Posted by Carl Plaskett on February 09, 2003 at 08:58:01:
In Reply to: Additional Maze Preparation Questions posted by Jim Matthews on February 08, 2003 at 22:59:48:
Jim: I would recommend flying, UNLESS layovers might make the trip too long. I flew w/one short layover, about 6 HRS total. Water retention in one's legs is pretty common post heart surgery, and sitting for long periods might be a little uncomfortable. Tim Hawkins' wife drove him back to Albuquerque, so perhaps he will shed some light on how they did it.
Ask them at the CC to try to remove the ventilator
before you awake. I had to write a note to get it removed when I awoke with it down my throat.I was plagued with sinus infections whenever I flew until after my maze, when the coughing from a post nasal drip was really uncomfortable. I had arrived at the CC with one, and was concerned that they would not do the maze, but they weren't concerned since I had no fever. A week after returning home, I was prescribed Zythromax, which knocked it out. A month or so later, it came back (after flying) and I took another round. I have flown many times since in the last 22 months and never had another sinus infection. The second time, I believe the Zythomax might have caused atrial flutter, but I was cardioconverted and it was no big deal. Being rid of a chronic sinus problem is really great.
Look into getting a Tempurpedic pillow (see them at Brookstone stores-buy them on eBay). Using one of these to support your ribs when you lie on your side is really helpful. I believe one's weight is also a factor in how well you can sleep in a bed post maze. If you are overweight, like I was then, moving in bed without some support under the side of your chest hurts, but it is a small inconvenience when you are cured of afib!