Posted by Don Haynsworth on May 31, 2002 at 21:27:31:
In Reply to: Worried in NC posted by John Brown on May 29, 2002 at 20:21:38:
John, Everyone has pretty much said it all thus far in response to your post. I'll add that I'm 73 years of age, and had Afib for over 20 years. My cardiologist told me years ago that it would only get worse with age. He is right, but he always told me not to do the Maze. Too risky, not enough long term data, medication is safer, etc. I never talked to any doctor who would recommend the Maze, and that includes one cardiologist surgeon that I played golf with. He also said, "Don't do it!" Anyway with the help of the information on this board, I made the decision to just go for it. I was so very sick and tired of the fibrillation and medications. Eight weeks ago I did the Maze at LDS hospital in Salt Lake City (Dr. Millar). I won't say it was a piece of cake for me, particularly at my age. But today I played my first post Maze round of golf -9 holes- from the "senior tees." I have been Afib free since the surgery, although I have had some periods of benign premature atrial and venticular contractions. These are gradually disappearing as my heart heals. To sum up, I wish I'd done the maze years ago, and I wish I had had a doctor who would have supported me in my decision to do the surgery (I now have a new cardiologist and internist). I had some rough days at first with 10 days in the LDS Hospital. But I'm old, and probably didn't bounce back like most who have the surgery at a younger age. Anyway, I am so glad that I did the Maze. I now see the golden light at the end of the tunnel, and am looking forward to 10 to 15 years of a very active life style, instead of the hermit like existing I was slipping in to as the Afib gradually worsened.
Good luck with your Maze, and keep us posted. Don
- Re: Worried in NC Carl Plaskett 23:27:51 5/31/2002 (0)