PFO

Posted by kkoenig6 @kkoenig6, 4 days ago

Hello, I had an incidental finding of a large or what they call a “substantial” PFO, but they are not recommending baby aspirin, blood thinner, or closure and won’t even see me for a consult or to discuss this since I don’t meet criteria for closure. I’m really struggling with this as it puts you as risk for stroke and I have two little kids at home who need their mom. I feel like a ticking time bomb and just want it closed. Any advice or anyone else in the same boat?

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gloaming | @gloaming | 4 days ago

I can't help you with personal experience or with knowledge, sorry, but perhaps sites like this one will help to orient you, maybe even to allay some of your fears:
https://myheart.net/articles/patent-foramen-ovale-pfo/

kkoenig6 | @kkoenig6 | 4 days ago

In reply to @gloaming "I can't help you with personal experience or with knowledge, sorry, but perhaps sites like this..." + (show)

Thanks for sharing this. Unfortunately the article is from 2015, and he commented in 2019 the information and recommendations have changed and he needed to update the article but never did so I’m afraid it’s not accurate 🙁

gloaming | @gloaming | 3 days ago

In reply to @kkoenig6 "Thanks for sharing this. Unfortunately the article is from 2015, and he commented in 2019 the..." + (show)

My bad. I did a quick search and found something that seemed to fit, but obviously didn't read it comprehensively. Good for you for catching the datedness.
In an effort to extract myself from the doghouse, perhaps this is better:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40291846/
This one deals specifically with the risk of stroke:
https://www.oaepublish.com/articles/and.2024.41
Please accept my apologies...I'm sorry for the duff link above.

kkoenig6 | @kkoenig6 | 3 days ago

In reply to @gloaming "My bad. I did a quick search and found something that seemed to fit, but obviously..." + (show)

Thanks, seems like all the articles are also supporting the fact that you wait until you would have a stroke before closing, but that is just so unnerving. I have been in a downward spiral of worry since December 26 about this.

dalebout123 | @dalebout123 | 1 day ago

I had mine closed. Several years ago, I went to a neurologists to get a brain MRI that showed I had a higher than normal amount of TSI (mini strokes). That justified the closure. I am now 81

kkoenig6 | @kkoenig6 | 1 day ago

In reply to @dalebout123 "I had mine closed. Several years ago, I went to a neurologists to get a brain..." + (show)

What a wonderful life you have had! I can only hope to live as long as you! I had a brain MRI and it was completely normal so unfortunately for me they still will not close! Prayers for many more years of health for you!

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