Posted by Carl Plaskett on August 20, 2001 at 18:01:30:
In Reply to: How is a MAZE scheduled? posted by Henry on August 20, 2001 at 12:43:01:
Henry: As Jack says, it will be different depending upon the circumstances and facility. I told my local EP and the Cleveland Clinic that I wanted to do it all in one trip, meaning tests,etc., followed ASAP by the surgery. They asked me if I wanted to come up first for the tests and interview, then schedule the surgery. I said I wanted whichever method would get me the surgery at the earliest possible date. They set it up from there.
Apparently Michael Wells has had his scheduled for awhile and is just going into the hospital tomorrow morning and having it done 2 hours later. Obviously he had his pre-op work done beforehand.
As far as support from a spouse, etc., I cannot deny that my wife was very helpful, which made things easier for me (and the hospital staff) for the first few days at the hospital and at home. Could I have gotten along alone? Sure. Would have it been as easy? NO! Did I enjoy the extra service and catering to my slightest wish? YOU BET!
Don't let the lack of physical support deter you from getting your life back. Remember, you CAN get worse with AF, either from it's effects or those of the meds.
Will you be able to deal with those, should they happen,without support from someone? This should be a short-term inconvenience. Your doctor can best determine from your current condition how incapacitated you might be. If AF curtails your activities now, you will probably find yourself having to hold yourself back after a successful maze, and you'll wonder why you were ever concerned about needing help or support. (I consider support to be in the form of encouragement,etc., more than actual physical help.) I was fortunate enough to have a wife who provided both.