Hello, I am a 44 year old male who, until relatively recently, has been very fit all of his life, playing various sports, particularly football until only a couple of years ago. My problem started at the beginning of 2009 when suddenly I lost all vision in my right eye. There was no pain and no warning signs this was going to happen as I had no previous health problems. This lasted for about 3 mins until the vision returned as quickly as it went.
I had a number of similar episodes over the next few months including what I can only describe as a curtain dropping down in my eye (always the right eye). I was examined by various specialists and was diagnosed with Amaurosis Fugax and placed on medication (aspirin and ezetimibe). Afterwards I felt that my physical strength had diminished a little but still felt relatively fit.
I was free of any further symptoms for 3 years until a similar episode of loss of vision in September 2012 and after further examinations my medication was changed ( chlopidigrel and rusovostatin). I felt that I was getting tired very easily and was finding it hard to concentrate at times. Again I was symptom free for about a year until I suffered a further loss of sight in my right eye (October 2013). Not only did I lose my sight, I also lost coordination in my legs, I had 'tingling' in my right fingers and leg. I was admitted to hospital where I was told I was having a stroke. At this point I felt completely drained of all energy, I was sleeping most of the day, I had no strength in my arms or legs and was extremely 'moody'. Over the next few weeks I underwent further examinations including a transoesophogal echocardiogram and it was discovered I had a Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO) which it was explained is a 'hole in the heart' and was probably where small blood clots are forming.
I underwent an MRI scan recently and it was found I had a 'white spot' on the left side of my brain which was explained May be a restriction in the blood flow. I have been referred to a cardiologist and a neurologist for further consultation but I have to wait a significant time before my appointments. I am extremely worried as I have never had anything like this before, I am not allowed to work (I am a police officer of 23 years with minimal sickness) and do not know what is likely to happen.
Any advice would be welcome.
Kind regards,
Eamonn
posted on
Sat, 22 Feb 2014

Wed, 23 Jul 2014
Answered on

Thu, 24 Jul 2014
Last reviewed on