Posted by Barb Deck on January 05, 2004 at 21:09:32:
In Reply to: Re: Back in Afib posted by Carl Plaskett on January 05, 2004 at 10:30:00:
My recent post of returning to afib was not intended to discourage anyone from opting for a maze, I was only giving an update of my current status. Glenn, since the search is not functioning properly, I will provide you with my history. I apologize to the rest of you for having to endure it again. I had the open chest RF Modified Maze with a mitral valve mechanical replacement. I really didn't know much about the maze at all until I was referred to the Cleveland Clinic by my local cardiologist for a mitral valve repair by the "best in the field, Dr. Cosgrove". He told me prior to surgery that he would have to replace my valve and he suggested a maze be done during my surgery to eliminate my afib. Since I have rheumatic heart disease Dr. Cosgrove said that there was an 80% success rate for rheumatic patients. Not the 95-98% like most. I didn't even consider not having the maze with the 80/20 odds. I only had to choose between a biological or mechanical valve. I am 51 years old and a biological mitral valve wouldn't have the lifespan of a mechanical. I was already on blood thinners after my first open heart some 25 years ago, so having to continue on coumadin did not concern me. I don't know what your specific issue is, but I was already having an open heart procedure, so it was a no brainer for me. And I would do it all over again if I had the same information available to me. But you have to make your own decision.
I am still hopeful that my maze has not been all in vain. I feel better, I seem to be tolerating the afib better with a good heart valve. The increased dosage of cardizem has brought my heart rate down and I am able to exercise which I couldn't have done prior to my surgery. My outlook is positive, so please don't mis-interpret my prognosis.