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1360488 tn?1277714277

PATENT FORAMEN OVALE/ NEED HELP

I feel completely depressed and I just need to talk with someone who understand the problem or  had the same problem that  I have. I am from Serbia, which is extra problem, because I don’t trust to doctors from here too much, anyway we don’t have good surgical equipment (or maybe I’m wrong, which a hope is true)
Anyway, I am 34 years old female. Since 2003 I started to have problems, like dizziness, light head, tachycardia, tingling  etc. They told me that I suffer from panic attacks. Few months ago, my situation started to be worst, so few weeks ago I had TIA (maybe I had several, I do not know). I went to neurologist; they found that I have PFO (they said very small). I am waiting to do Transesophageal echo, so I guess that I will know more details.
I have headache almost every day, blur vision, I even don’t know is it because of that or because of panic attacks, or panic attacks exist because of lack of oxygen in the brain.
Anyway, I would like to know do you think that surgery is good idea in my case, better than using some medicaments? Do I have to change some other things in my life?
I am completely afraid and depressed. Here, in Serbia, there is no one to talk about this issue.
I would like to have family, kids, and I don’t know could I do that now.
Thank you in advance for your response.
Kind regards,
Maya
4 Responses
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1360488 tn?1277714277
thank you to all of you so much! My bubble test is positive, and I am waiting for Transesophageal echo (9th of this months). Also the septum is thin, as they told me.
I will let you know about new details. I am thinking about PFO closure, if its possible in my case, and I would like to do that in Switzerland or in Germany.
Greetings from Serbia
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I'm 45 and female an had the same thing with your exact sypmtoms in 2007.  I had the worst migraine that wouldn't go away for months, blurred vision, I'd lose my voice, almost pass out, but not quite, dizziness, light sensitivity, tachycardia, tingling in my fingers everything.You're not crazy (I thought I was too for a while) and yes the panic attacks are part of the problem.  
I had my PFO closed via catheter and the headaches stopped immediately.  The transesophageal echocardiograph was the final diagnostic tool, it allowed the doctor to measure the PFO.  Mine was large and I had surgery right away.  
Hope it helps to know you're not alone.  I'll check back to hear from you.
Helpful - 0
351246 tn?1379682132
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Hi
Welcome to the MedHelp forum!
I can understand your concern. Often PFO is not diagnosed until an adult suffers a TIA as in your case. Generally blood thinners are given as a short term measure. The foramen is closed using catheter approach or by conventional surgery depending on the case. Your cardiologist, preferably one specializing in congenital heart disease should be the able to guide you well. Once you have had all the tests such as transesophageal echocardiography, cardiac MRI, maybe cardiac catheterization, and dopplar ultrasound, your cardiologist will be able to give a more clear picture.
Almost every one who has PFO and is treated is able to lead a fully satisfying normal life. Infact in some people PFO is so small that it causes no symptoms at all and often goes undetected.
Hope this helps. Please let me know if there is any thing else and do keep me posted. Take care!
Helpful - 0
367994 tn?1304953593
If the hole between left and right atria is small, that usually doesn't require intervention, and does not progress or cause any symptoms.

Usually, there is a bubble test to determine the degree of shunting.(blood flowing from the left atrium into the right atrium through the hole). A Bubble Echocardiogram is an Echocardiogram as described above using harmless sal ine bubbles.  After the initial ultrasound pictures are taken, an I.V. line is started in the arm.  A saline bubble solution is injected through the I.V. line while more images are taken.  This test is done to evaluate the correct flow of blood through the chambers of the heart.  

If the PFO is significant in size (and your report indicates small), there is a procedure to correct and is very successful without much risk.

Thanks for sharing and take care.
Helpful - 0
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