Posted by Arlene Fletcher on June 13, 2001 at 23:49:43:
In Reply to: Maze Procedure in Future posted by Dave Funderburg on June 04, 2001 at 16:57:19:
Dave, I am 57 and live on the West coast. I had the maze surgery done at Cleveland Clinic by Dr. McCarthy. I was supposed to have it done by Dr. Cox in D.C., but when he got there, he had made the decision to quite operating following his recovery from double knee replacements. Anyway, we ended up in Cleveland 2 days later, and I felt that it was the best place for me. Dr. McCarthy and his team are the best. The hospital is the place to have heart surgery. I had a few complications and was in the hospital 21 days. However, I was able to fly home (an all day flight with a few stops). I was worried about that, too, but with wheel chairs arranged ahead of time by the airline, I did just fine. I agree with those who say that you want the surgeon that has done a lot of this kind of surgery and you want a hospital that has a lot of experience in caring for heart patients. My husband brought along his laptop, and though we didn't have the support of family and friends at that far distance, I felt their support through their daily e-mails. My husband stayed at the hotel about a block from the hospital. There is a reason it is the number 1 heart hospital in the country. Anyway, if you have any questions or concerns, please e-mail me.