Posted by Murry on February 26, 2003 at 12:23:25:
In Reply to: Recent Ablations anyone....? posted by Sarah on February 26, 2003 at 00:03:02:
He appears to be doing quite well per his recent post at afibbers.com . . .
Thank you, Jim, and crew for the comments. I have been home from Cleveland for 1 week and had the radiofrequency pulmonary vein ablation using the 8 mm catheters. I expected to have soreness from the catheter sites and was not disappointed! The crew was very caring and professional.
I have had no afib since the procedure. This is very rare for me! Also, I am slowly getting my energy back.... still have bouts of being quite tired but I was told this was to be expected. I was told that the stenosis possibility was less than 2%. They will recheck in May. I have been loading up on coumadin and have my INR at 2.5, which is where they recommend. I have had a few short bursts of of fast rhythm (140-150) for a few seconds. Today I had 2 in a row and so I used my call-in arrythmia device to Cleveland where a very nice Doctor listened and told me I was still in NSR.
I am not sure what the total cost of my procedure will be, Jim. I'll let you know when I find out.... My heart now beats at 72-80 beats per minute (before the procedure I had was beating at 44-53.... mostly due to the corgard and lanoxin.... and that I run 3 miles a day on the treadmill).
They seemed to feel that I might be cured on the first ablation. I certainly hope so. My left atria was not "deranged" and everything was fine structurally. I cannot say enough good things about Dr. Natale. He handled me with care, understanding and his professional abilities were awe inspiring for me. My best to you all.....
Rev. Allen