Posted by Carl Plaskett on February 17, 2003 at 07:06:51:
In Reply to: Follow up was a disaster! posted by Sarah on February 17, 2003 at 01:46:09:
Sarah: I guess some of us have been luckier than others. I was referred to the CC by my EP, (who I learned nearly 2 years later, had been on the Review Committee at Washington Univ.in '86, when Dr. Cox proposed the first Maze surgery, and had been very much opposed to it). Obviously, he was open-minded, and STILL thinks the Cox Maze III is the best "sure" cure and has referred dozens of patients from FL to Dr. Cox, and now the CC. After my referring EP referred me to Dr. McCarthy, he moved to another town, so I was followed-up by his former partner, who I had never met until my first post-maze visit on post-surgery day 11. He was equally enthusiastic, and had me visit with another prospective mazer who was also in the office.
My FORMER cardiologist, who I dumped when I self-referred to the EP above, and who I see socially (not by choice) periodically, still thinks the Maze is "experimental", "overkill for a 'benign' condition". I have to resist getting physical when he takes that attitude. I guess we have got to face it, there are too many physicians who are unwilling to accept change or "competition". It is up to the patients to find the "good" ones.
It looks like you and Pati have found one who finds the time to do the follow-up needed. It APPEARS as though most PVA/PVI patients have needed little follow-up except for the 3 or 6 month check for stenosis at the CC.
The follow-up (unsolicited) I received from Dr. Hammer, at the CC was very helpful and timely, so if he is following PVI patients as well, ask for him. Otherwise, perhaps some other PVI/PVA vets will volunteer the names of who followed up with them at the CC, and those doctors accessibility.