Posted by Harry Small on May 19, 2001 at 10:52:42:
To make a long story short--I have HCM and developed A-fib about 5 years ago. I had tried all rhythm medications to include Betapace, Amiodarone, and the new drug Tikosyn. None would convert me to NSR or after electro-cadioversion maintain NSR. My chest pains. dizziness, and loss of strength and stamina finally brought me to the decision to undergo the Maze Procedure. My doctor, Mark Cohen is the Chief of Cardiology at St Josephs Hospital in Atlanta and he recommed me to Dr McCarthy at the Cleveland Clinic. All my records and tests were forwarded to his office about 2weeks ago and I waited with a bit of apprehension to hear if I would have the Maze Procedure and if so, when. Yesterday I was called by Dr McCarthy's scheduling folks and give a date to come to Cleveland for surgery. Talk about recieving a shock--not only are they going to do the Maze Procedure but also a Mitral Valve replacement, a bypass, and finally a Myectomy to reduce the size of the obstruction caused by the HCM-- four for the price of one--lucky me! Actually, it is a real blessing to have all four procedures being done at once and not have to face another open heart operation in the near future. I am very pleased with my dealings with The Cleveland Clinic and Dr Mccarthy's staff. I will start testing the 6th of June and have surgery on the 12th. We plan on staying at the Guest House at the clinic. I have tried to follow all the postings of you that have been to the clinic--any advice you have or things you think I need to be aware of--please don't hesitate to post a message to me. I want to take time to thank all of you who have taken the time to share your experiences here on the board--it made my decision much easier and I now have a better feeling as to what to expect. God Gless Harry