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pfo closure

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Posted 10/2/2010 1:50 AM (GMT 0)
Hi,

I am having a pfo closure procedure on tuesday. I am super scared I am a big chicken and I am 32 lol. I wanted to know if anyone exprienced pain while they were having the procedure done. I am so scared and want to cancel the surgery the doctor told me I was going to get local anesthsia. Is there any stiches involved after the procedure as well? Thanks, Sammy rolleyes

Posted 10/2/2010 10:03 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Sammy,

Big Breath and relax.  The cardiac catheterization procedure for a PFO closure typically takes 2 to 4 hours to complete. A local anesthetic is used to numb the groin area where the catheter was inserted. Use of general anesthesia or sedation by IV is situation dependent -- depending on doctor preference and particular patient needs.  I am a "give me all the meds I am entitled to" and this works well.

Within 24 hours after the procedure, a chest x-ray, electrocardiogram, and echocardiogram are conducted to make sure that the device is positioned correctly. Bed rest in the hospital for 6 hours after device placement is required. The patient may go home the evening of the procedure or possibly the following morning. The patient may experience minor pain at the catheter incision site and a slight sore throat for a few days if an ultrasound probe was used to check device placement. The patient will be instructed not to lift anything greater than 10 pounds for 1 week after the procedure. Your doctor will discuss when you can return to regular activity (usually within a week).

Your doctor will prescribe medications that will need to be taken at home. Remember, each Dr. is different so this is just general info FYI.  I am not a Dr.

Kindly,

Kitt

Posted 10/3/2010 3:56 AM (GMT 0)
Thank you so much will see how it goes.
Posted 11/6/2010 5:27 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Sammy, how did it go? I am waiting for an appointment for a pfo closure. My pfo was found during tests to find the cause of my TIAs in july.(I am 46) and like you, I am a 'bit' nervous! I certainly don't want to be awake when they do it, although I worried about that with the TOE but can't remember a thing thanks to the sedative.
Where are you? I am in the UK.
Posted 11/20/2010 8:54 PM (GMT 0)
I am new to this (or any) forum.  I am 43 and I have been having cardiac symptoms - shooting pain down my left arm, neck, jaw, and heart palpitations.  I was diagnosed with a PFO and slight mitral valve prolapse.  Took a stress test - the results were good.  The doctor wants me to begin asprin therapy and come back in 6 months.  But meanwhile I continue to have these scarey symptoms and am so very tired.  Should I seek another opinion or is this common for a doctor not to want to close the hole?
Posted 11/22/2010 4:25 PM (GMT 0)
LKerr

Hello and welcome to HealingWell.  I would encourage you to seek a second opinion as you must advocate for yourself.


Closure of a patent foramen ovale to prevent stroke or to treat migraines is controversial right now and is being studied in clinical trials. Closure of the patent foramen ovale is sometimes recommended for individuals with recurrent strokes when no other cause has been found.

I wish you the best,

Kitt

 

Posted 12/17/2010 5:07 PM (GMT 0)
Sammy - i so wish i'd seen this site earlier as I too had a PFO closure on Tuesday at St Georges in London!!! Hope it went well for you...xx

Stillsmiling - I wanted to reassure you for your impending op! To be honest, i found the TOE worse as altho sedated, i remember everything! With the PFO closure, i was also sedated but very aware what was going on and was in no pain whatsoever, as i said, the TOE was worse for me. The only odd thing (which is entirely normal) is that you can feel the tubes inside but again, all normal.. i watched the whole thing on the monitor and it was over and done with in 20 minutes!!!!! Amazing what they do these days! Afterwards you have to remain laying down for four hours, then i was sat up for 45 mins, then sat on end of bed for 10 mins and then had to walk 30 lengths of the ward - this is more for the wound on the groin! considering it was heart surgery i felt absolutely fine about the whole experience. Please do not worry ...the worst bit (along with toe) was the fact that i was desperate for the toilet and obv ur unable to move so had to attempt it in a bedpan...a new experience for me to say the least! I had the closure done because i had a stroke 18 months ago when i was 36 and am pleased to say that now the hole has been closed, i no longer wake every day thinking will it happen again!!! :) Wishing you all the best with ur op SS and it will all be fine, i promise! Just dont worry because that just uses unnecessary energy!! ;) xxxx
Posted 1/17/2011 6:14 PM (GMT 0)
This is all too weird! I had a PFO closure done on Tuesday 11th at St Thomas, London!! Reassuring to hear people are having them and are living to tell the tale!!

