# What Should I Do Next? **URL:** \ **Category:** General\ **Created:** [October 22, 2026, 1:15pm UTC](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/t/what-should-i-do-next/24719 "2026-10-22T13:15:42Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Leeseungmin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/eada6e/32.png) [@Leeseungmin](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/u/Leeseungmin)\ **Post date:** [October 22, 2026, 1:15pm UTC](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/t/what-should-i-do-next/24719/1 "2026-10-22T13:15:42Z")
I’ve had both an MRA and a CTA scan, and today I received the official imaging results. **The reports stated that there were no abnormalities.** I asked my neurologist about the narrowing of my IJV near C1. The doctor explained that the radiology report showed no abnormalities and that what I was seeing was normal anatomy. Considering the possibility that another hospital might interpret the images differently, as well as the severity of my symptoms, the doctor referred me to a larger tertiary hospital for further evaluation. **Should I look for other causes besides an IJV issue?** I’m feeling really exhausted at this point, and I honestly don’t know what to do next. I’ll attach some additional images from my CTA scan. The styloid process is not visible in this image. It looks like my IJV is narrowing near the transverse process of C1. ![IMG_0685](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex027/uploads/ben_eagle/original/3X/d/4/d466c7657347905ee245a404fb27c83df46f3df8.jpeg) ---
**Author:** ![SCJeff](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex027/user_avatar/forum.livingwitheagle.org/scjeff/32/15151_2.png) [@SCJeff](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/u/SCJeff)\ **Post date:** [October 22, 2026, 1:32pm UTC](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/t/what-should-i-do-next/24719/2 "2026-10-22T13:32:03Z")
The structure you labeled Artery is your styloid. The artery is interior and is under the blue line you have drawn. I would suggest to review scans and symptoms with nuerosurgeon Dr. Kamran Aghayev. He offers a free quick review and then a $250 remote consult. He knows about much more than just IJV compression, for example the sinus venous system, where it appears on another image you’ve posted to have asymmetry between your left and right. ---
**Author:** ![Leeseungmin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/eada6e/32.png) [@Leeseungmin](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/u/Leeseungmin)\ **Post date:** [October 22, 2026, 2:00pm UTC](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/t/what-should-i-do-next/24719/3 "2026-10-22T14:00:18Z")
Thank you for your reply! I don’t think the structure I marked as an artery is the styloid process — the styloid process can be identified separately on the full scan images. It’s very helpful to know that Dr. Aghayev offers free reviews and remote consultations! I’m currently serving my mandatory military service in Korea, so it’s very difficult for me to travel abroad. Unfortunately, there seem to be very few doctors in Korea who specialize in evaluating the venous system. ---
**Author:** ![SCJeff](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex027/user_avatar/forum.livingwitheagle.org/scjeff/32/15151_2.png) [@SCJeff](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/u/SCJeff)\ **Post date:** [October 22, 2026, 2:13pm UTC](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/t/what-should-i-do-next/24719/4 "2026-10-22T14:13:41Z")
I’ve circled your arteries in red pencil. Yes, I think Dr. Aghayev will give you valuable insight. ![image](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex027/uploads/ben_eagle/original/3X/8/6/86797cdc1abd7a69f8354711da49de30c8239a26.jpeg) ---
**Author:** ![Isaiah\_40\_31](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex027/user_avatar/forum.livingwitheagle.org/isaiah_40_31/32/3054_2.png) [@Isaiah\_40\_31](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/u/Isaiah_40_31)\ **Post date:** [October 23, 2026, 12:19am UTC](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/t/what-should-i-do-next/24719/5 "2026-10-23T00:19:23Z")
@Leeseungmin - The arteries @SCJeff circled are the internal carotid arteries. ---
**Author:** ![Chrickychricky](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex027/user_avatar/forum.livingwitheagle.org/chrickychricky/32/15581_2.png) [@Chrickychricky](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/u/Chrickychricky)\ **Post date:** [October 23, 2026, 12:41pm UTC](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/t/what-should-i-do-next/24719/6 "2026-10-23T12:41:39Z")
@Leeseungmin Looks to me that both of your IJVs are being compressed ---
