Posted by Sharee Berry on December 27, 2001 at 19:16:08:
In Reply to: Re: Maze 12-4-01 posted by TC on December 27, 2001 at 15:23:40:
TC:
To answer your questions, yes, the episodes of A fib have been different post maze. The first time I went into A fib after the maze was about two months postop. My A fib is also very rapid, and I had not been able to convert on my own at home prior to my surgery. Knowing this, I went to the ER the first time. I was converted with IV Lopressor and one 25mg. tablet by mouth. After talking to my electrophysiologist who reviewed my EKG strips, he said that the A fib was different because it was not sustained. In other words, I would have 12 beats or so of A fib, then NSR, and so on until I was converted with the medication within about an hour. I also was not lightheaded or dizzy and did not feel like passing out (symptoms I always had pre maze). I have since had maybe three or four episodes of A fib at home, but I have been able to convert with a 25mg. tablet of Lopressor within about 45 minutes to an hour.I have also had "skipped beats" post maze, but my EP doc says they are totally benign PVCs. I usually only feel these at night when lying on my left side. I hardly ever feel them during the day anymore. I am now almost five months post maze.
I hope this answers your questions. I get the impression from reading the messages posted and from talking to my physicians that it is not uncommon to have a few episodes of A fib post maze up to six months. They should taper off after that.
I always can tell the difference between A fib and PVCs. My A fib/flutter is defined by a very rapid heart rate (SVT).
Hope this answers your questions, TC. Good luck to you and hope you are soon experiencing less and less A fib.
Sharee Berry
- Re: Maze 12-4-01 TC 12:25:43 12/28/2001 (1)
- Re: Maze 12-4-01 Sharee Berry 22:37:36 12/28/2001 (0)