Posted by Ed Wehan on October 24, 2002 at 23:33:02:
In Reply to: Need to make a decision posted by Bob Evans on October 24, 2002 at 16:58:51:
Well Bob, you sound like many of us. I don't want to downplay your concerns because they are real and many of us had them. Like you, I had AFib for many years and I finally became drug resistant. I found out about the maze, researched it extensively, figured out which hospital and surgeon was best for me and went for it. I figured the only option was to slowly die from the effects of this disease and certainly continue to lose my quality of life. I went to CC and Dr. McCarthy because their stats were really good. I live in California but what's a trip to Cleveland. There is always the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Anyway, the surgery went well. Dr. McCarthy actually thought about releasing me after three days but I am not sure I was for that. I did leave at 4 days. I never had pain nor discomfort just weakness due to the surgery. But, everyday I gained in strength. I flew back to the West Coast at six days and recovered here at home. I will tell you that many of us endure AFib for awhile after surgery until the incisions heal so be prepared for that. At two weeks, I was walking a couple of miles. At six months, I ran a 50 mile race.
A couple of us keep in touch with Dr. McCarthy a little and as far as I know his success rate is about 98% and he has no mortality with the maze.
I understand your concerns but I also know what AFib does both in the short and long term. I would do it again. Certainly, an ablation with pacemaker is out. It doesn't cure AFib. You will still have the risks of stroke.
I think that if you contact the doctors at CC or the ones at the hospital closest to you, you can get quite bit of additional information. Just remember, they will talk to you so just call and ask questions. Best of luck. Feel free to contact me directly if you choose.