Posted by Carl Plaskett on March 23, 2002 at 22:57:25:
In Reply to: 23 days post maze posted by Harley Gilmore on March 23, 2002 at 21:34:24:
Harley: It is good to see you back posting on the board, with confidence that these problems will all "shake out" with a little time. I was not aware that you have been taking an antibiotic. I believe some others besides me found that their heart rates went up with the use of some of these meds. I went into aflutter some 2 months post maze when I was given Zithromax for a sinus infection. My EP didn't think the drug was the cause, but it happened within a couple of hours from my first (double) dose, and my Physician's Desk Reference says it can (less commonly) cause "heart palpitations". Given that one's heart has gone through some rather severe trauma during the maze procedure, anything else which MAY affect one's heart rate/rhythym during recovery could be the "straw that breaks the camel's back" and increases rate/rhythym more than would be normal after this procedure.
I admire you for getting out and trying to walk under cold,wet conditions. Here I complained about having to walk hard in my second week when it was about 45-50 (cold) here in FL. I guess I had it lucky and didn't know it.
I was amazed when I spoke with Regina right after your surgery, to learn that you ended up with the quadruple bypass. I guess you really feel blessed for somehow being led to investigate the maze on your own and end up in Cleveland in the hands of super surgeons. You must be living right!
As Sharee said, it will soon be over. Remember, that just a couple of months ago she was very worried that she was having similar problems, and then suddenly, they stopped. This has happened to many folks who have just had the Maze alone. You had one heck of a lot more than the Maze. Just keep up your rehab and we will pray for your quick recovery to permanent NSR.