- Carotid Artery Dissection
- Interviews
RandiS's interview
How did all start?
Ran across a parking lot. Blood pressure went up & stayed up for hours. Sound of wooshing in my head/ear. Cardiologist did a sonogram, then an MRI, then Catscan which found a 95% blockage caused by a dissection from beginning of internal artery all the way up. So lucky... no stroke.
Do you already have a diagnosis? How long did it take you to get it?
I had the diagnosis within 4 days.
For what medical specialties have you been treated? What has been the most useful specialty for your?
Just on aspirin & taking it easy. No lifting, no exercise...
What has been the most useful thing for you so far?
Finding other people who have experienced this. My cardiologist had never had a patient with an ICAD before me.
What have been your biggest difficulties?
Worrying that it stays stable & hoping it heals.
How has your social and family environment reacted? Have your social or family relationships changed?
Somewhat. I have more limitations.
What things have you stopped doing?
Running, any exercise, taking little things in life as seriously. I’m getting more sleep too.
What do you think about the future?
I teach & now put in for retirement next year. I am looking to enjoy the life I have now. This experience was an eye opener.
So far, which years have been the best years in your life? What have you done during them?
Raising my now grown children.
What would you like to do if you didn’t have your condition?
Exercise & get a bit thinner again.
If you had to describe your life in a sentence, what would it be?
One obstacle after another. Whose isn’t?
Finally, what advice would you give to a person in a similar situation?
We are not alone but it would be more comforting to connect with others that have the same problem. Join a group like the one on Facebook.
