Hello Elliot,
Thanks for reaching out on StrokeLine and I am sorry to hear about your stroke whilst you were travelling. It is good to hear you were able to access medical testing and treatment whilst in Singapore. It must have been worrying to experience something like a stroke, or TIA while so far away from home. I'm pleased to hear that you have recovered well physically.
I would definitely recommend seeing your GP for a referral to a cardiologist once you are back. Your cardiologist will assess you and give you their recommendations regarding a PFO closure. The cardiologist will also discuss with you the urgency of the procedure. This may help with your decision to go through the public or the private system.
According to the Living Clinical Guidelines for Stroke Management, patients with an ischaemic stroke aged under 60 in whom a patent foramen ovale (PFO) is considered the likely cause of stroke, a percutaneous closure of the PFO is recommended. This will of course be discussed with your cardiologist and specifically in relation to your circumstances.
You can have the PFO closure completed in a public hospital, but it will depend on where your cardiologist refers you for the procedure, and the urgency of your surgery. There can be waiting lists in the public system so your decision may be impacted by how quickly you require the surgery.
In regard to out of pocket costs without private health insurance, it will depend on where you have the surgery completed. It will be a higher level of out-of-pocket costs if done in a private hospital even with private health insurance, and lower out of pocket costs in a public hospital. It will be best to discuss these questions with your cardiologist and GP.
In regards to the surgery if you are interested, there is a great video on our young Stroke website here, that talks with three young stroke survivors who have experienced a PFO closure.
If you have any questions, don't hesitate to reach out to us here on StrokeLine. You can call StrokeLine on Ph 1800 787 653 or email us on strokeline@strokefoundation.org.au.
All the best with your appointments Elliot.
Warm regards
Siobhan, StrokeLine
