Anyone have a pfo procedure

Hi Auntdana,

Here is a conversation about PFO closures that may help, and here too. 

There are quite a few people in the community that have had PFO closures. 

You can also call to  have a chat with the StrokeLine team on 1800 787 653

Hi Auntdana. I had a PFO closure 3 months ago following a stroke 11 months ago. I was initially very scared to have this procedure done too and I found it really helpful to have a consultation with my cardiologist who was able to answer all my questions and put my mind at ease a bit! The procedure itself went smoothly, I spent just one night in hospital and just took it easy for the rest of the week. There was a follow up appointment after 6 weeks for an ultrasound to check everything was all good, which it was! I understand the idea of a heart procedure is very scary but I felt so happy and relieved after getting it done, as it greatly lowers my risk of having another stroke. Hope this helps, all the best 

Hi, I had the PFO closure in July 2020 after having a stroke in March 2020. Had the TOE camera down the throat, to confirm what they thought. Super easy procedure, a night in hospital and had to take it easy for a few weeks post op. I’m back doing everything I used to do, and no issues. Can’t enroll in the armed forces, or play hard contact sport. I’m ok with both of these things!  From memory the cardiologist said the actual procedure took less than 9 mins! This is a weekly procedure for these specialists, nothing to worry about. 

HI Auntdana, my stroke was on the 11th May 2019 and 17 days later on the 28th May, I went and had my PFO closed.  It was all so overwhelming but I'm glad I did that.  It's scary and daunting but I can now be at a little more ease that the hole they found will more than likely help in the future to lower the risks of a re-occurring stroke.  I ended up in hospital 2 nights only because my blood pressure was a bit of a problem but apart from that it's a good procedure to do for mind and body. 
If you wish to ask any questions please do.

Kind regards

Shelley

Hi, I realise some time has gone by since this post.

I had a stroke in Aug 2022. After visiting the TIA clinic the next day, I was told that a previous blemish in my MRI was also a stroke. I has seen a neurologist about some symptoms over the previous year without a diagnosis.

I was having auras and slight pain in the back of my neck, beneath my head. Similar to the feeling of someone pressing thumb into my neck.

I had my heart checked in the weeks leading yup to the stroke. My GP suggested we look at this since the neurologist wasn't making any progress.

I was diagnosed with a PFO - so know I knew the likely path the clots took to cause the strokes. I ended up having the PFO closed. But I continued searching. I wanted to know if I was clotting ore than a "normal" person.

After seeing a haematologist, I was also diagnosed with Anti phospholipid Syndrome (Hughes syndrome). This was the likely cause of my clots.

Since the PFO closure, my auras have gone and I feel generally better (apart from the left overs of the stroke(s). I am on warfarin for the anti phospholipid syndrome.

Hope your situation went well and you found some answers.