Posted by John W. Gross on May 22, 2002 at 11:57:49:
In Reply to: Help.I don't know what to do ! posted by Laura Wood on May 21, 2002 at 18:20:07:
Laura,
You are right about the harmful effects of the medicine you are on.Here is a post I made in this regard a few weeks ago: "I was on Tambocor (this is another name for the same drug you are on) for three months prior to MAZE surgery and had a very adverse reaction to this drug. After a few weeks I lost my ability to taste food, lost my appetite (and thirty pounds), in addition my nervous system was severely affected. I became extremely anxious. I then was admitted to a hospital where they monitored me as they changed my medicine to betapace. This got me feeling well enough for the MAZE surgery a few months later."
The longer I was on this drug the worse I felt.
Have you tried to get the names of patients that had the MAZE surgery done at Papworth Hospital? I was able to speak over the phone with several people who had the MAZE procedure before deciding to have the MAZE and it help a great deal. Some had the surgery as long as six years previously and all were doing fine (no A-Fib). I am almost three years post MAZE surgery with no A-Fib. We all sympathize with you knowing how bad you feel when in A-Fib. As you research your options you will know what is the best choice for you.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
John W. Gross