By back ground, I'm 30year old male who suffered a full on "cryptic" stroke in November. Pushed a few buttons and called a friend who is a cardiologist and a chap called Dr Qureshi did the op (he's head of pediatric cardiology at Guy&St Thomas so if he does this on children, I had full confidence in him).

I'm having a few "normal" side effects post op; chest pains (that comeand go), tightness of my chest when walking and my leg is a bit tender. It's only been 5days though so I'm hoping it will all go away in time.

I'm on clopidigrel and aspirin (75mg each) daily for next six months

If you need this op, dont worry about it. I know the stats are close (ie closure vs meds) but the hole shouldn't be there in the first place and if you have found out you have one, then chances are that it has caused some health problem.

If you have any questions, give me a shout. I wish I had had someone to talk to but I've only just found this site! D'oh!

Stay safe and viva le pfo parachute!
Posted 2/28/2011 7:49 PM (GMT 0)
Hi, guys,

I am also in the PFO world.  I had a TIA a while  back.  An 18mm PFO was discovered last July.  I have been on meds to help with other symptoms, migraine, unexplained dizzy spells, and numbness.  I had another TIA a week & a half ago.  They are now going in to close the hole.  The procedure is either the 11th or 14th of March.  How are all of your recoveries going?

I am still not sure what to expect, but this is seeming bittersweet to me.  So, Sammy, Mum, Chocolate Monkey....how are you feeling now?  What were your first few weeks like?  Thank you for your information, I am a bit nervous, but I know it will be fine.

 

Posted 3/1/2011 3:24 PM (GMT 0)
Chocolatemonkey and Lookinup,  Welcome to the World of HealingWell.

Thank you for your words of support and wisdom.  I had a TIA back in July but no PFO - cause unknown and I had every test out there so I just don't worry about it anymore.

However reading your stories and the info you have shared,  this is the first place I would come for info.

Again a warm welcome,

Kitt


 
Posted 3/3/2011 2:13 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Everyone!

I've enjoyed reading your posts. (Safety in numbers!)
I go in next Friday to be patched up!

Have any of you had the "swallowed a chicken-bone" type pain that is described in the other forum and if so, how long did it last?
Posted 3/10/2011 11:24 PM (GMT 0)
Hi! I am going to see the cardologist to set up an appt. to have my PFO closed. Have had mini strokes in the past-found them when I had an mri of brain. Seeing dr's for past 2-3 years-they thought it was MS. Had heart cath and after reviewing it for a second time-they decided it was a PFO. I also have mild pulmonary hypertension. Hope closing pfo will help. Any one have problems after having it closed? I am getting nervous. Thanks. oceanview.
Posted 3/15/2011 3:21 AM (GMT 0)
Hi. i am 20years old and recently had a stroke which they think was caused by my PFO that i didnt know i had till now.
I have been recommended to get it closed but then some doctors have told me there is no proof of it working.
I am a little scared but deffinatly dont want to have another stroke anytime soon as they told me if it happens again it wont be good.
Im just curious for some advice.
Has anyone had problems after having it closed.
Thankyou so much

shelly 123
Posted 3/15/2011 2:29 PM (GMT 0)
shelly 123

Hello and welcome to HealingWell.  I would certainly see another cardiologist for a second opinion re the PFO. 

