About to have a PFO Closure

Hello:
Thank You to all of you who have posted your information. I can't thank you enough. I am 67 years old, have adult asthma, have Factor V, & Migraines since I was 12. Have always thought that my migraines were hereditary since my father, grandfather, daughter, and grandchildren have migraines.
My migraines have gone from 25 a month to 6-8 a month - they say menopause is the cause of that. I have not had any TIA'S or strokes, that I know of.
I am in the Pacific Northwest and have two Seattle cardiologist; After doing the "Bubble Test" it was discovered that the flap had not sealed. I was so happy to hear there was a procedure that was simple and would cure the problem, HOWEVER, I really have to re-think this procedure. I am so thankful for all your input as I would have blithely gone on and had the surgery. Even though I don't want my chest opened up, I think I would rather have it sewn shut and heal from the inside out and know that in the future I did not have the surgery to remove the implant. You are all so wonderful to open your souls up to complete strangers and I wish each and everyone of you happiness and good health. Keep the info coming.

moosie said...
I am in the Pacific Northwest and have two Seattle cardiologist; After doing the "Bubble Test" it was discovered that the flap had not sealed. I was so happy to hear there was a procedure that was simple and would cure the problem, HOWEVER, I really have to re-think this procedure. I am so thankful for all your input as I would have blithely gone on and had the surgery.

I can see your point but I'm guessing those fine doctors at Harborview or wherever you are up there will do the procedure correctly. In hindsight, I'm glad I went this way first as it took FAR less time to recover than being split open. The worst that can happen is if you do have to get split from the PFO closure not working (mine's fine 15 months later), then they would have had to open you up anyway, right? My cardi told me that he believes the reason I healed beyond the hospital's benchmark is because I exercise so rigorously and it really set in there. My surgery was the second week of December and I was back on a treadmill by the second week of January and back up to my seven mile daily (322 flights of steps in 45 minutes) by July. Try the new way and know the old way is there if it doesn't work. Because you choose the old way first doesn't mean something can't go wrong, they still have to insert it in your heart. It's the healing that will make or break you; diet and exercise.