Peluci
10-17-2004, 06:19 AM
Hello,
I received some very good information from stroke victims out there about how they went about closing thier PFOs. I fall into the group that has now had it closed surgically. I had a short incision sternotomy one week ago and I am feeling fine today. I will not be back to full physcial activity until 3 months from now, but the closure is permanent and I am off of coumadin with a completely negative bubble study and a perfect echocardiogram.
I was tempted to try mimimally invasive surgery using a robotic system to cut down on the incision but from what I could tell they don't have enough experience with this yet.
- Paul
I received some very good information from stroke victims out there about how they went about closing thier PFOs. I fall into the group that has now had it closed surgically. I had a short incision sternotomy one week ago and I am feeling fine today. I will not be back to full physcial activity until 3 months from now, but the closure is permanent and I am off of coumadin with a completely negative bubble study and a perfect echocardiogram.
I was tempted to try mimimally invasive surgery using a robotic system to cut down on the incision but from what I could tell they don't have enough experience with this yet.
- Paul
Sponsor
aussie-angel
10-25-2004, 08:31 AM
I had a mild stroke in April and a PFO was detected after a Transesophageal Echocardiogram. My Neurologist put me on Asasantin (a bloodthinner) and Zocor (for elevated cholesterol). He didn't think it was necessary for me to see a Cardiologist but after repeated nagging from family and friends, I saw a Cardiologist last week. I had a 24hr Holter monitor to check for Atrial Fibrillation which I have yet to get results from. He is awaiting the report from the TOE, I guess to see the size of the hole. My question is, how big does a PFO have to be before it is a) able to be fixed and b) liable to be the cause of the stroke? If it is repaired, does that mean a stop to the thinners? The Cardiologist is wanting to put me on Warfarin (lots of blood tests... no thanks!) but I don't want to be on medication for the rest of my life... I am only 39! Any info would be greatly appreciated. :)
Peluci
10-28-2004, 02:03 AM
I had many tests done during my one week stay at the hospital following my stroke. I saw 3 cardiologists and 3 cardiothoracic surgeons. After going over all of my tests one thing that all 6 of them were in agreement with was that they thought my stroke was due to the PFO. I went on coumandin to buy time while I investigated a few options for PFO closure: device closure, sternotomy, or minimally invasive surgery. The device closure was the easiest option to accept surgically but had a number of potential complications and not enough testing to make me comfortable. Minimally invasive surgery (robotic) seemed like the best fit until I investigated the potential risks during operation with cardiothoracic surgeons. The conclusion that I came to after all of my discussions was that sternotomy is currently the safest procedure and has been used for successful PFO closures the most. My surgeon was able to do a minimal incision with a full sternotomy. The operation went great, the PFO is closed permanently, and I am off of coumadin for good. The only drawback is the 5" scar that I have mid-line down my chest. In a few months I plan to see my dermatologist and see what he can do to make this disappear. He is great - I think he is going to work some magic. I am a man and the idea of a scar in this area is probably allot easier to accept than a woman. I spoke to a woman who had a minimally invasive thoracotomy that was done below her breast and she seemed very happy with this. This operation may have a bit of increased risk over sternotomy due to limited exposure however. I hope that my experience here helps you some.
- Paul
- Paul
aussie-angel
11-01-2004, 06:58 PM
Thanks Paul. Glad to know all went well with you and you are off your medications. If after I see the doctor again he suggests closing the hole, I might contact you again. You seem to have done plenty of homework, which is great! Cheers, Jayne.
aussie-angel
12-01-2004, 05:26 AM
Hey Paul, it was decided today between the Cardiologist and Neurologist, that I am to have the PFO closed. I am seeing the surgeon (who will do the procedure) next week but would like to pick your brains first on the options. The Cardiologist I see at the moment says I would have to be on the warfarin for about 6 months after surgery but I know you are off it. He also said I would need to stay on Asasantin (the thinner I'm on now) for the rest of my days. How old are you and what residual damage do you have from your stroke? If you can get back to me that would be great.
Cheers, Jayne
Cheers, Jayne
aussie-angel
12-26-2004, 04:46 AM
Paul, I am having the Amplatzer device implanted on Feb 21. My Cardiologist recommends this to be the most suitable alternative for me. I am continuing to have TIA's left, right and centre so hoping this will spell the end of those for me. Cheers, Jayne.
