Hello everyone,
Just found this website today and find it very interesting.....I had what I thought was a stroke on January 9, 2009....my entire left side went numb. I thought that I was seeing the pearly gates of heaven. My husband called 911 and they whisked me away to the local hospital....within an hour or so, I had regained most of the feeling on my left side. I still felt a bit disoriented and weak. I went through a battery of tests and was admitted to the hospital and ended up staying for four days. The consensus was that I had a TIA or mini-stroke. Long story, short and three neurgologists later....I actually had a full blown stroke. I also learned that I had an inherited blood clotting disorder known as Factor V Leiden (which makes me 20 times more prone to forming blood clots as a normal person) as well as a significant size PFO. If my previous neurologist had not moved out of state and recommended this new one, I would not be feeling so lucky! I am having my PFO repaired this coming Monday, 10/25/2010. I have been reading some of the comments that others have posted and yes I am a bit scared but considering my stroke history, the blood clotting disorder, my migraine history (terrible)...I feel like this procedure is a must. Fortunately I am going to have it done at Beaumont Hospital in Detroit, MI and according to the physician's website....he is rated one of America's top doctors so I feel confident that I will be in good hands even though I am still nervous. Any and all thoughts and suggestions are appreciated. He promised "that it won't hurt!!" I am told that it is an overnight stay in the hospital and should be able to return to work within a week or so. I have an office job. Thanks. Have a great day!!