Anyone had a PFO closure?

[MedCop]

Bonnie...did you have the closure?

I just found out Monday that I have a PFO. I took a hit Aug. 25...see the details here: http://thedecostop.com/forums/showthread.php?t=34294

[Jim Wyatt]

Has anyone had this done?

PM sent with the e-mail address of a friend who recently had a PFO closed.

[JSNTP]

Nathan,
I read your posts on TDS and I find your initial treatment pretty scary. I can also totally sympathize with your feelings of shock and being in a funk. I went through the same thing when they found my PFO.
The short answer to your question is no - I haven't had the closure. There are some extraneous considerations that have complicated things for me, but I intend to proceed with the closure - probably this spring. In the meantime I have been diving recreationally (not too deep & staying within no deco limits) with no issues. I guess I won't be hitting Eagle's Nest this year; but there are plenty of shallow sidemount caves to explore. Also, I'm watching my exertion level after diving. That seemed to be a contributing factor for the issues I experienced.
My PFO has been described as "medium sized" and bubbles shunt mostly with valsalva athough a few did pass at rest. Up until last year I never experienced any problems even after several deep (200'+) dives, so I guess age could be a factor for me. I agree fully with Dr. Mitchell that you shouldn't let PFO paranoia take over your life. Gather the information that you need to make an informed decision and do what makes sense for you. I'll PM you the information for an interventional cardiologist in Florida who was helpful to me.
Good luck,
Bonnie

[SRQ]

I'm having a PFO closure done in about a month and a half from now. If anybody would want the doctors names in the Sarasota area PM me. I think they are great. The surgery team are all divers with the same passion for diving as I, and have done quite a few of these for the Navy seals I am told. They also told me a new clam shell device has just become available. Apparently the older ones once closed could not be reopened to reposition over the hole. The new ones can be reopened and repositioned for the best possible closure. As stated earlier I'll only be out of the water for 70 to 90 days.
Also as was stated in an earlier reply, AETNA is taking care of this one for me 100%. A simple note wrote by the heart specialist is all it took. Apparently this cryptogenic stroke thing is sensitive stuff with Aetna. Since I normally solo dive I am actually exicited about getting this procedure as it crosses off one more possible thing that Murphy can screw up.

WB

[Gary]

AETNA is taking care of this one for me 100%.

WOW! Congrats, that's awesome!

[Cindy]

Hey Bonnie, Be a little carefull if you are diving in those little caves not to hold your breath and strain. The pfo will open then and you could get hurt even if you are shallow. Micro bubbles can cause damage also. I'm not trying to be a downer but it's something to think about. Cindy

[JSNTP]

Thanks Cindy! Good advice and I appreciate it. I know that even though I can reduce my risk by being conservative, it can't be totally eliminated. Even with the closure, there's always some risk to this sport.
BTW, I try to take things slowly and not strain too much. It's something I'll be even more aware of with your advice.

[Dive Yeti]

I am having my PFO closed today. Insurance is covering it because of a Type 2 Hit requiring table 6 treatment.

[loquat149]

I am having my PFO closed today. Insurance is covering it because of a Type 2 Hit requiring table 6 treatment.

Wow. Good luck!

Dave

[OFG-1]

Jason Ottinger had one closed a couple of years ago, he is back diving fine. I believe Mark Messersmith had one closed, he is doing fine.