Here are links to past posts re this very topic that you may find helpful:

https://www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=42&m=1547293

https://www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=42&m=1732903

Kindly,

Kitt

Posted 3/16/2011 10:27 PM (GMT 0)
Hello, I had my PFO closed on 02/1/11. I felt really good for about two weeks after the procedure and then I started having PACs. I ended up back in the hospital because of them and they gave me a 30 day holter monitor. I was just wondering if anyone else had PACs after their surgery and when they finally stopped...these things make me feel miserable.

Thanks
Posted 3/27/2011 1:29 PM (GMT 0)
Hello All,

I am new to this forum, but was hoping to get some views (and support!).

I'm 37 years old now, live in the UK and approaching 2 years ago had a TIA out of the blue. The cause has ben identified using bubble studies as a "large hole". I've been training and teaching Martial Arts and Chinese Health Arts/Medicine for most of my life so considered myself in great health.

This kind of went away as I've had no more problems since, until last Thursday which is the long awaited consultation with the specialist. Doctors are exacly on my "Trust implicitly" list, as I've given tuition to a fair few in the past and found knowledge gaps (no offence intended to anyone by the way). So my wife and I went along to the consultation thinking we'll listen to what he has to say, and then say no thanks (expected recommendation of PFO closure). Well our expectations were fully met, but Consultatants who know their subject have a way of presenting really strong arguments in favour of their work.

I have to say that my teacher of Chinese Medicine (who has been recognised as a world authority) seems to think it's a good idea too, so that's a very persuasive argument to get it done. Can't say I'm overly thrilled with the prospect, but I'm thinking of my wife and children.

I'm going to put myself on the waiting list (18 weeks) whilst I mull it over some more. I see it as a risk, but there's the risk of further TIAs or worse if I don't.

Any thoughts gratefully received.

Thanks in advance..... confused
Posted 3/27/2011 3:07 PM (GMT 0)
Hi all, I'm a 43 year old male, swim and run and had a TIA-style episode 18 months ago. I've really enjoyed this forum but was quite alarmed by the side effects that I read about. I had a 5mm PFO closure (with a 25mm amplazer ocluder) with next to no analgesia. Very interested to watch the ocluder appear on the echo monitor. I felt a little weak for a couple of days afterwards, but have generally had no ill feelings after this procedure. I had discomfort in my chest just reading this forum before the procedure but nothing afterwards. The power of the mind perhaps?

So those of you about to submit to the knife and wire, relax, its a breeze. I had a couple of weeks off work, during which I managed to do some gardening, shopping and reading.

Cheers,

Mal
Posted 3/27/2011 9:22 PM (GMT 0)
Welcome holehearted and Not-so-Mellow,

What great sharing.  :-)   I have read lots of stories re PFO.  I had a small episode (TIA)  last summer and went through a baterry of tests inculding TEE -  NO hole but sent home on 1 Baby ASA per day. On March I had sx of stroke and went to the clinic - Dr. did the exam and said "You have had a stroke"  Immediate CT scan.  Saw a neurologist up town who blew me off.  Over a 7 day period the sx have disapated - Local Dr. still feels it was a small to moderator stroke.

I guess my point is,  do advocate for yourself and if you and your wife feel this is the way to go holehearted - then learn as much as you can re the procedure and go for it.

Again welcome to both of you.

Kindly,

Kitt 

Posted 4/8/2011 9:30 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks Stkitt. My local cardiologist was in 2 minds whether to recommend closure. But his specialist buddy at St Georges was in no doubt. His point was that while 20% of the population had a PFO or similar defect, fully 50% of people who have suffered cryptogenic stroke (i.e. stroke with no identified cause) had this type of defect. So it was probably worth going for it. This was especially the case if you're a diver, pilot or astronaut because of the pressure changes that you can encounter at work.

Keep smiling, it makes people wonder what you've been doing.

Mal
Posted 4/8/2011 8:59 PM (GMT 0)
And thanks again.

