Posted by Steve Giddings on April 26, 2001 at 14:23:56:
In Reply to: Post Maze Lifestyle posted by Ed Wehan on April 26, 2001 at 14:17:29:
I had the maze procedure done almost two years ago, Jan 7,1999. I exercise at least as hard as I did prior to surgery, now with no fear that activities may put me into AF. I row competitively. My training includes 60-90 minutes steady state 5-6 times times per week Mostly UT1, 75-85% of heart rate reserve, some sort of interval work at least once a week, the type varying depending on my training peirod. I do at least 20 minutes of stretching every day and had been doing weight training in addition, 2 x 45-60 minutes per week, however my strength and weight are at a point that both are greater than my cardiac or muscle endurance, so I have stopped the weights and just do body circuits after I row/erg and stretch. I am faster on the erg and on the water than I was within the 10 years prior to surgery.
Just apoint of caution. I lost a LOT of strength with the surgery and found formal weight training a very helpful adjunct to recovery. I didn't believe in weights much before, but I am a convert, particulary for folks who have been sedentary and are starting to exercise or start a new sport, folks over the age of 50 and for rehab/recovery from illness or injury. (I didn't pay much attention to stretching either After two significant muscle tears, I've taken that up as well.)
I stopped all alcohol use a long time ago, found I didn't miss it, so continue to abstain. I never stopped caffeine except for a trial period (it didn't make a difference and I enjoyed my morning coffee too much to quit, so I still drink it).
I had one episode of atrial flutter this fall that required electrical cardioversion. Otherwise, I haven't had any tachycardias since surgery,even short, self limited ones
I pretty much do whatever I want to do. I work hard, I play hard, I exercise and compete with abandon. I don't have to worry about my protime/INR. I don't have episodes of bleeding from any orifices that require evaluation. I am forever grateful to the surgeon who did the surgery (James Cox), the staff at Georgetown who put up with me while I was there and I thank God every day for having the opportunity to get the af fixed.