Posted by Carl Plaskett on December 29, 2002 at 14:23:59:
In Reply to: Can't join the Maze Club posted by Gene May on December 29, 2002 at 11:27:47:
Gene: I wouldn't worry about joining the "Maze Club", but concentrate on joining the "Afib-Free Club" WITH a healthy heart.
I agree with Mike, if your valve repair and bypass were successful, start thinking about getting an ablation AT THE CC! It would be foolish of a doctor to go back into your heart to do the maze after already having had the opportunity while he had you on the pump with your heart "open". If an ablation or 2 at the CC are not successful, the maze is always still an option.
Get an accurate report as to WHY your surgeon didn't do the maze and forward your records to the CC. You may find that your doctor just decided that he didn't want you to be his "first" maze or that he felt that you had been on the "pump" long enough. You will probably have a much better feeling about him once you hear his explanation.
Try to focus on what WAS accomplished by this surgery and not worry about spending more money. NSR is worth more than you can imagine, and if your doctor will support you going to the CC because local treatment is not an option, perhaps your health insurance carrier will go along with his recommendation.