Peluci
12-29-2004, 10:31 PM
Hi Jayne,
It has been a while since I checked the board last. It looks like you went ahead and had the PFO closed - yes? Let me know how - did you have surgery or device closure? To answer your question, my stoke was to the occipital lobe of my brain. I have full recovery at this point. If you want to chat please send me a private e-mail with your contact info to
[ please carefully review the posting rules - no emails ] Best wishes.
- Paul
It has been a while since I checked the board last. It looks like you went ahead and had the PFO closed - yes? Let me know how - did you have surgery or device closure? To answer your question, my stoke was to the occipital lobe of my brain. I have full recovery at this point. If you want to chat please send me a private e-mail with your contact info to
[ please carefully review the posting rules - no emails ] Best wishes.
- Paul
aussie-angel
01-10-2005, 03:11 AM
Hey Paul,
I am having an Amplatzer device inserted via the groin in 6 weeks. It seems the least invasive method and as a single mum, I need a quick recovery time. Hope you are doing good and having no further problems.
Cheers, Jayne.
I am having an Amplatzer device inserted via the groin in 6 weeks. It seems the least invasive method and as a single mum, I need a quick recovery time. Hope you are doing good and having no further problems.
Cheers, Jayne.
marblesgb
01-23-2005, 12:42 AM
I'm new to the board and I'm trying to get some information.
I'm 36 and I had a stroke in August 2003. It was discovered that I had a DVT in my leg from knee surgery and it traveled through my PFO. I had my PFO closed three days latter with the AMplatzer PFO device.
It has been over 5 months and I'm still having residual symptoms such as dizziness and fade outs.
Does anyone think this will clear up?
I'm 36 and I had a stroke in August 2003. It was discovered that I had a DVT in my leg from knee surgery and it traveled through my PFO. I had my PFO closed three days latter with the AMplatzer PFO device.
It has been over 5 months and I'm still having residual symptoms such as dizziness and fade outs.
Does anyone think this will clear up?
aussie-angel
01-25-2005, 02:12 AM
Hello there. I am interested to hear how your PFO closure procedure went. Did you have a General Anaesthetic? I am to have this procedure done under Valium which sounds a bit scary. Did you have it done via the groin? I get bouts of lightheadedness many times a day and was hoping this would stop once I had the PFO closed. Did the procedure prevent you from doing anything for a period??
Lots of questions I know! Hope you are able to answer some for me. Thanks, Jayne.
Lots of questions I know! Hope you are able to answer some for me. Thanks, Jayne.
marblesgb
01-25-2005, 10:23 PM
I did have General Anasthetic for the procedure. I woke up a couple of hours after it was done. I've never heard of it being done with a local like Valium because the surgeon used a scope down my throat to ensure the proper placement of the device.
I did have it inserted through the groin via a catheder tube. I could not move for about two hours after it was done but I was able to go home from the hospital the next day.
I was told to avoid any lifting for the first month and no heavy excersise for three months. I wore a heart monitor for two weeks to make sure everything was working because I was getting lightheaded after the procedure. The doctors said it was the after effects from my stroke, not the PFO.
I did a stress test at the three month mark and everything is perfect. The only other requirement was to take one asprin every day for the first 6 months.
I hope that helped.
I did have it inserted through the groin via a catheder tube. I could not move for about two hours after it was done but I was able to go home from the hospital the next day.
I was told to avoid any lifting for the first month and no heavy excersise for three months. I wore a heart monitor for two weeks to make sure everything was working because I was getting lightheaded after the procedure. The doctors said it was the after effects from my stroke, not the PFO.
I did a stress test at the three month mark and everything is perfect. The only other requirement was to take one asprin every day for the first 6 months.
I hope that helped.
aussie-angel
01-26-2005, 04:22 AM
Thanks for your response. Yes, I am having the camera down the throat and it is being done only with Valium as sedation. I had the camera part done 9 months ago the same way, which was how the PFO was detected. I'm kinda glad I'm not having a General as I get so sick with nonstop vomiting... which would make it impossible to stay still for a coupla hours.
