Posted by Angie Strand on May 23, 2001 at 20:14:23:
Thank you to all who have given of their time and talents in making this "place" possible! I have read every post and have received much support and information! I am SO GRATEFUL!
I am scheduled for the MAZE procedure on July 9, 2001. Praise God! And, for the record, I will give some history as so what has brought me to this place.
I am a 26 year old mother of 2 - a 7 year old boy and a 3 year old girl. They are the joy of my life! They know more about AF than my Cardiologist! (I swear!) I am a recovering alcoholic of 5 years and quit smoking 2 years ago. I have had AF symptoms since I was 14 - I couldn't breathe and my chest walloped when I ran, and I thougth it was just because I smoked! Since then, the symptoms have gotten steadily worse ... noticeably when I was pregnant and bad enough to admit it to a doctor for the first time 2 years ago. ***Historical side note: My Dad was South Dakota's first heart transplant patient - he was 30.***
I had an ablation in February, 2000 for SVT. This was deemed a "successful" ablation - however, the problem persisted .. just got a different name: AF. I have been put on the usual barrage of medications - with some very nasty side effects, but I kept trying. My most recent cardiologist suggested trying another medication - however, I think the long term side effects involved with that particular drug are not acceptible with the majority of my life left to live. She also suggested ablation. She does not believe the MAZE is a viable option for someone my age with a "begnine" (sp?) condition such as AF and thinks I can surely live with it.
My quality of life really sucks, honestly. I can't play football with my son, can't carry my 3 year old daughter back to bed after a nightmare, climbing a flight of stairs is a feat! I have lone AF. I have no muscle tone left because exerting myself whatsoever causes AF and it knocks me on my butt! It sucked enough for me to send my medical records to a surgeon who does the MAZE - he thinks I'm a great candidate and I am scheduled for testing on the 8th and surgery on the 9th of July.
I have communicated with at least 85 people with AF; who have had the MAZE, who have had ablations, who are on medicaitons successfully, who have had complicaitons with the MAZE surgery - I have truly done my homework!
I can't explain the wonderful excitement and relief I felt when Dr. Barnes called me at home (after business hours!) and wanted to talk to me at length about the MAZE. I praise God for His faithfulness!
I just wanted to tell all of you who have posted, "THANK YOU!" because this board started my journey towards the MAZE and also to share my experiences for anyone else it might help. My gratitude is unending.
Angie Strand