**Author:** ![Leeseungmin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/eada6e/32.png) [@Leeseungmin](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/u/Leeseungmin)\ **Post date:** [October 23, 2026, 1:33pm UTC](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/t/what-should-i-do-next/24719/7 "2026-10-23T13:33:39Z")
I’ve received the CTV review video from Dr. Aghayev! **Dr. Aghayev stated that both of my internal jugular veins are significantly compressed by the C1 transverse processes.** In particular, he noted that the compression of my right IJV extends down to approximately the C2 level due to surrounding muscles. Dr. Aghayev explained that the solution to this problem would be to resect the C1 transverse processes and decompress the internal jugular veins. He also emphasized that removing the bone alone would not be sufficient. A complete, circumferential (360-degree) decompression would be necessary to free the veins from the carotid sheath and surrounding soft tissues contributing to the compression. ---
**Author:** ![Isaiah\_40\_31](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex027/user_avatar/forum.livingwitheagle.org/isaiah_40_31/32/3054_2.png) [@Isaiah\_40\_31](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/u/Isaiah_40_31)\ **Post date:** [October 24, 2026, 12:02am UTC](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/t/what-should-i-do-next/24719/8 "2026-10-24T00:02:12Z")
@Leeseungmin - I’m so glad you have a definitive diagnosis & a significantly better picture of what’s going on in your neck. Would you be able to travel to Turkey for surgery? ---
**Author:** ![Leeseungmin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/eada6e/32.png) [@Leeseungmin](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/u/Leeseungmin)\ **Post date:** [October 24, 2026, 2:19am UTC](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/t/what-should-i-do-next/24719/9 "2026-10-24T02:19:34Z")
It’s difficult for me to travel abroad right now. Once I complete my mandatory military service in South Korea and am able to travel abroad, I’ll consider going to Turkey for surgery. For now, I just hope I can find a doctor here in South Korea who understands this condition. ---
**Author:** ![Jules](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex027/user_avatar/forum.livingwitheagle.org/jules/32/404_2.png) [@Jules](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/u/Jules)\ **Post date:** [October 24, 2026, 12:42pm UTC](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/t/what-should-i-do-next/24719/10 "2026-10-24T12:42:02Z")
I’m glad that he confirmed the IJV compression- I don’t know how your military service works, can you get a medical exemption? It’s going do be very difficult for you to do something so physical? ---
**Author:** ![Leeseungmin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/eada6e/32.png) [@Leeseungmin](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/u/Leeseungmin)\ **Post date:** [October 24, 2026, 1:57pm UTC](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/t/what-should-i-do-next/24719/11 "2026-10-24T13:57:30Z")
I’m trying to avoid physical exertion as much as possible. Unfortunately, since I haven’t yet received a diagnosis from a doctor in South Korea, I cannot officially obtain a medical exemption from military training.😭 Thank you for your concern, Jules. ---
**Author:** ![Jules](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex027/user_avatar/forum.livingwitheagle.org/jules/32/404_2.png) [@Jules](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/u/Jules)\ **Post date:** [October 24, 2026, 9:20pm UTC](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/t/what-should-i-do-next/24719/12 "2026-10-24T21:20:22Z")
Maybe they’ll accept Dr Aghayev’s diagnosis? 🙏 ---
**Author:** ![Leeseungmin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/eada6e/32.png) [@Leeseungmin](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/u/Leeseungmin)\ **Post date:** [October 29, 2026, 10:08am UTC](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/t/what-should-i-do-next/24719/13 "2026-10-29T10:08:12Z")
I recently saw a neurologist at a major tertiary hospital in South Korea. I shared Dr. Aghayev’s findings and asked whether internal jugular vein stenosis could explain my symptoms. However, the doctor strongly disagreed, insisting that my jugular veins were completely normal. He suggested that my symptoms were psychological and that no further testing was necessary. I feel frustrated and helpless, as no one in Korea seems to understand what I’m going through. Sometimes I even wonder if the doctors are right and I really am going crazy. Once I complete my mandatory military service in six months, I’m considering seeking further evaluation and treatment abroad. I just hope this suffering comes to an end soon. ---
**Author:** ![Chrickychricky](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex027/user_avatar/forum.livingwitheagle.org/chrickychricky/32/15581_2.png) [@Chrickychricky](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/u/Chrickychricky)\ **Post date:** [October 29, 2026, 12:59pm UTC](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/t/what-should-i-do-next/24719/14 "2026-10-29T12:59:20Z")
@Leeseungmin So sorry to hear that. Unfortunately it’s only too common for doctors to be uneducated about IJV compression. Most of the surgeons who are treating this condition have long lead times so you may want to consider getting started on the process now. If you wait 6 months you will likely end up having to wait for several more months just to get on someone’s schedule. ---
