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But this is a big problem if you are Canadian, the only aftercare is my GP and if my family raises enough money then hopefully I'll be able to go back to Siskin if problems arise or for follow up.

Also, is there a difference between coumadin and Plavix? They're both blood thinners...

Thorny,
I was 3000 miles away from Dake and worked locally with my GP to monitor my blood, but I had access to Dake. He answers calls and emails within minutes and also he said he would fly to me if there were any emergency.
Yes, there is a difference in those two meds. I would google them.

thornyrose76 wrote:Also, is there a difference between coumadin and Plavix? They're both blood thinners...

yes, big difference.

Plavix is an antiplatelet, Coumadin is an anticoagulant. They work in different ways.

here's the animation for plavix (where it says 'click here'):
http://www.plavix.com/Index.aspx

coumadin vs plavix:
http://www.healthcentral.com/heart-dise ... 6291/39224

Because of the risk of clotting, I haven't been comfortable with doctors who prescribe only plavix or aspirin, but everyone's comfort level with risk is different.

magoo wrote:Thorny,
I was 3000 miles away from Dake and worked locally with my GP to monitor my blood, but I had access to Dake. He answers calls and emails within minutes and also he said he would fly to me if there were any emergency.
Yes, there is a difference in those two meds. I would google them.

I touched on the seubject long ago but I am going to be seeing him in the New Year seo that we can specifically discuss this more in depth. Just out of curiousity what type of blood work was done to monitor the blood, what tests?

Talked with my GP that is...

Sorry, I don't remember what my tests were. I do know they did bloodwork before the procedure and had the results. It's been a while

They did bloodwork before so as to compare your blood pre and the n post bloodwork, then?

sssorry if that sounds stupid, it's just that I am so worried about this, plus I am quite far from Siskin!

After reading results from people, I think it best to show my CCSVI story by giving you my website. There is a video of my pre-lib and I'll be making my post-lib on 11/30 because I didn't get to it tonight. (11/29)

www.ccsvi-ms.blogspot.com

As you will read (above), I had a traumatic experience the day after (11/9) and was told not to take the 325 mg. of aspirin until the pseudo-aneurysm / hematoma had resolved. I still have a lump in my groin, but the bruise is almost gone, so I started aspirin a few days ago. (Prescribed to take it for 3 months.)

They went into the artery and not the vein, but Dr. Siskin didn't mention it. It happens, I know - it has happened to me before. He told me they had ballooned LIJ and RIJ and azygos... (5 balloons). I then asked what percentage blocked and he said "I don't work with percentages." The funny thing is - he told me TEN times at the first consultation that there is no such thing as 100% of anything. (He stated that in different ways after I disagreed with him.) So I can't compare my blockages with anybody else's that use percentages. ("mildly positive") I asked if he took care of the "reflux" and he told me that I already know how he feels about that; "It has not been validated."

I was never told in his 30 second post-op visit that they had put "Angio-Seal" devices (like tiny plugs) in the artery and the vein. But what was worse, I lifted my suitcase the next morning. If I wasn't staying in the hotel across the street, who knows what would have happened? I was all alone! I was so shook up - I'm glad I didn't have an exacerbation before I could get on the train to go home. Don't go alone for the procedure. Everyone is so stressed out for this procedure that I'm wondering what part that plays when people are WORSE after.

I'm going back on 12/14 to compare my before and after ultrasound. It was originally scheduled for the next day, but I guess after what he did - he may have been concerned about the healing. (I don't know.) Little did he know the healing will be longer than anticipated when he rescheduled the post-ultrasound on Liberation Day!

Check my website in a few days for my latest video. Leave a comment if you want to.

Thanks!

HOLY CRAP LadyGazelle!!!!!!! I am speechless.

I am so sorry you are going through this.

Thorny, no they did not compare my bloodwork before and after. I'd have to contact Dake to find out what he was looking at in the bloodwork. Sorry I don't have a good answer for you.

I hope more people post about their experiences with Siskin.

LadyGazelle wrote:I'm going back on 12/14 to compare my before and after ultrasound.

I'm glad you decided to go back, despite the difficulties, it's good to have that comparison. You have an elbow procedure coming up too? Best wishes and recuperation from all of this.

Some relevant-ish (like about arteries, not veins) things I've been reading:

http://www.aboutlawsuits.com/plavix-asp ... udy-14573/

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/208136.php

http://www.businessweek.com/lifestyle/c ... 46369.html

LadyGazelle wrote:After reading results from people, I think it best to show my CCSVI story by giving you my website. There is a video of my pre-lib and I'll be making my post-lib on 11/30 because I didn't get to it tonight. (11/29)

Just terrible. I hope you feel better.

I found it interesting that Siskin said that all his staff showed reflux.

Maybe this should be it's own thread?