First time I took it, my constant headache was gone within about three hours. Also helped me with the dizziness and POTs like symptoms, especially when I was exercising or doing something strenuous. It helped a lot with my head, neck and shoulder pain though. I barely even needed NSAIDs or anything while I took it.
I think I was on just the base dose, one 75 mg pill every morning.
They have me on 60mg of Brilinta twice a day. I haven’t noticed anything yet good or bad. I still have some thick drainage on the side they fixed the hole that I’ll have to ask the doctor about.
Was Plavix not working for you @stuuke or were you given a reason for the change in meds?
I don’t think I’ve tried Plavix. Dr. Hepworth had me try Clopidogrel Bisulfate back in January when I first saw them. I tried that(75mg once per day) for two weeks with no results. He didn’t really discuss why he went with Brillinta this time.
Got it. I wonder why he chooses Plavix for some patients & different but similar meds for others. Maybe it has to do w/ the overall symptoms set being exhibited by each patient.
I think Clopidogrel is the same as Plavix. I think Plavix is the brand name or the company that made it initially. Clopidogrel is the medical/chemical name.
That’s correct. Plavix is the brand name for Clopidogrel Bisulfate. It has been enormously beneficial for me, but everyone’s different. I take my dose at night before bed which has significantly improved my ability to sleep, although I still don’t feel rested in the mornings.
@KoolDude & @MsBearshark - Thanks for the clarification. Never occurred to me to look it up. 
Are there any suggestions for other doctors that deal with vascular issues and are familiar with ES?
Dr Kyle Fargen
https://www.wakehealth.edu/providers/f/kyle-m-fargen
I just took my last blood thinner. I didn’t notice any difference so I don’t think I’ll get a refill.
Often you notice a difference when you stop so this will be a good test!
I wish I could suggest another vascular doc that is familiar with Eagles but know none as it has not been on my radar. If this doc is one that Hepworth suggests, I would consider seeking others out too for a consult as I know someone who didn’t have a good consult there very recently. (sorry JustBreathe)
I have found few vascular surgeons familiar with ES.
Sorry you are still struggling Stuuke. Hang in there and keep pressing forward.
I’m sorry you’re still struggling so much @stuuke. Have you looked into the possibility of CCI at all?
No offence taken @Snapple2020 
Everyone has their own experience and no one is perfect. It is hard to fully understand someone’s negative review of a doctor not being in their shoes (as the patient or provider). I tend to try and look at a broad scope of reviews and talk to those directly when able. These forums are helpful in that way.
There are few surgeons working in this field so at least it is a small field to go through … if that is a silver lining - or not. 
I saw Dr. Hauser at Caring Medical before Dr. Hepworth but I haven’t seen any legit doctors regarding CCI.
Dr. Hepworth refers his patients to Dr. Henderson in Washington, DC, for CCI evaluation. We have at least one member (@Eagle1) who’s gone there to be evaluated by him. https://www.metropolitanneurosurgery.org
Getting anything from Hepworth might be an issue.
Yes, Just Breathe, no one is perfect and they all have bad days on top off staff that are not patient friendly or incompetent. Generally, the medical system has taken such a severe hit due to COVID, the system even more broken. Alot of medical professionals have retired putting more pressure on the ones still practicing. Alot of them overworked and understaffed and things are falling thru the cracks and being poorly managed. It is the nature of the beast.
Unfortunately I don’t see a silver lining in lack of providers. Just like with ES, trying to find an experienced and competent surgeon who believes in the condition AND have a competent staff to manage the practice, is a journey.
Due diligence can be tricky when it comes to docs. This is why I always suggest seeing 2-3 specialists or surgeons before making decisions. I don’t think one doctor knows it all and there is value in more than one approach or opinion. I think patients talking to each other quickly find out when a doc has stepped outside their level of expertise, have poor staff or are not patient friendly.