Good morning all,
This is my first time posting and wanted to share my story to see if others have had a similar experience to me and what your outcome was etc. Just to give a bit of back ground, I am a 47 year old with no previous medical conditions. Back in September 2021 I was out and about one day and had an awful coughing fit and whilst coughing I can only describe it as a I had a popping sensation in my right eye and my vision in the eye went strange. I should also say I had had a terrible headache all of that morning. I then lost feeling down my left side and again can only describe a feeling that my brain was spinning round in my head . An ambulance was called and in the hospital they confirmed I had a blood clot on my brain which had caused a stroke. Following this I had lots of tests and they discovered I had a hole in my heart (PFO) which they say may have caused the clot. I have been waiting a long time but now have an appointment at St Thomas’ in April to discuss what action, if any should be taken. I would therefore be really grateful to hear from anyone else that has had a similar experience to see what your outcome was, did they advise a PFO closure etc? Thank you, Sarah x
Welcome & sorry you’ve had cause to join. Now your here you’ll find the other press-gang members a good lot with loads of advice and companionship & compassion to share
A pfo is a common cause although where the clot ends up will determine the affects.
Its fairly normal to just ‘treat’ with meds and not close it - I think from reading over the last couple years it’s what is fashionable with your health board & consultant that determines the follow up.
I wish you well on our shared journey
Hi Sarah @SW31 welcome, though I’m sorry you’ve had cause to join us, that said we’re a supportive friendly group and there’s lots of advice on the Stroke Association website.
Sorry you’ve had to wait so long for an appointment however they’ll offer you advice on what options are available, make a list of questions to take with you to your appointment as it’s easy to forget to ask something, so a list is always handy.
I can’t comment on PFO closure as I haven’t had this done but there are others on the forum who have and I’m sure they’ll share their experience.
Best wishes
@SW31 Hi Sarah, welcome to the group. Sorru you’ve had a stroke. It must have been scary at the time.
I’ve heard of lots of people having PFO closures but not been through it myself. I think it rely depends on how large the PFO is & the likely risks vs benefits.
As @Mahoney has said. Write down any questions you have so you can make the most of your appointment.
Best wishes.
Ann x
Hi there,
Good evening everyone,
Some useful information relating to stroke/pfo.
https://differentstrokes.co.uk/pfo-closures/
I had this procedure last year, after a stroke in 2020, at age 32.
Best wishes.
Thank you, thats much appreciated xx
Hi Sarah, I understand what you are going through.
In September 2021 I suffered a cerebellar stroke. I was 46 years old and had no indication that this would happen.
I had an outpatient bubble echo appointment which identified a large PFO (hole in the heart). I was referred to a cardiologist who agreed that the PFO should be closed subject to a few outstanding blood tests.
I was referred to a haematologist for the blood tests which resulted in me testing positive for Antiphospholipid Syndrome (APS). APS is a disorder of the immune system that causes an increased risk of blood clots. My PFO closure procedure was delayed indefinitely due to the added risk of further blood clots and I am now being treated with warfarin for APS.
I was told that 1 in 4 the population have a PFO.
If they haven’t already tested for APS then I would speak to your consultant before they recommend the PFO closure.
Hope this helps
Glen
Thank you. I’ve not heard of this before so will definitely look in to this.