**Author:** ![Jules](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex027/user_avatar/forum.livingwitheagle.org/jules/32/404_2.png) [@Jules](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/u/Jules)\ **Post date:** [October 29, 2026, 5:11pm UTC](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/t/what-should-i-do-next/24719/15 "2026-10-29T17:11:06Z")
That’s so frustrating, perhaps the doctor would consider watching one of the videos by a VES doctor, Dr Costantino or Dr Aghayev? Or read one of the research papers? It’s all too easy sometimes for doctors to dismiss patients as crazy rather than look properly at symptoms and possible diagnoses… ---
**Author:** ![Isaiah\_40\_31](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex027/user_avatar/forum.livingwitheagle.org/isaiah_40_31/32/3054_2.png) [@Isaiah\_40\_31](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/u/Isaiah_40_31)\ **Post date:** [October 30, 2026, 3:18am UTC](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/t/what-should-i-do-next/24719/16 "2026-10-30T03:18:16Z")
@Leeseungmin - I feel frustrated just reading what happened at your neurology appointment! Like @Jules mentioned, perhaps the neurologist would be willing to watch the videos Dr. Aghayev, Dr. Costantino & Dr. Hu have created about IJV decompression surgery. Unfortunately, with his attitude, he might not be willing. Here are research papers written by both doctors: [A Review Of IJV Compression by Dr Aghayev - General / Research Papers - Living with Eagle](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/t/a-review-of-ijv-chttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7AZIRT2QA38ompression-by-dr-aghayev/21566) [Dr Costantino IJV compression and surgery - Symptoms and Treatments / Doctor Information - Living with Eagle](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/t/dr-costantino-ijv-compression-and-surgery/23247) Here are links to their videos - [![](https://img.youtube.com/vi/1xFzBp0oHwA/maxresdefault.jpg "Internal Jugular Vein Decompression: Anatomy, Indications, and Surgical Procedure") ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1xFzBp0oHwA) [![](https://img.youtube.com/vi/7AZIRT2QA38/maxresdefault.jpg "Eagle Syndrome with Jugular Vein Compression. Diagnostic and Surgical Challenges") ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7AZIRT2QA38) [![](https://img.youtube.com/vi/i8Ow1xSjGKM/maxresdefault.jpg "CCTV Profile: Internal Jugular Vein Decompression in China | Prof. Zhiqiang Hu") ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i8Ow1xSjGKM) I will pray for your symptoms to settle down so you can finish your military service successfully. Is there a way you could get a prescription for a blood thinner or acetazolamide to help relieve your vascular symptoms? ---
**Author:** ![Leeseungmin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/eada6e/32.png) [@Leeseungmin](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/u/Leeseungmin)\ **Post date:** [October 30, 2026, 10:27am UTC](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/t/what-should-i-do-next/24719/17 "2026-10-30T10:27:07Z")
Thank you. I think I should try to schedule an appointment ahead of time. ---
**Author:** ![Leeseungmin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/eada6e/32.png) [@Leeseungmin](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/u/Leeseungmin)\ **Post date:** [October 30, 2026, 10:30am UTC](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/t/what-should-i-do-next/24719/18 "2026-10-30T10:30:10Z")
Unfortunately, I think he’s pretty set in his views, so I doubt he’d be open to what the papers have to say. ---
**Author:** ![Leeseungmin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/eada6e/32.png) [@Leeseungmin](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/u/Leeseungmin)\ **Post date:** [October 30, 2026, 10:33am UTC](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/t/what-should-i-do-next/24719/19 "2026-10-30T10:33:32Z")
Thank you. Do you think taking acetazolamide might help relieve my symptoms? At this point, I’m willing to try anything that might help. ---
**Author:** ![Jules](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex027/user_avatar/forum.livingwitheagle.org/jules/32/404_2.png) [@Jules](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/u/Jules)\ **Post date:** [October 30, 2026, 6:03pm UTC](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/t/what-should-i-do-next/24719/20 "2026-10-30T18:03:22Z")
Some members have found diamox to be helpful, I think the same drug… Other ones members have taken are Plavix, Brillinta, Eliquis, Xarelto. And some have tried different supplements, but best to check with your doctor, like Creatine, Trimetazidine & Citicoline…