PFO & PROTEIN C DEFICIENCY

[ukteacherman]

I am 61 years old and was diagnosed as having a PFO, ( hole in the heart), Protien C deficiency and atrial fibrillation 3 years ago - these combined being the cause of strokes I have suffered since my mid-20's.
I now have Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia - early stages watch and wait - CD38 negative. My Haematologist suggests the hole is closed so they can reduce the warfarin, (coumadin), in the event I need chemostherapy. Surely if this is reduced, I still have Protein C deficiency and could develop DVT or embolism somewhere?
I really would appreciate your opinion on this.
Thank you

[ukteacherman]

I really appreciate your comments - I was thinking along these lines, but needed to know if closing the hole would reduce the risks of clot formation - suspected it would not. I also read on some sites that having the hole closed can, in some cases. produce atrial fibrillation.
Thanks again
Terry

[vega1318]

Even if your hole is closed, you still have atrial fibrillation which predisposes you to clot formation and strokes, unfortunately.    It's a tough situation.   You probably need to treat the condition which carries the highest risk for you sooner -- although not desirable, you could decide (with your doctor) to go off Coumadin in case of chemotherapy and hope for the best.   But go back on as soon as you can.    In your case, atrial fibrillation probably carries worse risk, especially if you've never had diagnosed DVTs.