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questions for IR

Posted: Mon Nov 08, 2010 1:10 pm
by thornyrose76
What are some ?'s I can ask my Interventional Radiologist before I schedule an appointment, any suggestions?

Questions for the IR

Posted: Tue Nov 09, 2010 5:27 am
by Rosegirl
First, I'd ask how many CCSVI venograms he/she has done.

Next, how many patients showed improvement and if so, what kind of improvements were seen?

Third, were the improvements sustained?

Fourth, what are the recommendations for post treatment medication and follow up? What will it cost in both time and money?

Then it's up to you to decide whether you think this doctor is the right person -- and it's the right time -- to do your treatment.

When my venogram was done in July, I met with the IR prior to the venogram and I was concerned that his approach would be very conservative and he was unwilling to discuss any success beyond one patient. But at the time, he had done about 25 venograms, and there was no other place I could be treated for probably a year so I gambled.

I think it's all a matter of karma.

Posted: Tue Nov 09, 2010 7:01 am
by Cece
*balloon size, duration, and how many repetitions
*how he'd done at finding issues in the azygous
* is he collaborating with other ccsvi docs or attended any of the conferences or events to learn from each other
*years of experience in IR and what sort of work he's been doing (has he spent much time in the necks?)
* what is the length of his waiting list
* what testing does he do before the procedure
* what anticoagulation
* how long would he take to get back to you or what would be his advice if you experienced restenosis or a return of symptoms or any complications in the months post-procedure (some docs respond much faster than others)
* is there any risk of an IRB shutdown, should you make refundable travel arrangements (the wave of shutdowns may seem like its behind us but once burned, twice shy)

Just some thoughts, also on your end, if you have already decided to go with this doctor then you mostly need to make sure none of his choices will be dangerous for you (I see danger in inadequate anticoagulation, inexperienced docs, the use of stents, and no response if you experience a follow-up complication) then I think it's best to trust your doctor and let him do what he knows how to do.

Congrats, if you are going forward with treatment, wishing you the best. :)

Posted: Tue Nov 09, 2010 6:09 pm
by thornyrose76
That's the thing, Cece, I don't know enough other than the simple bits I have read online, but he has good credentials and he has started to treat MS patients. I got his name via the H foundation