Surgery Fixed More Than His Heart Defect
It Stopped His Migraines, Too
More Than Just Migraines
In November 2007, Joe woke up with some other unusual symptoms: slurred speech, a lack of coordination and decreased hearing in his right ear. "I even lost my sense of taste," he said. "I didn't go to my doctor right away -- I just thought I was going to get better." He thought these symptoms may have been related to his migraines.When he sought medical attention, he learned he'd suffered a major stroke. And it wasn't his first. Testing revealed that Joe, 50, was born with a heart problem called a patent foramen ovale (PFO) that was likely causing his strokes.
"The wall between the chambers of Mr. Krstulich's heart never closed properly," Dr. Kittusamy said. "He had a flaplike opening that allowed blood clots to travel from the right to the left side of the heart and out to the brain and other parts of the body."
In January 2008, Joe had minimally invasive surgery to close his PFO at Valley Hospital. Dr. Kittusamy used a catheter to deliver and deploy a small umbrella-like device that closed the opening. The procedure ended Joe's risk for any future PFO-related strokes. He was discharged home the day after surgery and was back to work in a week.
A Bright Future
"My surgery was great," Joe said. "The best thing that's happened is that I haven't had a single migraine since my surgery. When I get up in the morning, I know I'll be ready to have a great day. And I'm still able to do things I enjoy, like ride roller coasters."He's regained most of the functions he lost during his stroke. And, he said, his future looks brighter than ever.
