PFO testing

[johnmaneely]

Hi, I heard of a couple of DCI incidents in my area last year that were both due to a PFO. I believe that its is quite a large percentage that is affected with the problem, which can be repaired. I myself undertake some fairly deep diving and was thinking it may be a good idea to have a check done as a matter of course. I do have private health care and was wondering if anyone else has been referred by their GP to have the check done because they thought it a good idea? I have had a HSE medical with no problem, though I think the test for a PFO is something quite different to whats included in the medical.

[Hyperbaric]

<font color='#0000FF'>John,

I'm not sure if your private health care would cover the cost of a PFO test as having one without symptoms is not a health problem (around 25% have one). It is for this reason that you cannot get a test &quot;just in case&quot; on the NHS - which I think everyone would agree is quite sensible considering the lack of resources. Diagnosis is not 100% accurate, either.

I think the cost of getting a test done is around £200, could be wrong though. That is for Trans-Thoracic Echocardiography (TTE) which is non-invasive - very similar to an ultrasound during pregnancy.

Also, if you find that you do have a significant PFO, the repair will cost even more. And although relatively safe, it is still heart surgery!

If you do get bent, then you can get the test on the NHS for free &nbsp;

[peter k]

HB,
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Does the NHS repair 'em for free as well or do you need to go private for that bit?


Peter

[Hyperbaric]

<font color='#0000FF'>Peter,

Fairly certain that the NHS only covers the cost of the test... but I will ask the docs here. Keep your fingers crossed &nbsp;

[johnmaneely]

Thanks for the advice, Just hope I never get a bend to justify having the test.

[Helen F H]

<font color='#000080'>I was told i would have to get bent to find out if i have a PFO, even though i have had two incidents of &quot;possible&quot; bends following dives (wasnt seen by a doc who had ever seen a diver)

Nice huh?

[Phill]

Originally Posted by [b

Quote[/b] (peter k @ Feb. 04 2004,13:26)]HB,
     Does the NHS repair 'em for free as well or do you need to go private for that bit?


Peter

? You don't do you ?

[Doug Parker]

Wahaaaaaay. &nbsp;I've just got a letter from The cardiothoracic dept in Liverpool telling me that my PFO closure is 24th February. &nbsp;I'm going to start gibbering now as this means i can get on with some proper diving and stop poncing about at less than 32m. &nbsp;And it's not costing me a penny, i knew there was a reason for paying National insurance contributions. &nbsp;Apparently the surgeon doing it is the expert that Wilmshurst trusts to do it properly. &nbsp;I don't want any deep medical explanations off any of you lot giving me all the gory details of what's going to happen, i'll be unconcious so i couldn't give a shit. &nbsp;And i still get to do Stoney on the 21st (tempting fate or what) with you lot. &nbsp;

Adrian. I didn't ask for this bloke, i got sent to him rather than finding out who was the best person for the job during a conversation down the pub.

[Adrian Kelland]

Originally Posted by [b

Quote[/b] (DougParker @ Feb. 05 2004,07:19)]Adrian. I didn't ask for this bloke, i got sent to him rather than finding out who was the best person for the job during a conversation down the pub.

Hope all goes well Doug

[peter k]

Originally Posted by [b

Quote[/b] (Adrian Kelland @ Feb. 05 2004,07:42)]

Hope all goes well Doug

I'll second that !

Peter