Posted by George on February 05, 2003 at 11:36:16:
In Reply to: I know (hope) it's coming posted by Jim on February 02, 2003 at 13:41:18:
Jim:
I don't think the doc who said you were a fool was right. Your enlargment of the atrium would be enough along with the badly leaking mitral valve to warrant the valve surgery. And why not the maze at the same time ??? That's the exact route I took. I'm older than you (66) but it seemed like a "no brainer" to me. My surgeon, who didn't quote the real high maze success rates many others do (he said 75%), said it this way: "it's 75% more of a chance than you've got now." I think the TEE ultrasound that you've already taken will tell the surgeon if yours is the type of mitral problem that can be easily repaired. I'm sure you know that that's better than replacement, because if the maze stops the AFIB (as it did with mine), you can get off the blood thinners, which you can't if you go with the durability of a mechanical valve. Even thought I'm in sinus, I'm still on coumadin 3 months after the repair/maze because my cardio feels there is always the danger of a clot until the scar tissue forms in the maze incisions. I went locally, after finding out who was the best "valve man" in the several state area. I went to Abington Hospital (suburban Phila). My surgeon was Paul Addonizio. From what I hear and read, the Cleveland Clinic is the top place. My only suggestion if you decide to move forward is to make sure you have a reclining chair. I had a lot of problems laying flat, much less turning in a bed. I slept in my recliner for 3 weeks. I think that Jack Drum, who set up this board, and all of those persons willing to share their experiences have done us all a great service. It's first hand info that you can't get from the docs. Good luck.