Posted by Carl Plaskett on August 24, 2001 at 23:08:57:
In Reply to: Depression posted by Henry on August 24, 2001 at 21:50:58:
Henry: I experienced the exact same feelings, and did not know if it was the drugs or the fact that my former active lifestyle was but a fading memory. I really got to where I just didn't care much about anything, was very quick to be angry or frustrated, which, if I wasn't already in AF at the time, would usually kick off an episode. When amiodarone really started to affect my lungs, I quit it and decided immediately to have the maze, because I really felt I would rather die trying to get my life back than to continue going downhill with the drugs and cardiomyopathy.
I, and I emphasize "I", could not have made a better choice. I could not get over how quickly I felt much better (other than the surgical discomfort). My energy and enthusiasm increased daily following the maze. I am now 7 months to the day from my departure from the Cleveland Clinic and welcome every day with excitement. Now I just have to find the time to get my conditioning back so I can go back to doing triathlons, etc. I am free of ALL drugs except 10mg of Lipitor for cholesterol reduction. I am a new person and depression is completely out of my life. It is great.