Posted by Carl Plaskett on August 18, 2002 at 22:38:27:
In Reply to: living with a-fib for 6 wks thinks of maze-help posted by Margie on August 18, 2002 at 19:42:51:
Margie: As Ed said, "WOW!" A doctor exists out there who mentions the Cox Maze early on in his treatment options. As we have learned, there are quite a few good maze surgeons available around the country and perhaps you live near one of them.
If I were you, I would want to know how many maze procedures/cures have been done by whomever you might be considering.
I can sure be empathetic about the effects of afib and the drugs. The idea of dealing with these for a number of years is ridiculous when a cure is available. Ed and I were both sorry we didn't learn of the maze success sooner since we both would have probably been afib-free earlier. I guess we could chastise Jack Drum for not starting this board sooner, but it would only be in jest!! If not for Jack, & his board, I might not have screwed up the courage to try the maze. After being at the Cleveland Clinic while about 7-8 other mazes were being done, I realized that this cure really is a well-kept secret, with very low risk relative to a life of meds and afib.
My hat is off to your progressive cardiologist. You need to post his name/town for the benefit of others who might benefit from his care.