Hi.
What kind of questions should I be asking my interventional cardiologist Tomorrow. This is my 1year post ASD percutaneous closure
I feel good.
Except for the weight gain.
Thanking you
Hi lambat
No advice to give yet, as I’m in same boat - now 11.5 months and seeing cardiologist in few weeks. So I’m hoping this re-invigorates the thread & I can learn too.
What does percutaneous mean, is that catheter close? Mine was open heart closure, which is a tough recovery but I’m hoping will last a (long!) lifetime.
Hi there.
How has the 11.5 months been? If you haven’t written down how you’ve been feeling I think you should… Interms of pain when you’re doing a task etc that’s a good starting point. I have a diary that I done this in. I’ve found it to be extremely useful.
Yes percutaneous closure is done via catheter.
Best piece of advice I can give you is do not stress. And please ensure you’re getting ENOUGH REST. Remember your heart is doing its job 24/7/365. And has been through a major change.
Ask questions that relate to any health conditions you may already have.
These were my questions.
Is ASD considered to be cardiovascular disease/ a heart condition
I seen a question posed here about weight gain post closure, so I enquired if it is related.
Can I go diving in the ocean
Has my heart remodeled
Duration for tissue growth
Is there a residual leak? Also is a future leak possible
Are there still any signs of pulmonary hypertension
Is there a chance of infective endocarditis (VERY IMPORTANT )
Are there any pregnancy risks that I should know about
Has my resting heart rate /sinus rhythm improved?
When should I return to see him
These were my questions . Hope this helps ? Let me know
Oooo, what was the answer re scuba diving ?!
I asked before surgery if I’d be able to dive again in future & they “couldn’t see any reason why not”
But I am more wary now, after getting pericarditis recently & seeing what strain the heart comes under 24/7/365, as you say.
Thanks for your Q’s, that’s a real help.
Hope you’re happy with their answers?
With regard to diving he said “forget you ever had this procedure and dive in”
Pericarditis… Hope you’ve fully recovered ? That’s a scare.
Yes I’m definitely more wary of the hours I put into my work now. And get adequate rest.
I’m glad it’s a help to you.
Yes I’m pretty satisfied with my answers. Except for the weight one 
turns out it’s totally unrelated to the closure . And I should get back to gym. Boohoo 
Please reply on this topic as to how your 1 year post closure appointment goes. Would love to read all about it .
Thanks lambat, that’s encouraging.
My 12m consult has just been changed to phone, due to co-vid19. I get it & am happy to comply, but a little disappointed, as it’s easier to ask in person!
It’s later this month so I’ll pop back. Meanwhile, today is my one year anniversary, yay - not easy to celebrate though, including given so many are in difficulty.
Hi there Midlifer…
How was your 1year telephonic? How are you feeling? .
Hi there…
I’m sure there must be some relation between weight gain and ASD closure… don’t know y doctors are not aware about it !
I was 56kg when I got my ASD closure through open heart surgery and now I’m 70kgs within a year… have gained 14kgs…
I’m afraid if my weight keep increase … hating these extra kgs 
Hi there.
I’m trying really hard to control my weight. Although I’m not exercising fully ( no cardio work outs) although my doctor has ok’d it) I’m not entirely confident. So instead I’m walking alot. . and trying to eat correctly. But I’m at a whopping 70kgs it’s extremely depressing. Not sure on a safe solution . How are you doing @Sana ?
Yeah it’s really depressing… this much rise in weight is not acceptable for me… And if I try to control my diet I started feeling weak… though my diet is same as before ASD closure… whenever u find any solution do let me know please … many thanks in advance… lol
LOL . I really do wonder if there is a solution
We absolutely cannot resort to diet pills it will cause utter havoc with our heart beat.
What is your diet ? (You said you feel weak) .
@lambat I eat 1 egg n 1 slice of brown bread with a cup of tea in breakfast…
sometimes I take light lunch or a snack with tea… or sometimes I just skip the lunch…
and in dinner I eat whatever is cooked at home…
and then at late night crisps with Netflix… btw ice-cream is my weakness 
I eat ice cream twice or thrice a week…
How about ur eating habits ?
Hi there , checking in to know how are you doing ?