I was very interested to see your Dr attributes your lightheadedness to the stroke.... since mine, I have had spells like that many times a day. My Dr had no suggestion as to what was causing it.
Another quick question, how long was it before you were able to have sexual relations? My partner lives in the US and is coming here to Australia for my op. We only see one another once every few months so I was interested whether that was classed as heavy physical activity.
Did you have much bruising in the groin and lastly did you have any pain? I am such a wooz with a very low pain threshold!!
Thanks again for answering.
I was very interested to see your Dr attributes your lightheadedness to the stroke.... since mine, I have had spells like that many times a day. My Dr had no suggestion as to what was causing it.
Another quick question, how long was it before you were able to have sexual relations? My partner lives in the US and is coming here to Australia for my op. We only see one another once every few months so I was interested whether that was classed as heavy physical activity.
Did you have much bruising in the groin and lastly did you have any pain? I am such a wooz with a very low pain threshold!!
Thanks again for answering.
LISA26
02-02-2005, 04:10 PM
Hi... I am 26 yrs old...female.... I found out a few years ago that I have a PFO/Aneurysm. I have had several opinions and they all say "do nothing at this time". My recent visit to Cleveland Clinic was in Dec. 2004. The doctor there said that I could take baby aspirin if I wanted to...but other than that not to do anything right now. Because I am not having any trouble. My fear is this---- having a stroke at a young age.
Have all of you had strokes??? How old are you????
Did you know you had this problem before having a stroke??
I have done alot of research on this and it says that 25%-30% of the general population have a PFO.
Any info. would be appreicated.
Lisa
Have all of you had strokes??? How old are you????
Did you know you had this problem before having a stroke??
I have done alot of research on this and it says that 25%-30% of the general population have a PFO.
Any info. would be appreicated.
Lisa
marblesgb
02-02-2005, 10:05 PM
Aussie-angel
Sorry it took me so long to reply to your last post. I was having computer problems.
I too have been very frustrated by my Doctors inability to pinpoint my lightheadedness. They tell me that if it is not resolve by the 6 month mark, I'm probably going to have to live with it for the rest of my life.
As far as the sexual relationships, my doctors made me wait for 1 month until the area in the groin was healed completly. I did have some bruising, but not really that bad. As far as pain, I have a very high tollerance for pain so I would not be a good gauge on how much it hurt.
I hope that helps.
Lisa26
In response to your questions, Yes I did have a stroke and I was 36 at the time. I was unaware of my PFO problem until after the stroke. They say I'm one of the lucky ones because the doctors found it. I also have seen the research and I found the same.
Let me know if this helped.
Sorry it took me so long to reply to your last post. I was having computer problems.
I too have been very frustrated by my Doctors inability to pinpoint my lightheadedness. They tell me that if it is not resolve by the 6 month mark, I'm probably going to have to live with it for the rest of my life.
As far as the sexual relationships, my doctors made me wait for 1 month until the area in the groin was healed completly. I did have some bruising, but not really that bad. As far as pain, I have a very high tollerance for pain so I would not be a good gauge on how much it hurt.
I hope that helps.
Lisa26
In response to your questions, Yes I did have a stroke and I was 36 at the time. I was unaware of my PFO problem until after the stroke. They say I'm one of the lucky ones because the doctors found it. I also have seen the research and I found the same.
Let me know if this helped.
aussie-angel
02-03-2005, 09:07 PM
Lisa26
Like Marbles, I had a stroke at age 38 and had no idea that I had this heart abnormality.
Marbles, thanks for getting back to me. Are you still on thinners? Did your Dr tell you how much having the Amplatzer device reduces the risk of further CVA's? I usually only remember all these questions AFTER I leave the Dr!
Thanks! Hope all is well and your world not spinning too much.
Like Marbles, I had a stroke at age 38 and had no idea that I had this heart abnormality.
Marbles, thanks for getting back to me. Are you still on thinners? Did your Dr tell you how much having the Amplatzer device reduces the risk of further CVA's? I usually only remember all these questions AFTER I leave the Dr!
Thanks! Hope all is well and your world not spinning too much.
marblesgb
02-03-2005, 10:19 PM
Aussie-Angel
I was lucky enough to get off of the thinners after 5 months. I'm still taking one baby asprin per day which I can stop after 6 months.
