Good day to the readers of my articles. Follow me on another adventure with a possible solution for those with low or no blood flows in the cerebral area. No blood flows or wisps of blood contain little oxygen for the brain to remain active for long periods of time.
This is me. I have severe hardening of the arteries where that squirrel turns the wheel to keep me alive. I am not a surgical candidate due to the constant need for a drug called warfarin (Coumadin). Another clot would be fatal due to the blockages starting from both the vertebral and basilar arteries.
Today was my three-month visit with my neurologist. His name is Dr. David M Karaffa from Shenandoah Neurological Associates located in Fishersville. Dr Karaffa has been my neurologist since my brain-stem strokes. He saved my life and guided me to a better and helpful outlook on life.
Dr. Karaffa researched symptoms in to all the different issues since my blood flow is lacking. I am starting a new regimen of a medication. The brand name of the medication is Trental. It has a generic name of Pentoxifylline.
According to the National Institute of Health, Pentoxifylline is used to improve blood flow in patients with circulation problems to reduce aching, cramping, and tiredness in the hands and feet. It works by decreasing the thickness (viscosity) of blood. This change allows your blood to flow more easily, especially in the small blood vessels of the hands and feet. This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Please note, Pentoxifylline controls the symptoms of circulation problems, but does not cure them.
Other uses for this medicine
Pentoxifylline also is used for leg ulcers, strokes, high-altitude sickness, eye and ear disorders, and sickle cell disease and to treat pain from diabetic neuropathy. Talk to your doctor about the possible risks of using this drug for your condition.
Mode of Action
Pentoxifylline and its metabolites improve the flow properties of blood by decreasing its viscosity. In patients with chronic peripheral arterial disease, this increases blood flow to the affected microcirculation and enhances tissue oxygenation.
Tissue oxygen levels have been shown to be significantly increased by therapeutic doses of pentoxifylline in patients with peripheral arterial disease.
Indications and Usage for Trental
Trental is indicated for the treatment of patients with intermittent claudication on the basis of chronic occlusive arterial disease of the limbs. Trental can improve function and symptoms but is not intended to replace more definitive therapy, such as surgical bypass, or removal of arterial obstructions when treating peripheral vascular disease.
So there we have it friends. There is always hope for those who seek it and “Don’t you quit” looking. I am not a surgical candidate for all that fancy dancy surgery. There is some sunshine in the dark portals of your tunnel. Follow me with my “Incredible Journey”…Wait, I think they made a movie with that title…Oh, just follow my articles.
I shall give you an honest answer what this does and how I feel. There are many websites that give time limits for the medication to react. The shortest is two(2) weeks. I shall advise you then. Mr. Guinea Pig, signing off!
Column by Chris DeWald
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