Finally might get my heart surgery

[ssms5411]

Finally getting my echo on my heart, only took my insurance 6 months to approve it. Then I can get a referral for a heart surgeon to do the PFO closure only has taken 18 years to get them to approve it. Since the FDA recommends the closure now pretty much have to. Been getting vision loss and left arm going numb about once a week now for about 30 minutes. Get my echo next week to see how big the hole is in my heart. Yeah only took the FDA 20 years to say the hole causes strokes and could kill you if it’s not closed. When I had my stroke they said I’d have to have another stroke then they would close it. Even if they close it I still have to take blood thinners but not such a high dose.

[2.8 Bird]

Has it been 20 years since your stroke. Wow. I remember it when you posted that and how you converted your Camaro from manual to automatic because of it. I will pray for you Steve. I hope all goes well with your surgery. You'll feel much better. The oxygenated blood dont have to get mixed with the non oxygenated one.

[ssms5411]

Well 18 years since my stroke but 20 years since they found PFOs cause strokes then they changed their minds in 2017 to recommending to close them. Yeah I was still in the hospital using one of their computers. Was there until I could walk on my own again, 2-3 weeks. Then did rehab for 4 months. Next month get my knee surgery, should be a interesting rest of the year.lol

[2.8 Bird]

Might as well get it over with and live the rest of your life with no more health worries.

[ssms5411]

Might as well get it over with and live the rest of your life with no more health worries.

Yes, been a burden for years, had 3-4 blood clots in my left leg over the years that’s still taken blood thinners so really need the surgery. If I had 100k I would of got the surgery after the stroke.

[ssms5411]

Had my echo and bubble study yesterday, went good saw the bubbles go through the hole on the echo. So I’ll wait and see what the cardiologist is going to do next.

[2.8 Bird]

What's a bubble study. That's first time I've heard of this. I hope the results are all in your favor.

[ssms5411]

Bubble study that’s what they called it, just ran a IV in my arm, then while they position the echo of my heart the other person pushes saline in my arm and you can see it go through the heart. Took them 5 times to finally see it but it was pretty cool. Thanks again Edgar I’ll post after I see the cardiologist for the results.

[ssms5411]

Finally saw the cardiologist yesterday, said definitely need the surgery. Referred me to a specialist. Now just need the insurance to approve it.

[2.8 Bird]

That sucks. Will it be an open heart surgery?

Hang in there Steve.

[ssms5411]

No they go through the groin with the device and go down my throat with a camera. Said might have to stay the night.

[ssms5411]

Reason I need it now is because I’ve been losing my vision and getting numbness on my left arm and face 3-4 times a week. Also getting headaches afterwards.

[LETZRIDE]

Good Luck Steve - hope the surgery goes well and recovery is speedy.

[ssms5411]

Thanks Mike.

[ssms5411]

Getting blood tests for the surgeon tomorrow, wants to see if I’m prone to clotting. I take 15 mg of warfarin a day pretty high .