Posted by Rob Hamill on April 30, 2001 at 20:34:55:
In Reply to: Re: Not Ready for the Maze Yet? posted by Jerry on April 30, 2001 at 20:34:00:
I too had been a terrific athelete even during my early afib years in college. I was a ski race coach and destroyed the moguls. Now at 47, I have noticed that my left atria is enlarging after at least 7 years of chronic. I still ski, kayak, bike, and jog some, but I am putting on weight. I have mentally decided to go through with the maze, and every time I look at my family, I can't bear to think of not being there for them. If the mortality rates are as low as I hear from the operation, I think it is a good risk/reward to do the maze. I am a money manager by trade. My ep doctor is dead set against this and talked me out of Cox's office 3 years ago, but everyone has to eventually face this decision alone.
I think that fairly regular swimming has been the best medicine for keeping me healthy. My ejection % is 65% which I'm told is good.
The dread that I face now going in to the operation could very well transform my life afterwards not just in physical terms but also spiritual terms.It could free my being to listen to my soul more.