Posted by Carl Plaskett on September 16, 2002 at 17:48:02:
In Reply to: Cardiologist choices posted by David Hover on September 14, 2002 at 20:38:30:
Dave: I can empasize with you, having been through a similar situation. Why not try to find out from Dr. Barnes office if anyone from your area has been referred to him for the maze, and if so, by what doctor? If you are lucky, you might find not only an up-to-speed cardiologist, but one who is familiar with follow-up for maze patients. A number of mazers have found their doctors puzzled by some of the "to-be-expected" peculiar ekg tracings found in some mazers and have been subjected to some unnecessary treatments and concern.
Once you are past the first few months, you will probably find that an EP/cardiologist will not need or want to see you more than annually, and that may only be for his information as opposed to a treatment reason, as most of us have learned.
If on the other hand, you have a successful maze, you might contribute to the education of your current doctor, which MIGHT benefit his future severe afib patients.NOTE: I know other posters to this board would like to know your access name/password at www.thestatus.com so as to keep up with your progress and to send you good wishes during your recovery. If you wish to share that, just post such a message. Those "been there-done that" messages are really helpful, as are the prayers from this support group.