stroke. Dr. Whitney said that the risks of NOT having the surgery were greater than the risk of having the surgery.
April 2 was surgery day. We arrived at the hospital around 12:30 and checked in. They took Fabgrandpa back to prep him for surgery, and then Becky and I were allowed to sit with him until they took him back to the operating room.
They took him back to begin surgery around 2:00 p.m. They kept Becky and me informed about the progress of the surgery every hour or so. The surgery took about four hours to complete. When it was over, Dr. Whitney talked to us and explained what he did. He had to cut out a section of the artery, and replace it with a synthetic artery made of bovine pericardium tissue. The incision in Fabgrandpa’s neck was about 8″ to 10″ long.
That hole in the lining of the carotid artery was the culprit. If it had not been removed, Fabgrandpa would still be at risk of a massive stroke. He spent one night in the hospital, then was released to come home. The discharge instructions included no lifting over five pounds for two weeks; wear the support hose until the follow up with Dr. Whitney; and no driving until after the follow up.
Fabgrandpa has recuperated very well, and is doing fine. We went to a concert in Atlanta over the past weekend. While he was tired out after more than he normally would be, he was a happy man to still be here to see his favorite band perform.
Today, we had the three week follow up with the doctor. Dr. Whitney said he is doing excellent, and said that Fabgrandpa should be the “Poster Boy” for this type of surgery. We go back in six weeks for the last follow up.
We still haven’t found the reason for Fabgrandpa being off balance, but we are thankful that we kept looking for a reason, and that the doctors found this problem and were able to correct it. I hope that it means a healthier husband for me, and many more years for him to be around.
I will repeat what I have been saying for the last few posts about this: Don’t Ignore The Symptoms When You Are Just A Little “Off”. Your doctor may not find the cause for your symptom immediately, but they may just accidently find something that will save your life.
Sandy Cain says
April 22, 2015 at 8:33 amThank God he is ok! What a sweetie, the picture of him with Emily taken just 1 week after the surgery – he looks great! And you are SO right about not ignoring the symptoms – no one knows your body better than you! ((((HUGS)))) to you & your family!!
Veronica Lee says
April 22, 2015 at 10:07 amGlad to know everything went well. Once again, thanks for the reminder about not ignoring the symptoms.
Kori (@just_anothermom) says
April 22, 2015 at 2:54 pmWow, pictures do speak a thousand words in this case! I’m thankful the surgery went well and he looks great! Heart health is one of those things that I’m definitely trying to stay on top of.
Kimberly Grabinski (@WhatsThatSmell) says
April 22, 2015 at 3:27 pmI’m glad that he is recovering so well. What a scary thing for you all to have to go through. I hope you are able to figure out the balance issues soon.
emmymom2 says
April 22, 2015 at 3:30 pmSo glad the surgery was a success! That would be so scary during all of it. And yes, so important not to ignore symptoms and things that seem off.
Sara-Jayne says
April 22, 2015 at 4:41 pmWow – what a story! Thank heavens he is okay and that the surgery was a success. The hole in that ulcer is huge! I’m always worried when I feel off, I like to know what’s wrong with me – well done for persisting!
shoppingduck says
April 22, 2015 at 4:51 pmSo happy that everything went well. It is amazing what they can do these days.
Teri Hardy says
April 22, 2015 at 5:01 pmI am so happy to hear all is well. I am sure this was an ordeal for you both. Wishing you a speedy recovery.
Swa-Rai (@swaraiblog) says
April 22, 2015 at 5:04 pmGlad he is doing better! I’ve never heard of this so it’s always interesting to see other peoples experiences.
CaliforniaPretty says
April 22, 2015 at 5:39 pmWhat a great post! I’m glad to hear that he is recovering from his procedure 🙂 Thank you for sharing, sometimes we tell ourselves that we are so busy that we shrug off the signs our body is giving us.
Jet-Set Mom says
April 22, 2015 at 6:26 pmYikes! Happy to hear he is on the road to recovery.
christina aliperti says
April 22, 2015 at 6:42 pmFabgrandpa looks really fab so soon after surgery! So happy to hear that the surgery went well and he is doing better. I used to work for a doctor so I have heard of the condition but I have never seen it up close and personal or in pictures so this post was very interesting to me.
Kimberly M (@momgosomething) says
April 22, 2015 at 7:56 pmThis screams you are your own best advocate!! Sometimes doctor’s don’t listen and because they are doctor’s we assume that they know best. But they don’t always. We have to be persistent because we know our bodies better than anyone! Thank goodness that you guys were. I’m so sorry that he had to go through all of that but he sounds like quite the trooper. Give him a big — okay just a gentle one — squeeze for me. Be well and I hope that he keeps getting better and stronger with each passing day xo
SexyMoxieMama says
April 22, 2015 at 9:00 pmIt is amazing what modern medicine can fix these days. I have had a few patients who have undergone this procedure and all have fared well afterwards. I hope that he continues to recover well.
jodiboys says
April 22, 2015 at 9:53 pmBless you ALL- such a tough few months. It will be all up hill from here! It sounds like you have a great Doctor!
Jeanette says
April 22, 2015 at 11:17 pmI always say you need to be your own advocate when it comes to dr. You know better than anyone what you feel like. I am glad everything turned out good!
Yolanda Williams says
April 23, 2015 at 1:07 amI am glad he is doing well now. That sounds like a strenuous situation to have to endure. I couldn’t imagine it. Keep us posted on his recovery. 🙂
geogypsy2u says
April 23, 2015 at 1:47 amSo glad you were persistent and this was caught and corrected. Now to figure out the inbalance. He’s such a trooper. Atta’ boy. Hugs.
Anita Utami says
April 23, 2015 at 11:19 amSpeedy recovery! I am happy to know the culprit was found and taken care of. Sometimes we are just too afraid to go to doctor, in case they will find something wrong and need correction, but I guess it is better be safe than sorry.
Stefani Tolson says
April 24, 2015 at 1:20 pmYikes! Surgery is scary and glad he is recovering well.
Dogvills says
April 26, 2015 at 11:04 pmMy dad use to have to get this done. It was always very scary.
James Robert says
April 29, 2015 at 9:00 amGlad to hear he is doing much better now. My Aunt just went in for a 90% blockage in her leg and has the other leg to finish yet. Hearing about these can definitely open up our eyes.