Posted by Rob Hamill on May 01, 2001 at 18:20:52:
In Reply to: Where is everyone posted by Jack Drum on May 01, 2001 at 18:15:17:
I really hope that I am making the right decision in scheduling a maze at Cleveland. I feel fine now, and should be skiing avalanche chutes at Whiteface this weekend with my family. My problem is that I'm not all that symtomatic, but my left atrium is starting to enlarge.
Using the axiom, first do no harm, is where I am second guessing myself. I would like a future of heart health, but the downside here is potential stroke when I go off coumadin for the cath and then the surgery. The risk of stroke or death on the operating table is a possibility also. Dr Cox told me 3 years ago that the risk of complications from coumadin are much higher than the risk of the maze though.
Another unknown is, could I jeopardize my active current abilities somehow by doing the maze?
The two cardiologists that I talked to have tried to discourage me, saying that there are no current problems and leave well enough alone.
When I look at the historical data on the risks of the operation, it seems safe. I get the feeling that the success rates aren't quite as good as reported from watching this board religiously from the beginning.
I don't know if I have added much to this board other than a nervous prospective member of an elite group of mazers. Why are there so few mazes done if it is as good as it sounds?
Thanks everyone for sharing your experieces.