Maze tomorrow...1st posting, 46 cardioversions.

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Posted by Troy Clement, New Orleans on March 27, 2002 at 00:41:57:

Hi everyone. This story should be an eye popper for all afibbers, mazers, and any cardiomyopathy patients. I have been following this message board for about a year now, but this is my first posting of many to come. I will keep everyone updated on my progress with the Maze I am having tomorrow. It's been tough making the decision to go forward with the Maze, but the time has come and surgery will be Wednesday, March 27th, 2002. I have interviewed cardiologist across the U.S. and have selected Patrick McCarthy at the Cleveland Clinic to perform mine. I am travelling from New Orleans to have this done. My history is unique, very unique. I am a 34 year old male with a pre-existing hereditary condition that I was born with. My afib started 7 years ago. The other condition I have is genetic, and hereditary, and is called Hypertrophic Obstructive Cardiomyopathy. This is an thickening of the Septum wall muscle that creates an obstruction in the left ventrical by the aortic valve where blood exits the to the body. This makes my afib even more symptomatic than a normal heart. All my cardiologist (I've seen well over 20 during my 34 years) say I have undoubtebly set a world record of 46 cardioversions to date in just 7 years. Any contenders out there? Fours years ago, I had an "alcohol ablation" to help the cardiomyopathy. I had been selected to be the 12th patient in the U.S. to recieve the experimetal procedure....but I waited and inteviewed many recipients first, eventually becoming the 44th patient in U.S. by the only Dr. in the states that did it, Dr. William Spencer. The procedure was a huge success, and relieved my symptoms which closely resembled afib. I am now active again, racing motorcycles both motocross and roadracing which are rigourous and aerobic sports. But, I still have afib, more often than ever, and I cannot and will not tolerate afib anymore as I am highly symtomatic in it and the events are becoming more frequent. I cannot however, continue getting my heart shocked out of afib either, which seems to be occuring at 14 day intervals now and shortening. I waited to see great results, trial study reports, and personal testimonials on my first experimetal procedure, and this is what I have done with the maze. I believe I have found plenty enough supporting evidence that the Maze will do the trick. In addition to setting records with 46 cardioversions, I am also a pioneer being that I am the only patient known at this time to have Cardiomyopathy, received the experimetal alcohol ablation, and will have received the Maze. New territory, and the Doctors are anxious to see my outcome. Oh...I'm also having mitral valve repair for mitral valve regurgitation due to damage caused by the increased in pressure in the left ventricle due to the obstruction in the outflow tract.....the pressure has been forcing blood back into the mitral valve.

My experience at the Cleveland Clinic with thier personnel, facility, and processes they have are remarkable. Although I have been reluctant to have this procedure, I am more confident now than ever that this is the right choice. I was also blessed to have met, and witnessed Harley Gilmore from Seattle go into and out of surgery after his Maze when I was here at the clinic a month ago for my first interview with everyone for evaluation. Harley was remarkable with his strength and his courage unwaiving. He gave me strength and support to decide to move forward. It was a wonderful experience for me to be by his bedside immediately after surgery and see all his perfect vitals. While Harley was unconscience, we gathered for a photo taken by the nurse, and when she said "smile and say cheese", he actually smiled! It was at that moment I knew he would be fine and it helped put my concerns for him, and myself, to rest. God was there. Please see the photo of us on my "status.com" web page. Thanks to all of you for your postings of your updates on this site, and those responsible for putting in an enormous amount of your time managing the site, and contributing your personal time in following up on the progress of us mazers, posting our progress, and offering support and blessings. Everyones' contributions is truley godsent. I too will update my progress on this message board, and you may also visit my "thestatus.com" web page. Go to the site, click on "patient log-in", enter "clement" for patient last name, and "thinking-mail" for the password. Please sign my guest book, and any postings in my "guest messages" including prayers and blessing are encourage and would be greatly appreciated. The support from our peers with this condition is an incredible uplifting. Thanks again so much for everyones support, and after I am recovered, I would enjoy answering anyone's questions or concerns regarding my experience or unique situation. I'm sure their are other Cardiomyopathy patients out there that may feel alone as the condition is rare, and everyone can count of me to help in any way I can.

Seeking NSR and praying daily for all of us.....

Troy Clement
Systems Analyst & Competetive Motorcycle Racer
New Orleans, LA.

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