Posted by Carl Plaskett on January 18, 2002 at 15:09:04:
In Reply to: chronic AF and MAZE posted by Frank Roylance on January 17, 2002 at 15:33:58:
Frank: I am glad to read that you are "coping well" with your current treatment regimen. Many of us thought we were also "coping well", but the side effects were sometimes so slow in appearing, we didn't realize how bad we felt until after our maze surgeries.
I agree with Ed and Rob, both of whom have had dramatic life changes in the last year (as have I), when they comment on the risk/reward scenarios. You say you are waiting for "the research to pay off with a less invasive procedure with a sterling track record". Gee, I think you will be a good deal older when such a procedure has such a record! How long a record does it have to have to be "sterling"?
Ed, Rob, myself, and dare I say ALL of the maze recipients in the last 5 years or so wish they could have done it earlier!Keep reading this board daily, as we are all looking for new, improved solutions to afib, but on the whole, know that the maze, and the improvements being made in the maze surgery, continue to make it the best "cure" for the greatest percentage of patients in the foreseeable (sp?) future. It IS the "Gold Standard" by which all other treatments will be measured!
If you have been on the same drugs for 5 years or so, and are comfortable with how you can do what you want to do, you probably should just continue as you are. I would suggest that you watch carefully for any changes in your ability to climb stairs or other such exercise, shortness of breath, vision changes, and don't do things which might result in a blow to your head-NOT good when you are on Coumadin! Also, since you are taking a calcium channel blocker (Verapamil) you should not consume grapefruit or its' juice. (I assume you are taking it for high blood pressure?).
If you develop an exercise intolerance, shortness of breath, or dizziness, it COULD be because of an enlarged atria, which is not uncommon among afibbers, which will probably mean a significant reduction in your ejection fraction (pumping efficiency of your heart).
(I just discovered that I inserted a couple of paragraphs in the middle of my post, and since I don't seem to be able to "Edit" the post with "cut and paste", I apologize for the error).
- Re: chronic AF and MAZE Frank Roylance 15:58:28 1/18/2002 (1)
- Re: chronic AF and MAZE Jack Drum 16:08:27 1/18/2002 (0)