Posted by Sarah on February 01, 2004 at 22:35:32:
In Reply to: Re: 5YRs Post Maze posted by Rob Colvin on January 31, 2004 at 10:00:21:
Rob, I had Afib for about 25-30yrs, starting at 16. I feel this caused my errant "pathways" to have pretty deep ruts.
I was in early 40's when I had the first attempted ablation, which didn't work. In Dec. 2002, I had a right sided ablation, with no lasting complications. It helped "some", mostly re-entrant tachycardia, but I continued Afib, and worse, Aflutter.
My pulmonary vein isolation was done at Cleveland Clinic, the only place I felt "safe" to have it done. That was last May 2003, and I was told of ~85% cure from Dr. Schweikert. He got rid of it all...SVT's, fibs and flutters!
I have a minor 40% stenosis, and was told that it in no way causes any problem....wish I didn't have ANY, but that's the only negative I came away with. I've been drug free, and Afib free since about 3-4months post op.
There have been some people for whom CC has given 98% cure rate for Maze surgery. It's really hard to get the doctors statistics!!!
I hope you HAVE a choice! Just go and see, and get this done, because it just get's worse and worse! The dangers, and complications of living with Afib, are pretty scary too! Your assesment about doing this while you are younger, is sound logic.
Good luck, Sarah