Posted by Bob McKee on May 21, 2002 at 20:55:56:
In Reply to: Help.I don't know what to do ! posted by Laura Wood on May 21, 2002 at 18:20:07:
Well Laura ,I know where you are coming from. I was diagnosed with a-fib in 1994. After congestive heart failure, I was on different meds to control a-fib. Most worked for a while but all were temporary fixes. I went to Pittsburgh,Pa. to find more help. They were starting a program to test a new defibrillator to control a-fib. This device was a defibrillator/pacemaker in one unit. It eventually received FDA approval. It worked to some extent but the trial found it only helped 50% of the patients. I wasn't one of them. The doctor wanted to try an ablation on me but I went to the Cleveland Clinic to get a second opinion and decided the Maze was my best option. My echocardiograms showed significant improvement after the operation and I'm thoroughly satisified with the decision to have it done. It has been 4 weeks since the operation and I'm still on meds until my heart and chest heal. I haven't felt this good for years. Whether the Maze is for you is a decision you have to make. Don't be afraid to seek a second opinion. It sure made a difference in my life. Best wishes to you and hang in there. There is hope for you.