Anyone else have unrepaired ASD....

[charjsohmom]

Hi Everyone,

I am 39 years old and after a fainting episode last June, I went for a stress test, event recorder and echo.  I have had cardiac tests in the past due to frequent PVC's (who hasn't right??)  I have had echos done in the past, none showed anything.  My stress test was good, the event recorder recorded several PVC's, nothing new.  The echo showed I have an ASD, obviously since birth.  Why didn't it ever show up on the other echos (2 of them I believe)    I am now scheduled for another echo, and a test where they are going to inject me with dye to see how bad the shunt is.  I guess this will determine whether or not they repair the ASD.  I am terrified to have that done.  How could they have never seen this before??  A symptom of ASD's is palpatations,  (was told many, many times it was ANXIETY!!)  I accepted that and worked very hard to not let all my symptoms bother me (until I passed out cold!)  

Anyway, sorry to babble.  I would love to hear from anyone with a symptomatic ASD and anyone who has had one repaired.  What is it like???  

Thanks so much for any support. This is a wonderful forum.

M.

[HoleHearted]

At age 23 I used to pray that I would wake up in the morning, because I had so many PVC's. It hurt real bad in my chest and I had not been to a Dr. When I did go they did the surgery right away. A Susan B. Anthony dollar could have slipped through my hole. I guess that's big. The surgery went well and I did not have too much discomfort. With three little one I did have some help around the house for a month. Laundry and vacuuming were hard as was getting into bed. The PVC's for the most part went away. And so did my restless leg syndrom. I had more energy and  was able to keep up with my children and did not have to have naps with them. I hope this helps you.

[charjsohmom]

Hi,

Thank you so much for your reply, it was very helpful.  Did you have open heart surgery, or did they repair it with a cathater?  

I would be very happy if I had mine repaired and all of my arrythmias went away!  

I read in your other post that your patch might be leaking, is that something that is rare after a repair?  I hope yours is ok, and the doctors figure out what is happening.  

Do you take asprin or anything?  My doctor mentioned it might be a good idea for me.  

Thank you again for your reply, it really meant a lot to me.  I am still terrified of surgery, but thinking it might be well worth it!

M.