results of cardiac catheter

[underinformed35]

Hello everyone. I have a few questions. I just had a cardiac catheter and TEE yesterday. I have been having strange symptoms for about a month and have written for support before. My questions are: I was diagnosed with a hole in my heart (PFO) when pregnant with my son ten years ago. Yesterday when they did the TEE they could not see it at all even with a bubble study. How is that possible? I was told that I was born with it and would always have it. My second question is when they were doing the catheter they said that my right side (I believe) oxygen levels were low and I had a possible shunting but nothing to worry about. Does anyone know what that means?
I am so depressed and frustrated now because I went through this and still do not know what is going on. All they found was that my rate was not steady, it would go from 70 to 140 for no reason during the TEE and I was missing every other beat but they don't know why. They want me to see an Electro Specialist now. I just can't imagine that being the cause of all my symptoms. Does anyone ever get constant headaches with their irregular beats? What would that have to do with my head? Should I get an MRI? I just don't know what to do at this point. I am fed up with doing tests and getting no answers.

[underinformed35]

That does make sense. The doctor wanted to check because he thought that the PFO was open and causing my blood to clot, I guess. At this point I am so confused and just want some answers. Thank you!

[finetilthree]

I can only comment on the PFO.  I have read research studies that indicate that they do close as your get older.  I don't remember the exact statistics, but for instance...approximately 20-30% of the population have a PFO, but on autopsy the finding occurs in a much smaller population, thus science has concluded that they do seal over with time.  What actually can happen is a sheath of tissue can close the hole over, but during heavy exertion, such as labor/delivery, they can open back up again.  That is prob what happened with me.  My cardiologist checks mine from time to time to see if it has closed (it hasn't).  But there would be no reaon to check if that wasn't likely to happen.  Sorry I couldn't provide any more info.