My doctor said that since the hole between the chamber is closed, I should not be at anymore risk for a CVA.
I was lucky enough to get off of the thinners after 5 months. I'm still taking one baby asprin per day which I can stop after 6 months.
My doctor said that since the hole between the chamber is closed, I should not be at anymore risk for a CVA.
NSDTR
02-06-2005, 10:09 PM
Five years ago over a 20 month period I had three 20-second TIA's on these functions: speech, arm movement and vision. I was put on Plavix and was examined through esophageal ultrasound, two angiograms (cardio and cerebral), MRI and CAT Scan. Diagnosis was PFO/ASD, although I gather it's never ever 100% certain this was the TIA trigger. I was offered open heart surgery and would have taken the option but was introduced to a local cardiologist who had proven success with percutaneous closure using an Amplatzer (or facsimile) device. My first procedure was scheduled for Sept 14, 2001 and that fell apart after 9/11 - my surgeon was in NY at the time and I wasn't. In October 2001, I went in at 7 a.m. and was out at 6:00 p.m. and danced (slowly) at a wedding two days later (although I looked kind of sallow). Bubble tests looked good. I have always been active on a daily basis and still bike 2-3 hours at a time or swim 1200-1500 metres or walk 1-2hours. No TIA's since, touch wood. Doc says take an 81mg aspirin daily and come back for a second check up in five or six years, or if I need to. That's my story - hope it helps someone.
aussie-angel
02-08-2005, 05:00 AM
Wow!! Thanks! I am heading in for the procedure in 2 weeks and am a bit anxious.... fear of the unknown I guess. But hey.... dancing 2 days later? What an inspiration! My biggest fear is I will feel everything as I am only to have Valium and no general anaesthetic. How did you have it... GA or Valium? I am a definite wooz when it comes to pain so any info would be greatly appreciated.
Cheers!
Cheers!
NSDTR
02-08-2005, 11:35 PM
Hi
I had a kind of shallow sleep general anasthetic - was out of the procedure and back conscious after about 2 hours - I recall being told my PFO was largish - they said they used the larger amplatzer (about and inch and three quarters?) - if they're giving you a big sedative maybe they want you semi-conscious to participate in some way? I think I was told that the inside of the heart doesn't have pain nerves so you shouldn't feel any pain? (Check this out before you take my word for it) Best of luck - In my research stage pre-procedure I talked to one guy who had the open-heart thing. Said he got really depressed for a full week or so afterwards. I figure the percutaneous procedure is the best way to go - less wear and tear, no heart/lung machine, less post operative stroke risk, and an easier recovery.
Best of luck - I'll say a prayer (for what it's worth).
I had a kind of shallow sleep general anasthetic - was out of the procedure and back conscious after about 2 hours - I recall being told my PFO was largish - they said they used the larger amplatzer (about and inch and three quarters?) - if they're giving you a big sedative maybe they want you semi-conscious to participate in some way? I think I was told that the inside of the heart doesn't have pain nerves so you shouldn't feel any pain? (Check this out before you take my word for it) Best of luck - In my research stage pre-procedure I talked to one guy who had the open-heart thing. Said he got really depressed for a full week or so afterwards. I figure the percutaneous procedure is the best way to go - less wear and tear, no heart/lung machine, less post operative stroke risk, and an easier recovery.
Best of luck - I'll say a prayer (for what it's worth).
aussie-angel
02-25-2005, 09:48 PM
Thanks NSDTR. I am sure all will be fine just as it was for you. I am getting done on Tuesday so I hope to be out and about like yourself asap! I shall drop a line afterwards to let you know how it went.
Cheers, Jayne. :angel:
Cheers, Jayne. :angel:
jack hawkins
02-26-2005, 11:28 AM
you just have mild sedation not a general anaesthetic as such
aussie-angel
03-01-2005, 05:23 PM
Well at the 11th hour they decided NOT to put in the Amplatzer device. They repeated the Transesophageal Echo and decided that the risk outweighed the benefit and left things as they are. So now all I have is a very sore throat! I will stay on the thinners and they will continue to monitor me. Go figure!
marblesgb
03-02-2005, 11:47 AM
Why did they decide the risk was too much? Have your symptons gotten worse?