I've been turning it over in my mind, and can't help noticing how I get tired pretty easily these days and do seem to get headaches. Certainly doesn't seem normal to come home pretty much every day, and want to sleep on the sofa regardless of how long or short the day - plus on Saturdays (no work) I seem to spend all day yawning, which also doesn't seem right to me.

Since posting I've been doing more research, and it turns out that my work gives me free healthcare (it took a colleague to remind me!). So I've contacted the same consultant and he can accelerate me up the list thanks to my healthcare - I'm now looking at mid-late May '11 to get closure done; just waiting for a final date.

Seems to me this is what needs to be done so I'd rather just get on and have it done. Of course I'm saying that now, but when we get to May.....
Posted 5/22/2011 3:42 PM (GMT 0)
Hello All: I have been reading a lot about the PFO closure since I am having my procedure done this Tuesday (5/24/11).     The PFO (approximately 22 cm) was just recently discovered last December and with a recent stroke we decided this needs to be fixed. With all I have survived I don't want to risk another stroke that could put me out of commission.     I am 58 years old and have had all the typical symptoms - Migraine headaches with aura since I was about 14, headaches in general, recent stroke March 2011, history of prior TIAs and found an undiagnosed stroke via MRI last year, recent worsening shortness of breath, extreme tiredness, numbness, tingling, visual disturbances, etc, but have one major difference than most people I have read about on here as I have also had triple bypass (in 2004) - surprisingly the PFO wasn't found at that time (???). So to have something else with my heart has been a bit unnerving and the idea of having a foreign object placed inside my heart is just a little perplexing.        I appreciate all the information everyone has posted - none of which my doctors have shared with me - especially knowing about the chest pain that seems to follow this procedure is especially helpful (since I have had heart problems) - the feeling of having a 'chicken bone' stuck in my chest (as many have described it) might be good information to know.   My main question is - anyone else out that who has had bypass or other heart surgery and were there any additional complications because of the prior surgery?   Any information is greatly appreciated. I will update my experience with this procedure as it develops to help anyone else.     Thank you so very much. Jan   Post Edited (Captain's Heart) : 5/22/2011 9:45:23 AM (GMT-6)
Posted 6/2/2011 8:07 PM (GMT 0)
Hi guys. I too have a PFO along with an atrial septal aneurysm. I am 57 and had a crypto stroke last August whilst on holiday in Corfu! I just had a TOE which has confirmed the hole is quite big but the ASA seems to be the real worry. But of course the docs can't tell you what they think you should do. All your posts have been so helpful as most of you seem to have had no problems. At first I just thought I would stay on the meds but now I had a call from my cardiologist who seems to think it is more of a worry than they first thought. I am terrified of having the op as I hate the idea of something metal in my heart. And also isn't there a risk of having a stroke whilst the procedure is carried out? Please please put my mind at rest! Thanks and good wishes to you all. confused
Posted 6/3/2011 3:36 AM (GMT 0)
Just a quick update to everyone:   I had the procedure to close the PFO last week and today I really feel great.   All in all the procedure was very simple and relatively uneventful. In fact, I was awake for most of it and was able to watch as the closure was performed.   For the first couple of days I had a fairly severe headache and I have had some pressure in my chest since the addition of the device but everything else is wonderful. The shortness of breath, extreme tiredness, numbness, tingling, visual disturbances and yes, even the headaches have been greatly reduced - not gone yet but definitely lessened.   I wish I had done it a lot sooner and if I had to make the choice again - I would without any hesitation.   As time goes on I will post additional updates as to my experience and progress.   Good luck to all and I wish the best for all of you.   Jan
Posted 6/4/2011 7:30 AM (GMT 0)
Well done. I am so glad it has gone well for you. I am still waiting to see the cardiologist and have been dithering about whether or not to have the op. Your post has encouraged me to go for it. Thank you and good luck with it all!
Posted 6/4/2011 4:58 PM (GMT 0)
Jan keep on posting those updates as they are extremely helpful for all of our members. 

Be Well and know we care.

Kindly,

Kitt

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