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Not sure if these questions will be helpful but they're what come to mind: does he think the Plavix could dissolve the clot or is that to prevent further clotting? If there's a chance of it dissolving, then will you want to have a follow-up doppler again and how soon to see if it has dissolved? Why did the local doctor think it was life-threatening? Maybe a second opinion would be of help, from a local IR. If you have a second angio, is there a risk of the clot breaking off during the procedure, maybe that is a reason not to go that route?

Had you recently gotten off the Plavix or has it been awhile? If it formed while on the Plavix, I don't know what can be done to prevent that for others (higher dosages or more powerful anticoagulant?) but if it formed when you discontinued, maybe doctors need to be prescribing it for more than just three months.

I'm glad he got back to you, I hope this gets resolved (dissolved) quickly.

Well, I FedExed my CD to the doc, he got it today but hasn't call me to consult, disappointing. I spoke with my GP today, she said to see a cardio doc, I have an appointment this Mon afternoon. I will get on major blood thinners to break up the clot, I guess I am just a clotter.
I took Plavix 3mos after the procedure, then off a mo, the doppler showed clot. I am back on the Plavix plus asprin The ER doc said Plavix will not break up the clot, it will take something stronger.

I am not ready for a another angio right now, if I did, it maybe clot again.
So my family wants me to try the meds first.
Thanks everyone, yall have been very helpful and supportive.
More updates to come, Hugs from Houston, TX

Peaches, may I ask where you were treated?

Read about DVT and conservative treatment. Clot will turn to scar tissue and can become perm. I had my clot opened after 3 mos and the Doc had to try 6 different wires to open it. The vein tore from the balloon so he had to stop the procedure. I am on lovanox shots and 10mg warfarin daily. Back to see Doc on 15th.

Dave

daytrader wrote:Read about DVT and conservative treatment. Clot will turn to scar tissue and can become perm. I had my clot opened after 3 mos and the Doc had to try 6 different wires to open it. The vein tore from the balloon so he had to stop the procedure. I am on lovanox shots and 10mg warfarin daily. Back to see Doc on 15th.

Dave

Stents can be ballooned??? I didn't think they were pliable.

pklittle wrote:

daytrader wrote:Read about DVT and conservative treatment. Clot will turn to scar tissue and can become perm. I had my clot opened after 3 mos and the Doc had to try 6 different wires to open it. The vein tore from the balloon so he had to stop the procedure. I am on lovanox shots and 10mg warfarin daily. Back to see Doc on 15th.

Dave

Stents can be ballooned??? I didn't think they were pliable.

It all depends on the stent design....some are fixed into a permanent position after their initial expansion, some are flexible. There are a lot of brands, types, sizes, designs, materials, etc. to choose from.

At one time I was gung-ho for the use of stents, but now after my partial second liberation procedure I am veering away from them unless there is absolutely no other alternative.

Long term, biodegradable stents might be the top choice but years of trials are needed first.

Donnchadh

I think no matter what kind of stent it is, the inside of it can always be ballooned (which would squish the growth in the stent up against the stent itself).

Cece wrote:I think no matter what kind of stent it is, the inside of it can always be ballooned (which would squish the growth in the stent up against the stent itself).

there is no data on stents in the jugular vein. it would be wise to avoid them entirely for the time being

dfsclafani,

I have a stent in both my right IJV and my left IJV. Now you are making doubt my decision. Up to this point I have had no problems. I guess I should be checked periodically for blood clots ?

ozarkcanoer

I was wrong too to say the inside could always be ballooned (or squished, the technical term...). If a stent grows 100% shut, then it might not be possible to get the catheter in.

I am very cautious for myself because I feel I have as much to lose as to gain, but I understand how the decision swings differently for people at higher disabilities or who are travelling for a one-time shot at treatment. The lack of follow-up care, though, is frightening, especially with what daytrader says about a clot turning into permanent scar tissue. The whole premise of CCSVI treatment is that these veins are important!

Update----=-
Went to the Cardio doc today, she put me on Coumadin. She said Plavix will not dissolve a clot. She didn't understand anything about CCSVI or heard about it She says the clot isn't life threating.......fingers crossed

She wondered why I wasn't put on blood thinners instead of Plavix after procedure. She said I shouldn't be having pain.....that veins don't hurt.......? The doctor still hasn't called me back

I am going to have to leave TX to find help with this Any suggestions?

Hello, Peaches.

I would say, don't worry, be happy, but:

Your blood is being thinned to deal with the clot. I have had 3 stents put in and though I don't think my meds were at all dangerous, I bruised a lot. I was on plavix and asperin too. Take extra care as it seems all you need to do is look sideways at skin to get a bruise. And you might get cuts that are hard to deal with if you bark your shin, or something. Get a public health nurse to look at them if you do. They deal with this all the time for diabetic feet.

Don't worry, be happy now... except I just read your latest post and that goes fourple on coumadin. Big bruises. Stay off airplanes.

Hello again, Peaches.

Please don't take seriously anything you read from me. As you know I am not a doctor. Please seek the advice of one you trust. All my most fervent best wishes for your improving health are all I have to offer. Let us know if you have time. We are all rooting for you.

ozarkcanoer wrote:dfsclafani,

I have a stent in both my right IJV and my left IJV. Now you are making doubt my decision. Up to this point I have had no problems. I guess I should be checked periodically for blood clots ?

ozarkcanoer

ozarkcanoer
Restenosis occurs

you should consider periodic surveillance after CCSVI treatment. Doppler ultrasound is the most practical approach to surveillance. Evidence of restenosis warrants repeat venography even before recurrent symptoms.

Cece wrote:I think no matter what kind of stent it is, the inside of it can always be ballooned (which would squish the growth in the stent up against the stent itself).

It could also break the stent!