Jeff, Well I would think of it as a good thing that I now know what's causing these "episodes" but my cardiologist told me that it has nothing to do with my PFO. I'm going to see the neurologist on August 9th. I don't care for the hospital I go to, but I don't have much choice considering I don't have medical insurance. They also told me closure wasn't an option. She said they won't do anything about it until I have a stroke!! She didn't say the size of the PFO, nor did she even tell me what PFO stood for. Everything I have learned about I learned online. Pretty sad if you ask me, which is why I'm gonna do some looking into getting a second opinion. My regular dr doesn't know anything about a PFO, so she's gonna do some research.
I'm not sure if going to the neurologist is standard testing after being diagnosed with a PFO. The cardiologist didn't say anything to me about it, it's my dr who's sendong me there, because apparently the episodes and PFO have no connection. I have already been to the endocrinologist, he said my thyroid is large and my levels are on the low side, but nothing I need medication for.
As for the asprin, I'm alergic, so I have read up on some other ways to keep my blood thin, I found that purple grape juice is just as good, and red wines...veggies...there were quite a few different things, I'll try to find the page for you.
I also am on medication for other things, which I now have stopped taking, because they could cause blood clots. I'm not taking this PFO lightly, although they say it's not a big deal until you have a stroke. Well I would like to prevent a stroke, so I'm reading everything I can get my hands on. Good luck to you Jeff, feel free to email me, seems like we're in the same boat. Bekah [email protected]