PFO Closure

[Peony14]

Good evening. My question may sound very silly and apologies if it does. I am due to be having a PFO closure procedure. This PFO has been discovered recently following cardiology related symptoms but was not discovered 12 years nor 7 years ago when I had TIA’s.

My thoughts (as I said probably silly) are whether you feel differently after the implant. Presumably I have had this ‘hole’ (flap opening) all of my life and my heart has worked with it, albeit precariously. If we view the heart as being the root of our emotions is it not possible that you could feel emotionally different? I am interested to know how people feel after procedures to their hearts, in all honesty I’m a little scared about feeling ‘altered’ but equally really really keen to be fixed. If that makes any sense.

Thank you for giving this air time when it is quite possible a ludicrous question but there may be someone who has gone through a procedure and perhaps had a similar thought. If so I would be very grateful to hear from you.

[Jalia]

Hello Peony14

I had a closure of hole in my heart just over 2 weeks ago. Mine was not PFO but LAAO……left atrial appendage occlusion. I have to say I did secretly wonder if I would feel differently! Pleased to report to you that I felt no different emotionally.

I hope that helps a bit.

Best wishes

J

[Peony14 in reply to Jalia]

Hi Jalia, Thank you for replying and sending you the very best wishes for your recovery. I really appreciate your reply, I know it sounded silly given all the other possible concerns there could be but it’s one thing no one mentions and I’m really grateful for your kindness and reassurance. I hope everything goes well for you and thank you ☺️

[SlothOnSpeed]

Hi Peony14, I had a closure 10 years ago. It definitely helps your heart function better and I had no ill effects. I think your heart will thank you. Good luck.

[Peony14 in reply to SlothOnSpeed]

Hi Slothonspeed, Thank you so much for your reply and ten years ago with no ill effects is super good news. Your message is motivating and appreciated thank you and wishing you all the very best wishes.

[10gingercats]

I had this done at c72 years. It had given me an embolism so was closed quite quickly as a TIA followed and the docs. thought best to close it. I felt really well after it. I had had a baby and travelled the world with the hole but docs. thought my luck might run out so closed it via a catheter in my groin.I was in hospital at 7am and out at 9pm.

[Peony14 in reply to 10gingercats]

Hi 10gingercats, thank you for your message. Mine will be the same procedure I believe although I might be in over night, probably better than a long train journey home ☺️ I hope that you are feeling much better now with the implant (do they call it that or umbrella, I always unsure) and that you continue to do so. Best wishes

[Jalia in reply to Peony14]

Peony...yes its an' umbrella '!

[Silvertail]

My PFO wasn't discovered until during a routine echo in my 70s. One cardiologist refused to close it, and others don't mention it. It is noted on my echo reports, that is all.

[10gingercats in reply to Silvertail]

I hope they are not waiting for something else to happen before they close it.

[Silvertail in reply to 10gingercats]

My previous cardio said he wouldn't put metal in his heart and wouldn't in mine unless I wanted to scuba dive. Also, that it is usually gives no trouble and is never discovered until autopsy!! No other doctor has mentioned it to me so I haven't pressed the issue as I have not had any symptoms of stroke. I know they don't like using anaesthetic on me because of my age and other issues, however it might be time for me to ask questions again.

[10gingercats in reply to Silvertail]

I had sedation for mine with a top up of morphine a couple of times. Didnt feel anything. and did not fall asleep.I was talking to nurse and docs.I had a non metallic plastic umbrella or so they said .I was shown an example at consultation. It looked 'plastically'But you must be guided by your docs and make sure any procedure is right for you at the time.

[Silvertail in reply to 10gingercats]

Yes, the pros and cons have to be weighed up! They probably decided that I got to my 70s + without a problem, therefore...............

The devices they use here - Amplatzer - have a wire frame of nitinol (nickel and titanium) with a polyester fabric covering. I just checked Qld Cardiovascular Group's site and they state "for the vast majority of people with a PFO, it is not a problem. However problems can arise when that blood contains a blood clot. In some cases, the PFO combines with another condition, such as atrial fibrillation (AFib), to increase the patient’s risk of stroke. In these cases, a PFO Closure procedure is recommended."

Interesting to note they have a remote monitoring service to check for arrythmias etc.

I will mention it to my doctor again because I used to get migraines with aura - mainly aura. Thankfully, my medication seems to keep them away these days.

[Col650]

Hi, the heart is a pump, actually two pumps..the heart has nothing to do with emotions. Hope all goes well.

[Friendliarthur in reply to Col650]

Col650 is correct. Emotions originate and are “managed” in the brain, not by the heart pumps. Cheers.

[Peony14 in reply to Friendliarthur]

Hi. Thank you so much for your messages. A new book is soon to be released by a Kimberly Snyder whereby she has ‘allegedly’ researched the power of the heart over the brain. I heard the podcast and given that surgery is imminent it sent me thinking. I think that these periods of uncertainty can fuel thoughts whereas usually I’m very pragmatic and have clarity of thought. Thank you for your clear head. Much needed and appreciated. With very best wishes to you and Col650.

[Friendliarthur in reply to Peony14]

That’s a lovely reply. Thank you. Best wishes for an uneventful and successful surgery and a happy healthy future.

[Peony14 in reply to Col650]

Hi Col650, thank you that helps and keeps my thoughts grounded. Very much appreciated. Relieved I asked for advice here and I didn’t ask my Consultant. 🙃

[Digger0]

I had a fenestrated atrial septal defect closed 2 years ago and felt totally different the next day in energy levels etc but the same as before emotionally. From struggling to 440 m on a hill to doing 5k round the Dalers in 4 weeks!

[Peony14 in reply to Digger0]

Hi Digger0, thanks for message and this is incredible news. Amazing in fact. I used to run but the first TIA occurred after a long trial run and I was told it was unrelated not a TIA and to forget about it. I was always unsure how I could forget about something that caused paralysis and from which I had to learn to climb stairs again! Anyway I never went back to running through fear and now I learn I have this rather large hole (flap in reality) and yes both events were TIA’s. I have been so breathless doing nothing really. Your story is so motivating because with procedures like these new chapters could emerge and in your case in massive achievements in such a short space of time. Thank you so much for sharing it’s incredible to hear. Hopefully speak soon. I’ll let you know!

[Digger0]

Glad to have helped!

[Peony14 in reply to Digger0]

Massively thank you. Keep running and thanks again.😊

[Digger0]

DM sent