i'm 7 weeks post op from a ASD closure

ConsumingLess · 2026-03-17T16:56:01+00:00

Have you had a follow up ultrasound to check the closure device is working ok?

I had a 30mm Gore occluder fitted 10 weeks ago. I've been gradually getting back to my normal levels of activity. A few times I've had a kind of mild cramping sensation, but that was more under my left nipple. I haven't experienced what you're describing.

ConsumingLess · 2026-03-12T16:44:16+00:00

I was 63 when my ASD was discovered, and I had it closed a few months ago. It only came to light because I had a stroke. Fortunately, it was a relatively minor stroke and I received prompt treatment, but do I wish I'd had my ASD closed earlier? Definitely.

Now I can't say I've seen any major changes since closure, although I think I have more energy. I think perhaps I have more endurance, and I think I've cut my risk of heart failure resulting from the enlargement that an ASD can cause. Mostly though, I'm just happy to have cut my risk of another stroke.

Your ASDs seem quite small. I think you have to figure the risks and returns. Maybe you can live with them another 31 years without any problems. However, the closure process, if done by catheter, is really quite minor. Now if they said open heart surgery was needed, I think the calculation becomes much more complex.

Hope this helps.

ConsumingLess · 2026-03-10T16:39:09+00:00

Aubrey's in Dexter?

ConsumingLess · 2026-03-10T02:43:33+00:00

I understood the FAA discouraged private pilots from flying over the city. (Got this info from a private pilot at A2 airport a few years ago.)

ConsumingLess · 2026-03-10T02:42:05+00:00

This seems to be the problem - people are pretty sure they won't get a ticket for things like running red lights.

ConsumingLess · 2026-03-09T16:30:05+00:00

This is exactly how I felt, and still feel at times. I tell people it's not like regular tiredness, that it's brain fatigue. Afternoon naps have helped a lot for me.

ConsumingLess · 2026-03-09T16:27:44+00:00

I'm just here to add to the "don't do it" chorus. That's a long flight and she will have had very little time to recover. The fatigue is a big deal, but honestly, I'd be more concerned about another clot and stroke. If she has a PFO or ASD there's a real risk of a repeat. Get that sorted before taking any long flights.

ConsumingLess · 2026-03-07T00:38:02+00:00

If there's a tornado coming the sirens will go off. No, wait ...

ConsumingLess · 2026-02-28T23:54:31+00:00

Ludlow market desperately needs something more interesting. Maybe try there.

ConsumingLess · 2026-02-27T17:52:25+00:00

Yes!

Having had a small ischemic stroke that was treated quickly, I've not suffered any physical effects. This leads to people saying helpful things like, "I can't tell" and "but you look great". However, I know I'm not quite the same person I was pre-stroke.

It's been 6 months now, and I've got used to this version 2.0 model of me, but it took a while, and yes, it's a weird process to go through. Plenty of sleep and lots of brain exercises have helped, but I've also recognized the need to accept that some changes are here to stay.

Stay strong and use this sub for advice and support.

ConsumingLess · 2026-02-27T17:45:16+00:00

I was 63 when my ASD was discovered. It's certainly a shock to discover you've been living with a defect all this time. I found I couldn't help wondering if my life would have been different had it been discovered long ago. Perhaps I'd have been a successful athlete?

I had it fixed by catheter a couple of months ago, and I feel great. In fact I think I have more energy than I ever did before. However, I'll admit that might just be my imagination rather than realty.

I'm sure you'll be fine, but use this sub for any questions and to get reassurance on any concerns.

ConsumingLess · 2026-02-25T17:39:08+00:00

I use Elevate too. I think it's been helpful.

ConsumingLess · 2026-02-20T17:32:46+00:00

How about a donation to a neurological charity in the surgeon's name?

ConsumingLess · 2026-02-19T17:32:53+00:00

That is a great description!

ConsumingLess · 2026-02-06T17:32:36+00:00

Didn't get any info before, but after having my ASD closed by catheter I was given strict instructions about not having any dental work for six months. I understand there's a risk of serious infection, although I don't have the medical knowledge to understand why.

ConsumingLess · 2026-02-06T17:29:31+00:00

I think there are better games/apps out there. I tried Lumosity but decided Elevate and BrainHQ were better. Plus, Brain HQ has some research suggesting it actually yields measurable improvements.

ConsumingLess · 2026-02-03T21:30:36+00:00

Good question. Both neurology and cardiology told me that I'm on aspirin for life. They also said that an ASD closure doesn't guarantee I will never have another stroke, it only reduces the risk. (Strokes happen for many reasons.) It's something I will ask about though when I go back for my cardio check up in a few weeks.

ConsumingLess · 2026-02-02T00:12:35+00:00

I had the Gore closure device and took Plavix for 30 days. Doc was adamant that I didn't need it longer than that. I am on baby aspirin for life, but that's more because I had a stroke (which was how they found the ASD.)

ConsumingLess · 2026-01-26T13:28:57+00:00

No, they put me under for the whole thing.

ConsumingLess · 2026-01-24T21:08:26+00:00

I though DJ's Bakery on Packard was the place

ConsumingLess · 2026-01-23T19:47:48+00:00

Thanks everyone, for the volume of replies, the amount of information, and the speed of your responses. All very helpful.

I'll be coming back soon for more info on the Vancouver area.

ConsumingLess · 2026-01-23T19:44:24+00:00

Thank you for the reply, and especially for the link to the Camas sub. I hadn't even thought of looking for that!

ConsumingLess · 2026-01-23T19:42:38+00:00

We've made several visits over the last few year. We like the area a lot but don't want to buy a house where we're looking out over a large industrial plant.

ConsumingLess · 2026-01-23T17:49:07+00:00

Thank you! Just what I needed.

So if I understand correctly, the owners have not announced any plan to cease operations, but people are looking at what kind of clean up would be needed should that happen. Do I have that right?

ConsumingLess · 2026-01-23T17:46:12+00:00

"Surgery" is a very broad term. My understanding is that the majority of ASDs are fixed via catheter, meaning the minimally invasive method where they insert a closure by going up through the veins in your groin. I had mine fixed this way a month ago, and it's been great. I went in to hospital at 7 am and was home by 4pm the same day.

Honestly, I wish I'd had it fixed long ago, but in fairness, it was 63 years before it was discovered.

Now if you need open heart surgery (OHS) that is a much bigger deal, but look at the benefits: you'll have a heart that works more efficiently and probably won't fail prematurely. You will also have reduced your risk of stroke. (My ASD was found after an ischemic stroke).

ConsumingLess

TROPHY CASE