Posted by Jerry on April 30, 2001 at 20:39:45:
In Reply to: Re: Not Ready for the Maze Yet? posted by Bob Reiley on April 30, 2001 at 20:38:48:
Hi Bob,
I read Dr. Cox's reply to you that you previously posted; your situation seems to be highly unique. The one thing that gave me concern was Dr. Cox's implication that heart block was something you probably had before and the maze "unmasked" it. Heart block is hard to hide. It would have shown up in any EKG prior to the maze? Unfortunately, all signs point to a possible error during the procedure that damaged your AV node. The one thing that saddens me is the ethical standards physicians go by these days.
I was "misinformed" before agreeing to my pulmonary vein RF ablation procedures. The doctor noted a 75% cure rate at this specific hospital and having done 20 procedures before me. As it turns out the cure rate is much less than 75% and I later found out that I was procedure number 15 (of the combined procedures by the 3 doctors on the staff) Our health is their business.
A pacemaker seems like a fair price for a life free of AF symptoms, fear of stroke and/or heart failure. Of course, pshycologically the price seems high since this was an unexpected situation for you but in time, if it hasn't already happened, you'll forget about the pacemaker completely. If I had some guarantee I'd take this deal in a heartbeat.
Best of health to you,
Jerry