Pfo closure as an adult

[kentishbunny1]

hello I have a complex heart history and so when a hole pfo was found it was decided it needed to be closed. I had it closed 4 weeks ago and felt pretty dreadful eversince. Any other adults on here had the closure and I’d be interested to know how you felt post op

[10gingercats]

I had this done about 10 years ago in my early 70's.I had had a small embolism and a small TIA and it was closed pretty sharpish at The John Radcliffe Hospital Oxford, my local hospital.No problems whatsoever. Bounced out of bed the next morning full of energy.These procedures mostly go well but I imagine there can be blips. Was yours an open heart surgery?Mine was a procedure through the groin so I was only in hospital for 1 day.I would go back to the hospital and not leave it .You need to find out why your recovery is not as swift as you expected.

[kentishbunny1 in reply to 10gingercats]

hello, thks for reply. I had mine done through the groin with a catheter At St Thomas in London and came home the same day. After the usual anesthetic cloudiness I thought I was feeling better but the last couple of weeks I have had no energy or stamina whatsoever which is not what they said it would be like I’ve had loads of tests and they can’t find out why. I’m becoming very frustrated now as I can’t get back to normal activity.

[10gingercats in reply to kentishbunny1]

You mention anaesthetic. I only had sedation. Did you have a General?If so it may account for you feeling rough now. Surprisingly, the effects can last quite a while.

[kentishbunny1 in reply to 10gingercats]

yes I had a general and I know what you mean post anaesthetic but I am 4 weeks post op now. I need to get more checks I think. I just asked on here in case anybody else was experiencing exactly the same as me.

[10gingercats in reply to kentishbunny1]

Yes.I would definitely get checked out again. You need an explanation.

[kentishbunny1 in reply to 10gingercats]

yes I def do, thank you, stay well !

[Silvertail in reply to 10gingercats]

Did they connect your TIAs with your PFO? I am aware a PFO is associated with cryptogenic stroke. I have been told it is a possibility I have had several TIAs, -because of certain symptoms - but I did not seek medical help at the time, but mentioned it to my GP later. Thankfully, since I've been on all my heart meds, I have not had these episodes, nor do I get ocular migraines. I hope it continues this way. (Incidentally, mine wasn't found until a routine echo in my 70s.)

[10gingercats in reply to Silvertail]

The TIA(just one of them) came out of the blue.Went to hospital where they prescribed Warfarin and sent me off to a cardio. within a couple of weeks. He did an echo and found the Hole in my heart and suggested the TIA had perhaps been caused by the hole in my heart or an underlying embolism,or Afib(it was just beginning) or the TIA. or a combination of all of them. Since the cardio was also a surgeon who specialised in closing ASDs I agreed to the closure if he would do it. He did it a few weeks later.AsI understand it the hole was closed without a metal 'gadget' but I accepted the surgeons judgment in this as he had performed hundreds of these ops with few or any failures .

[Silvertail in reply to 10gingercats]

I’m happy to hear you have had a successful closure, and hope you have no more troubles. We do have a cardiologist on the Gold Coast who specialises in repairs and of course other cardiologists will do it but as my PFO is ignored by ‘all and sundry’ I decided to leave well alone. I don’t appear to have any symptoms from mine so far so hope it continues that way.

[Silvertail]

I have a PFO and an atrial septal aneurysm, but my cardiologist said he wouldn't close it unless I wanted to scuba dive. He actually said he wouldn't have a piece of metal put in his heart and he wouldn't put one in mine. They don't do the Noble Stitch in Australia because the TGA hasn't approved it.

[kentishbunny1 in reply to Silvertail]

thanks for your reply but the ship has already sailed when it comes to metal in my heart as I have had to have various surgery. I am in England and so am guided by our medical authority. Having complex cardiac issues means that I have taken advice from various cardiologists and I am happy that I have been guided in the most appropriate way. I am currently seeking any advice from anyone who has actually had a PFO closure and how long their recovery was.

[Silvertail]

And so you should follow your medical authority in England!!! I also have complex cardiac issues. I was not 'advising' you. I was merely stating my experience, with tongue firmly in my cheek, with the scuba diving incident, which at my age is hardly likely. I've even given up snorkelling! With replies like yours, it's no wonder people stop posting here.

As an aside, I am very interested in the Noble Stitch method which is used in America and wonder if it is used in England.

[kentishbunny1 in reply to Silvertail]

oh dear, You missed my point. I asked for advice having had a PFO closure and you stated that your cardiologist would never put metal in a heart. There is no point saying this when I’d already stated that I’ve had the closure and if I had been panicking, your comments would not have given me any comfort so on the contrary, it’s not my reply, but your reply that was the concern.

[Silvertail]

I did read and understand that you had had your PFO repaired. You missed my point that I was just stating my experience. Let's just forget it. I'm not in the mood for pedantic arguments.