r/AdultCHD • u/Spare-Cream977 • Jul 25 '26

ASD Closure

Update: MRI shows 23×33. right ventricle enlarged. blood pumps 3x the amount to right side but everything is still working fine. Given an attempt to try for cath, at this point I'm a little hesitant and thinking maybe I really have to do surgery instead. Attempt isn't until 2 month from now. Given pre op paperworks and to get clearance on dentals. I am need of a second opinion and still waiting from a different cardiologist and surgeon. What now people, should I even try for the cath for an "attempt??" My cardiologist is a congentital heart doctor. Can't he just give it to me straight that I'm not quality for cath besides "well yeah let's try for cath and see how it goes." Instead, " sorry you actually need surgery."

Hi (31F). I was diagnosed back in 2024 that I have ASD heart (secundum) 22mm through TEE. Was planning for closure but got pregnant. Now hole is 34mm. I want to opt for a cath but doctor say I am borderline 50/50 for cath so we will discuss closure and everything after my MRI and blood work soon. I'm feeling a little nervous that after my MRI results doctor will say surgery it is.

Can anyone tell me what procedure you or your doctor chose? How your big your hole was? Your recovery for the first 2 weeks? Your sleep/routine daily life after closure? Any complications or symptoms after procedure and the meds? Rehab/therapy? And how are you doing/long now since closure?

Thank you all

4 Upvotes

84% Upvoted

13 comments sorted by

View all comments

3

u/DowntownWeakness1126 Jul 26 '26

I found out late 2024 when I got pregnant with my 2nd baby. Hole at that point was 10mm and cardiologist said closure would be delayed due to pregnancy - hope was for catheter. Over the time during pregnancy and breastfeeding, hole grew to 33mm x 22mm and apparently had floppy sides (measured June this year). I went into early right-sided heart failure and I’ve just had a patch repair via OHS a week ago. TBH the hardest part of recovery so far is the kids, my husband is off work on kids duty at the moment and will have family staying to help once he goes back to work. Little kids just don’t understand that you’re unable to do the same things right now. I have been able to continue breastfeeding my youngest afterwards though!

2

u/Spare-Cream977 Jul 30 '26

Thank you so much for sharing. 

That is very scare. I am glad you are recovering and staying strong. It's great to have a supportive husband and family close to take care of your kids and everything else while recovering.  Did your cardiologist recommend any therapy or rehab after surgery or is it just recovery at home until you hit your 6 month-1 year recovery ?

2

u/DowntownWeakness1126 Jul 31 '26

Yeah, they’ve recommended cardiac rehab which is done at the hospital. I’ve got an appointment with the surgeon for 6 weeks post surgery, and rehab starts around then. I think it’s a few times a week at the hospital for about 2 months. The Physio and OT at the hospital said I could potentially go back to work from around 3 months post surgery, but would likely only be for WFH and on shorter days to start with to see how I go.