Posted by Carl Plaskett on March 04, 2002 at 21:14:11:
In Reply to: Maze and symptoms posted by Vivian on March 04, 2002 at 20:21:09:
Vivian:
I don't know how long you have had afib, what drug therapies you have already tried, how old you are, or what "afib triggers" you experience.I also had the same symptoms you describe whenever I was in afib, AFTER it became chronic. When it first began, I just thought it was the result of extremely tough biking or swimming workouts.
Amiodarone was my last drug, and the side effects didn't hit me hard until between 12-18 months after starting it. At that time, I knew the maze was the answer for me.
That was 16 months ago, and I had my maze almost 14 months ago and have not experienced afib since leaving the hospital.
You, on the other hand, may benefit from some of the remarkable strides which have been made at some centers such as the Cleveland Clinic, with new ablation and maze techniques. I would encourage you to get your records to one of these leading facilities so they might evaluate what might best work for you.
Amiodarone and cardioversion are NOT cures, and afib is likely to come on an ever more frequent basis as you continue these treatments.
I am surprised to hear that an Internist is recommending the maze to you. I would only expect that from an up-to-date Electrophysiologist. It sounds as though this guy is good (unless he has a friend to whom he wants to give referrals- excuse my cynicism). If he wants you to go to someone with lots of successful maze experience, my hat's off to him!