Posted by Barb Deck on December 15, 2003 at 07:11:35:
In Reply to: Re: Third opinion posted by Patrick Haley on December 14, 2003 at 17:32:04:
Patrick, I have rheumatic heart disease and underwent the Maze almost 9 months ago at the CC. I was told the success rate was about 80% for rheumatic patients. I am in NSR with a few skipped beats, but they don't bother me. Unlike Carl and some of the others, I had a very difficult recovery. I am 51 now and my age worked against me. I developed pleural effusions after surgery that caused severe shortness of breath. It took about 6 months for me to feel better. Apparently, the immune system in younger patients increases your chances of this post op issue from the maze. I am walking almost daily now and can enjoy my grandchildren. Thank God, I was in the 80 percentile and not the 20%. I wish you the very best, if anyone can fix you up, the CC can...I too, highly recommend Dr. Hammer.