PFO Closure Part 2 of 2

Hi everyone,

I wanted to come back and update everyone. I had my PFO closed 2 years ago on the 22nd. I am one of those that had several complications with and after the procedure. I am happy to say that my PAC's are totally gone. I am off of all medications except for 335mg aspirin a day which is a big relief. I bruise quite easily and I was a mess while on Coumadine and Plavix. The only issue I still have is that my device has never totally sealed itself and I still have some small shunting. The good news is that it is left to right which my Cardiologist assures me is the better way to have it. I have to go in for a TEE every year to keep an eye on the leak but other than that I have totally recovered and have no restrictions. I just wanted to let those that are worried about complications know that even if you have some it doesn't mean you can't live a normal life afterwards.

Edupler, had a second closure done on 4/12.  They said no driving for 48 hours, no lifting anything over 10 pounds for a week.  Take care, it is your heart and you don't want to pop open the groin where they go in.

Here's my story, I'd be interested in hearing from anyone who has had a second device put in.

2004-10/2005 - vertigo, right facial numbness, blurred vision, drop attacks. 

Stroke 10/2005. 

Closure done 12/2005. 

Vertigo started back in 2006 just around cycle. 

Episodes of vertigo, facial numbness returned. 

Blood clot in ankle 11/2009. 

Second closure done 4/2010 as large residual shunt still existed. 

It's only been three weeks since the second closure and the right side of my face is numb, blurred vision in that right eye and feeling like I'm going to pass out.  Can't help but worry.  Going to PCP tomorrow as cardiologist is out of town.  Follow up echo at 2 wks looked good.  Return for bubble study in June.

5/7 - went to PCP - returning Tuesday for a 48hr Holter Monitor.  Facial numbness and blurred vision still on right side.

5/13 - Holter was fine other than an occasional PAC (beat from the top of the heart) - Dr. said it was nothing to worry about; face still numb; vision still blurry on right side and still getting dizzy spells......guess it will take a while for the heart tissue to grow over, hopeful that will happen and perhaps stop any "dirty" blood from getting to my brain.

05/17 - lots of hard work this weekend, and heart seemed to be doing a lot of flipping all night and into the morning.  Still light headed, facial numbness and blurry on the right.  Go do cardio on Thursday.

Post Edited (lthree5) : 5/23/2010 6:45:29 AM (GMT-6)

Hello and welcome to HW. I am glad you found us and that you like the info you have read here .


Support groups are a place for people to give and receive both emotional and practical support as well as to exchange information. People with health conditions, as well as their friends and families find support groups to be a valuable resource and get confirmation that their feelings are "normal", educate others, or just let off steam. IMHO joining a support group is like joining a family that know where you have been and what your going through.

I hope you stick with us.

Kindly,

Kitt

I too do love the support here in all the forums of HW. Please do feel comfortable in looking at all the forums as many members belong to more then one forum.


One that the members from this forum sometimes visit is the Anxiety/Panic Forum.



Good to have new members always.



Gentle Hugs,



Kitt

Dwanamama,

I too have the gore-helex device and am 2 years post-op. I also have residual shunting but mine is from left to right. My doctor says that since it is left to right the risks are much less and that nothing more needs to be done but to stay on 325mg aspirin the rest of my life. If my shunting had been right to left then he would have had to put in a second device. I'm not familiar with a vascular plug but there are several people on this board that have had second devices implanted. I sincerely hope one of them stops by. I understand how upset you must be. I was p'd beyond belief that after all that I had gone through, my hole still wasn't closed!

Dwanamama,

Sorry, I know it's frustrating.....we all want to be in that 90% of the time that it works.  I had a second device put in on April 12th, four years after the first one.  I have my first follow up bubble study on June 22nd.  I had one scheduled for 2wks post op but I told them I didn't want to bear down, I wanted it to heal itself over first.  They laughed but let me do what I wanted.  I'll let you know on the 22nd how things look with my second one.  I had an Amplatzer device the first time and to be honest, not sure on this second one....what brand it is.  Will have to go look it up.   I feel okay, not miraculously healed or anything....see my earlier post from 5/4/2010 1:04 PM under lthree5 username.  But, I've also read from other members it can take up to about 6 mos before feeling back to "normal."

Will be undergoing my second procedure to close my defect next Monday.  Am feeling a little bit nervous but am greatful to know what to expect this time around.  Won't know until afterwards what they found/did.  Wish me luck.  Here's to hoping that the second time is the charm!

Just an update.  Had my second procedure this morning and am recovering well.  The doctor actually found 3 different tracks through my Gore Helix device that were the cause of my residual shunt.  He was able to use a vascular plug to close off where the leaks were located.  I feel pretty good this time around.  Will be sure to keep you posted.

 

I am now the proud owner of a STARFLEX device. They were able to close both holes with the one device! Had the procedure done on June the 8th. Besides being tired I am doing well!!

Hello to everyone on this thread... could any of you knowledgeable people tell me if you would have normal oxygen levels if you had a PFO?

I have some very weird migraine related symptoms and I am trying to work out if it's worth me trying to investigate further with a cardiologist.

I recently had a (unrelated) small procedure done and my oxygen was measured at that time (with the device they place on your finger) and recorded at around 97% which is perfectly normal - just wondering if a PFO affects this?

Many thanks!

CindyCB

Kitt, many thanks for the reply.

I appreciate PFOs are usually undetected until they cause a problem (like stroke etc) but have got to the point with my symptoms where I am exploring less likely causes (otherwise I'll have to admit I am a fruit-loop   ) as the migraines I have are having a huge impact on my daily life.

Kind regards,

CindyCB

My PFO will be closed on Jan 14, 2011.  I had a very unexpected and scary stroke on Nov 5, 2010 before midnight while I was driving my car.  I also had a TIA in Feb 2010 but unfortunatelly I did not pay enough serious attention to it.  Two days from now hopefully the strokes/TIAs will be only the history in my future life.  Good luck and strong health to all of you and God bless you!