Update 15 months Post Maze

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Posted by Sharee Berry on November 16, 2002 at 22:26:34:

It has been a while, Five months I think, since I have posted on this Board. I have been somewhat reluctant to do so as my postop. recovery has been somewhat atypical. I hesitate to say that my Maze was unsuccessful, more so because I'm not yet willing to accept the fact that it was a failure. Having undergone such a huge surgery such as the Maze plus a mitral valve repair, one hopes that the outcome would be worth it. Having said all that, I will just briefly summarize what I have been going through.

Three months postop, I experienced A fib/flutter with heart rates not as fast as prior to my surgery (140s as compared to over 200). I have had episodes two or three times monthly every since my surgery. However, I have avoided having to be electrically cardioverted, and most of the episodes have been relativey brief, the longest bout lasting 24 hours, some 5 - 6 hours or less. I have been able to stop taking amiodarone, and have been on Tambocor for rate control and Coumadin. Three months ago, I started doing aerobic exercise (Jazzercise) one hour a day, four days a week. The first week of doing this aerobic exercise, I went into A fib about two hours after exercising. However,for the past two months,I have been exercising without experiencing the A fib. - I say that with fingers crossed!

My electrophysiologist has suggested a flutter ablation, and I am waiting for an EP trained in this procedure to come to my area which should be soon. In the meantime, I am exercising, and feeling great. My exercise capacity is much better than before my surgery, and all in all I am still glad I had it. I have appreciated all the comments on this Board, and have taken great comfort in reading the posts.

Just thought some of you might be interested to know that I have not dropped off the face of the earth, and that I am living a happy life, better than before my surgery at least.

Sharee Berry


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