Late effects. Carotid artery warning.

Yes please do it’s something Dani and I have spoken about often over these last 6 years. Talking with an oncologist in the uk that I’m helping on a research project in  thhevUSA it’s done almost annually  but as we know that private health care. Just be aware..

Whilst we’re talking about late onset side effects a reminder to everyone once you are a year out of treatment annual bloods for thyroid issues. You need your TSH and T4 bloods. Inmake a note if mine so there a record they are both slightly changing but nothing detrimentally. 

hugs Hazel 

Hi Dani. Sorry to hear about the issue with your carotid arteries. An unfortunate side effect for you. I haven't had mine checked but now I know next visit with my G.P. I will discuss with her and get it checked out. I am lucky up until now (fingers crossed) that I have not had any long term side effects so hope that continues. The side effects from the radiotherapy and the ops is enough. It is now 6 years since my last radiotherapy and I don't know if having 2 lots makes me more susceptible to side effects. I have had discussions with my surgeon about this and some possible long term side effects so am fore warned to a degree.  I am looking on the bright side and hoping that none occur but what will be will be so no point in spending time worrying about it. Hope you get a good result from your G.P. and he can put you on some effective treatment to overcome the issue. 

Hugs

Lyn

xx

Sophie66 said:

Hope you get a good result from your G.P. and he can put you on some effective treatment to overcome the issu

Thanks Lyn. Scan is already being organised for the week after we move house. At the end if the month. Hopefully meds will keep me stable. 

I was quite unaware of this late effect, a quick look at the stats is quite an eye opener, I have an outpatient oncology related appointment with audiology shortly (tinnitus), I intend to broach the subject with the audiologist during the appointment.

Hi Dani thank you for highlighting this, I'd never heard of this side effect. In January 2017 I had a TIA, fortunately I made a quick full recovery. So, I will defiantly be discussing this with my GP. Best of luck with your follow up.

Ray.

Too true and a good warning/reminder to all of us to be proactive!

My late effects are continuing to build alongside the immediate side effects.  Mainly underactive thyroid, skin issues inside my ear (leading to cellulitis) and pulsatile tinnitus. None of this is readily discussed before or after treatment unless we raise the issue ourselves.

I had my hearing tested and fortunately it is fine although they had expected it to be reduced (only reduced in the frequencies that my wife talks to me in ).  Levothyroxine is still battling a gradually reducing thyroid and a recent CT Head shows no obvious reason for the pulsatile tinnitus - which could have been down to blood vessel damage from the RT (as per your cardioid).  This week the consultant described the lack of diagnosis for the origin of the tinnitus as good news - for obvious reasons.  At least they will now keep on top of these things.

This forum is great for passing this type of information around so we can advocate for ourselves before things get too serious.

I hope they get you sorted, safe and stable.

PFJTHS said:

I hope they get you sorted, safe and stable.

Thanks Peter. The house move is complicating things but it’s all in hand 

I had no idea this was a potential issue but will check in with my GP about this, thanks for posting this.

Really hope that you have effective treatment for this.

TrevW said:

I had no idea this was a potential issue but will check in with my GP about this, thanks for posting this.

I'm afraid that will get you nowhere. You have to either pay for your own doppler or persuade your hospital to arrange one.

TrevW said:

Really hope that you have effective treatment for this.

I'm sure I can be kept well and alive.....more pills

Hi Dani,

I got a private ultrasound for my neck when i was concerned about another issue and they were very good (matched the NHS findings which happened 6 months later)

I have checked their website and they advertise 'carotid doppler ultrasounds' which sounds like the right thing, ill contact them when back home (i am in london on work).

Thanks and good luck, im also sure they will sort something.