Posted by Newman on November 27, 2003 at 04:15:45:
In Reply to: Re: Should I just go for it? posted by Carley Mill on November 25, 2003 at 16:57:58:
Carley,
I suggest you research the Maze procedure and ablations very carefully before deciding which is best for you. This is not a decision to be taken lightly. Even more important is your decision regarding what center and what doctor performs whichever procedure you choose.
If my cardiologist suggested that I should just live with my afib, I would suggest to him that maybe he should just live with a hard kick to his groin. The guy must be a retard.
Henry posted about his concern with the risks associated with ablations. If you go to the very best EPs at the very best centers, your risks are minimal. I repeat that there has been huge progress in ablation procedures and instruments in a very short time. The risk of stenosis at the Cleveland Clinic now is near zero. The risk of other complications is around 1%, and they can be dealt with. They have come a long way in a short time. Compare these risks with those of a Maze procedure.
The ablation success rate at the Cleveland Clinic is over 80%. For the less than 20% that are not successful the first time, a touchup ablation brings the success rate up to 95%. The University of Michigan just reported a success rate of 88% for their newest procedure. Also don't forget that ablations are patient friendly. They are fast, convenient, painless, and most people can be back at work within two or three days. I was ablated on a Tuesday afternoon by Dr. Natale at the Cleveland Clinic, was released from the hospital on Wednesday afternoon, and drove 12 hours on Thursday, feeling great, and stopping every hour for a five minute walk as recommended by the EP that discharged me.
One caveat. Probably 90% of the physicians who are doing ablations are still learning how to do them successfully. They are inexperienced and doing on the job training. Do not let them practice on you. The best centers and the best doctors are getting fantastic results. Choose them. As suggested by someone in another post, go to the Cleveland Clinic and discuss with them whether they think you should have the Maze or an ablation. They are excellent at both.
Lastly, some time at your computer will pay big dividends. Go to the following website:
www.med.umich.edu/opm/newspage/2003/atrialfibrillation.htm
This will educate you on the latest news on ablations at the University of Michigan.
Additionally, spend a few hours reading old messages about ablations on a bulletin board designed for people with afib. It will provide you with a wealth of information. The website is:
www.afibbers.com
Then click on current bulletin board. You can also click on some of the other categories. They also contain excellent information.
Ablations today are far different than they were just a year or two ago. Most afibbers are not aware of the huge improvement in success rates, the huge decrease in stenosis and complications, and the big improvement in the procedure which was patient unfriendly, but now is patient friendly. Many cardiologists also are not aware of this progress, unfortunately.
You can be cured. I wish you luck.
Newman