Thanks to those who understood where my question was coming from. I was truly surprised at some of the posts that came across that I'm some kind of idiot for asking the question in the first place. It reminded me of years ago when women who had mastectomies could be contacted by an organization called "Reach for Recovery," but only if their physicans approved. While the doctor (usually male at that time) could offer his version of the medical aspect, it's not as if he was likely to experience the different symptoms first-hand.

And by the way, all I've seem to have done lately is talk to physicians, so it's not as if I weren't covering all those bases, also! And for the record, I'm a 49-year-old (hence the screen name) woman who happens to feel quite fit!

twina49
Not real sure about this, but in re-reading the posts, I think the difference is between man and woman. It seems to be the men that say, "are you kidding? Just ask your doctor" and the women who say,"Let me support your feelings, I do understand" Could be wrong, that just my take.

Twina49, just make sure you write down any advice you get concerning your medical condition from on-line strangers, and run those tips by your doctor to make sure they are okay for you in your condition.

Also since this is a recent diagnosis, I recommend you spend time reserching your condition...get some books about the heart.

Maybe you aren't sure why you are here on fodors. Maybe you don't know what you're looking to hear but you're concerned about flying and you're looking for reassurance and support. I wish you well.

Twina49,

Sorry your simple question has really gotten blown way up. I am a paramedic. During my career I spent several years as a flight paramedic on both fixed wing (private and commercial carriers) and rotor wing.

I don't believe clots to be your greatest concern. Clots are something all travelers should consider when their legs are in a fixed position for long (hours) periods of time. If your MD is concerned about clots he/she would advise Baby aspirin every day or prescribe a blood thinner, such as coumadin (sorry about the spelling, I said I was a paramedic, not a English major )

The concern I see is oxygen. At higher elevations the oxygen molecules are father apart. So if you have a slight leak of un-oxygenated blood from the right ventricle (which sends the blood to the lungs for oxygen) to the left ventricle which has blood full of oxygen you may find yourself light headed.

I don't know if this would happen, but it is the only concern I know of based on your condition. All airlines carry Oxygen bottles for emergency use. You may ask your MD about this. Another possibility is getting your own bottle for the flight. You may want to contact the airline about this to ensure you can bring it on board or if they will supply one.

If you want more information please contact me. I have worked with NWA on their equipment.

areinert, I believe she said her defect was betwwen the upper chambers of her heart.

ummmm, I dont recall a condition of the atruim that has a hole. It is usually the septum (wall between the two sides). The logic would still apply.

Well, I am a medical professional and can assure you that I understand your intentions as to getting information from "people who may have a similar condition.'

Unfortunately, hearing from people with a similar condition is not a substitute for hearing from a professional who is totally familiar with YOUR PARTICULAR condition.

Giving out any sort of "medical advice" can be a violation of local practice act laws and regulations and there's a good reason for that..YOUR ultimate safety and welfare.

Swallow the hurt and the wounded pride and spare yourself from any further grief and possible dangerous misinformation.

And, by the way, are you planning on telling your cardiologist that you asked for this sort of information here????