Heart screening

[Under Lights]

I would fully advise everyone, active in sport or not to get one of these screenings. A few months ago my club organised for Healthy Hearts- Tony McEntees company- to come out and scan. An ECG. A quick and completely painless method of scanning for heart defects.
I was called back to Crossmaglen for a follow up Ultra Sound. After the Ultra Sound I was referred on to see a specialist. The appointment was Monday. I had to get a transesophageal echocardiogram> basically a small camera down my throat to get a closer scan of the heart.
I was diagnosed with an atrial septal aneurysm. Two holes in my heart and where there was suppose to be a solid wall is a loose flexible wall. I actively play football- training three times a week- and when the county board could be bothered I have play a game at the weekend.

The next process for me is the specialist is consulting with another specialist then one of the following happens:
1. The old wait and see- annual assessment on the situation- fingers crossed its this option
2. Surgery
3. Be on blood thinners the rest of my life- nightmare this- no contact sports allowed. Any bleeding is a nightmare to stop and internal bleeding impossible.

So once again I urge you to all get yourself checked out.

Under Lights

I am heading to the doctors now to see my next course of action. One of the two specialists that have consulted over the case has recommended the surgery.

I have been training and playing away as normal. I know some people on here have had the surgery. What is the length of time I will be out for?

Done something stupid and Doctor Googled the surgery. Is it true you have to be awake for it? 

[manballandall]

Won't be out too long. Everyone's recovery time is different but fitter you are the better. Few months max then introduce it bit by bit again. Yes, they need you awake so heart is in as normal state as possible but heavily seduced, never felt a thing and seemed like only 5 mins I was there. I was telling the nurse I was defibrillator trained if she needed a hand ffs. Best decision you will ever make. No regrets , get it done

[manballandall]

Sent you a PM there Under Lights

[The Worker]

Is there a cost to the club in getting these men out ? Or is it a set fee 30/35 per player tested?

[hurlingstick]

Can these things develop as a young adult? If someone was screened clear at 20 and was now 30 should they get screened again? 

[manballandall]

Hurling stick, the simple answer is I don't know . A lot of them are there from childhood but not sure if they can or cannot develop at a later stage.
I'm still not sure how they can tell when they develop ?
I had my surgery and given the all clear but advised to have screening done every few years. I'm sure I will be more probe due to history but better to be safe than sorry would be my advice .

[hurlingstick]

Just, some of the points on here are so common with me. Short of breath for days after football. Palpitations after drinking.

[manballandall]

http://lovebelfast.co.uk/2015/03/10/mark-mcmullans-bring-him-home-from-les-miserables-to-his-brother-declan/

If this doesn't make you get tested, what will. Thus is the same syndrome I was diagnosed with.

[hurlingstick]

Scary stuff!! From reading the article it seems you grow up with it. I'm 30 and had a heart scan about 10 years ago. It was clear so I'm hoping I'm ok. From reading other articles a heavy feed of drink can cause heart problems for some people.

[Milltown Row2]

Scary stuff!! From reading the article it seems you grow up with it. I'm 30 and had a heart scan about 10 years ago. It was clear so I'm hoping I'm ok. From reading other articles a heavy feed of drink can cause heart problems for some people.

Whether you've a good heart or not, a heavy feed of drink will give ya heart problems