vickiodo
03-05-2005, 02:23 AM
:wave: My name is vicki.. Im having transperc closure done for a +1 pfo. I have had 2 dvts in 6 mnths with no know etiology, so closure of the pfo will greatly reduce my risks for stroke in the future. I have read all the posts here and feel very reassured that i will have an uneventful procedure. i was wondering how long most of you were out of work. i am a nurse so i do a bit of heavy lifting. Thanks again for all your posts. I feel so much better just reading your sucesses!
mcrosier
03-29-2005, 08:03 PM
Just wanted to chime-in...... I'm a healthy 35 y/o male, and I suffered a minor stroke in November with no lasting defecits. By January we had determined that I have a PFO. We have spoken to two cardiologists, and am now leaning towards the amplatzer device closure. I feel like I owe it to my wife and kids to try and prevent another stroke from happening, and if this is a relatively simple procedure, then ........ ??
I know I feel better after reading your stories, and I hope mine does the same.
-MC
I know I feel better after reading your stories, and I hope mine does the same.
-MC
MKChick
04-03-2005, 01:37 AM
Hi There!
I'm a 34 year old female, and I discovered I had a PFO after a TIA I experienced in January. They did a TEE, and found the PFO and a floppy inter-atrial septal aneurysm >1 cm. After meeting with my cardiologist, he recommended that I have the hole closed with the Amplatzer device. He said it would (hopefully) prevent any future embolic events and fix my ASA. I had the surgery this past Tuesday, and I'm feeling pretty good under the circumstances. I'm moving a little slowly, and I can't lift anything over 5 lbs, but I'm feeling better every day. The TIA was VERY scary, and I didn't want to take a chance on a more serious stroke. My MRI DID show that I had 2 infarcts at the base of my brain, which indicate past stroke-like activity, so I felt my body was giving me a warning.
I welcome any questions about the procedure. I would love to help anyone feel better about going through this, and I pray that I'm 'fixed'!! Take care!
I'm a 34 year old female, and I discovered I had a PFO after a TIA I experienced in January. They did a TEE, and found the PFO and a floppy inter-atrial septal aneurysm >1 cm. After meeting with my cardiologist, he recommended that I have the hole closed with the Amplatzer device. He said it would (hopefully) prevent any future embolic events and fix my ASA. I had the surgery this past Tuesday, and I'm feeling pretty good under the circumstances. I'm moving a little slowly, and I can't lift anything over 5 lbs, but I'm feeling better every day. The TIA was VERY scary, and I didn't want to take a chance on a more serious stroke. My MRI DID show that I had 2 infarcts at the base of my brain, which indicate past stroke-like activity, so I felt my body was giving me a warning.
I welcome any questions about the procedure. I would love to help anyone feel better about going through this, and I pray that I'm 'fixed'!! Take care!
cindy23
04-03-2005, 09:14 AM
they closed my pfo by a cardio seal which is very easy done through the groin. you have to lay on your back for a couple of hours after the surgery and stay overnight in the hospital with no scars. ask if this procedure is available where you are it was wonderful and i am off coumadin came off of it right after surgery, i do take an aspirin evrey day but that is better than all of those blood test
rbdrumbeat
09-12-2005, 02:15 AM
Jayne -
I read a number of your posts, and I imagine you had your surgery for the PFO. We just learned about this over the past 2 days when my 36 year old wife had stroke symptoms, and the ecco and bubble test revealed the hole. How did everything go for you?
Randy
I read a number of your posts, and I imagine you had your surgery for the PFO. We just learned about this over the past 2 days when my 36 year old wife had stroke symptoms, and the ecco and bubble test revealed the hole. How did everything go for you?
Randy
aussie-angel
09-25-2005, 06:50 AM
Hi there Randy. Can you believe it... they decided not to go ahead with the closure. I had another "episode" as I like to call it where I lost my ability to talk and use the right side of my body in April. I ended up in ICU for 24 hours after being given TPA. The so-called specialists are in disagreement with my diagnosis... some say stroke and some are now saying hemiplegic migraine. I give up and just take the thinners, the aspirin and the cholesterol medication and cross my fingers. So I'm sorry to say I'm not much help. I hope your wife is doing ok and if I can help you out at all let me know.
Cheers, Jayne :angel:
Cheers, Jayne :angel: