Update at Thanksgiving

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Posted by Roger Meyer on November 22, 2001 at 23:47:05:

I have considered Thanksgiving to be a very appropriate time to acknowledge the progress I have been making since my MAZE prodedure which was performed on August 8 at the Ohio State University Medical Center by Dr. Robert Michler and Dr. David Brown.

While I was beginning to make what I felt was normal recovery progress after the surgery while in the hospital, there were several complications that developed that extended my hospitalization to 24 days. Namely the complications were that I developed pericardial effusion which required urgent surgery (through the original incision) as well as staph sepsis which required six weeks of in-home antibiotic infusions after my 24 day hospitalization.

I had prepared myself to be very self assured that I would be among those that were quick recoverers after the surgery (and would be in NSR after the procedure). So I was disappointed to have had the complications develop and to be so weak when I was discharged and for not being in NSR (but in junctional rhythm instead) when I was discharged.

It is now three and a half months since my MAZE surgery. I have beaten the sepsis with the antibiotic infusions, have had NO return of AFib, have had my energy level return, have had my tastes for food and beverages return, have had my normal sleep patterns return, and have returned to work and my normal life patterns. I have NOT, however, returned to NSR and have been advised to return to my normal exercise/activity levels while in junctional rhythm to see how that rhythm supports my efforts. I was advised that if I ever felt dizzy or fainted these would be indications that junctional rhythm was not supporting my activity/exercise levels and consideration would be given to my receiving a pacemaker. My pulse rate at rest is in the low 60's and in the 70's when engaging in exercise.

I am pleased and thankful that to date all has been going well in my life while I am in junctional rhythm. I am most pleased, of course, to no longer be in AFib (and to not have to take Coumadin). I am thrilled that I no longer take any drugs except for a daily aspirin.

The possibility remains apparently that I may yet return to NSR. If that doesn't happen, I will be very satisfied if I can continue my active lifestyle while in junctional rhythm without having to have a pacemaker implanted. I would appreciate hearing from others who may have been left in junctional rhythm and how it has affected their return to normal life activities.

I am very thankful to have had the MAZE surgery and to no longer be in AFib. I am also very thankful for this site and the help it has been to me through this entire episode in my life. Thanks again Jack Drum.

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