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Looking for Stroke Patients over 70 who had a PFO Closure
This past April I had a blood clot in my left posterior lobe resulting in a stroke. I'm 78 but with no obvious condition for generating the clot. My cardiologist conducted a transesophageal echocardiogram and found a PFO or hole between my upper chambers of my heart. He referred me to a specialized at the cardiology department for the Oregon Health Science University specialist and a neurologist to determine if the hole should be closed. The information that I've read about PFO Closures indicate it will reduce the chance of a 2nd stroke, but patients over 60 have a chance of getting Afib.
My neurologist and cardiologist specialist are waffling about whether it should be done. The cardiologist wanted the neurologist to make the decision. The neurologist initially decided we should proceed and we sent December 13 for the procedure. She is now not sure if we should do it and treat it with medication. She hasn't been able to discuss it with the cardiologist.
In the meantime, I'm trying to gather additional information regarding how well the procedure has worked with people closer to my age. I've been part of another forum on prostrate cancer and have learned a lot from other people going through the same condition that I had. I thought this forum might have others who also are going through my same experience and can share their experiences and advise.
I look forward to hearing from others and hope they are having successful recoveries.
Wayne
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Which mayo did you have PFO repair
I didn't have it done. My Cardiologist and Neurologist (not from Mayo) both felt I shouldn't do it. I've had a heart monitor, called a loop, implanted on my chest to check long-term for afib. They think it was more likely the cause of my blood clot. It's almost a year since the clot and no recurrence. We take it one day at a time.
I am 61yo and had a PFO closure 1 year ago after having a TIA. A few years ago I had a DVT. At first insurance said it would not cover the procedure but after contacting them and after sending a letter explaining my situation they agreed to it. I feel like I would have constantly worried about having a stroke if I did not have it closed. I am scheduled for my 1 year echo this week. I take plavix daily. Hope all goes well for you.
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2 ReactionsI think if I was closer to 60 the procedure would've been conducted. There's some data that older people have greater chance of side effects, like formation of afib.
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1 ReactionI had PFO done on May 9. It was never a question I would do it. There was little downside and only made me feel safer. I have no high blood pressure, have low cholesterol, not family history of stroke. I’m 70. Had stroke in January.
Next I’m having an internal monitor implant in my chest. It too is a precaution to any possible afib event. It is a monitor which notifies the cardiologist that something is going on electronically in my heart. It is not a pacemaker.
Hope this helps.
It was not done at mayo. Initially I wanted to go to mayo for the stroke but it’s very hard to get into a neurologist there. I live in Milwaukee and had it done by a cardiologist, dr mason, at Froedtert Hospital in Milwaukee. He has done hundreds of this procedure and I had confidence in him.
Both my cardiologist and neurologist are in agreement that I need the PFO closure. I an 71 and had a stoke in September 25. I was left with partial vision loss and brain fog. My Humana insurance has denied and we are appealing it. This is a long drawn out process and im very worried about my outcome if I dont have it soon. My son took his life in March of 25 and I have been under a lot of stress. Has anyone else went through this and how long does it usually take to get it passed or okayed? Thank you so much for any advice. Pam
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2 Reactions@ppestes01
Hello @ppestes01, and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect! I am super glad you found this caring group to share with. It has to be stressful waiting through the insurance appeal process for a PFO closure your doctors agree you need, all after your son taking his own life and having a stroke. You are a rock star to get up every day and walk through all you have going on!
I have been through the appeal process several times with my insurance company, handled it a couple different ways. I actually provided my own correspondence one time and my providers handled it other times. I learned quite a bit doing it myself but I wouldn’t recommend it as a 1st choice. It may help you most to get involved enough to understand where in the process your appeal is. You should be able to call your insurance company to learn about process and what the timeline is. You can ask them how to find out when there is activity (your provider submitting something, your insurance company replying, etc.).
Dealing with your health as you grieve your son’s absence has to be difficult. My heart hurts with yours! Honestly, I read your comment and did not have words to respond. I had to leave it and come back. Here I am. Simply, my heart hurts with yours.
I am tagging members that may understand more as to where you and may have more to say: @gramabonnie5, @bellsback, @georgette12
Here are a few discussions you may want to review:
- Dealing with adult son with mental health: Parents want to share? Discussion: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/comment/1468835/
- Loss and Grief: How are you doing? Discussion created by @hopeful33250: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/loss-and-grief-how-are-you-doing/
- Son Killed Unexpectedly Discussion: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/son-was-killed-unexpectedly/
I hope you return and provide updates as to what is happening with your appeal process and also how you are doing all over (mind, body, spirit).
Do you know if your procedure will be done by cath or surgery? Do you have family/friends helping you process your grief, maybe a therapist?
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