Posted by pat mccarthy on September 03, 2001 at 20:37:30:
In Reply to: My husband's A-fib posted by Jackie Robinson on September 03, 2001 at 10:10:08:
Jackie,
I can only echo the comments of the Jack and Ed. Regrettably most cardiologists are not very open-minded or informed regarding the MAZE. I actually had one refer to it as the 'MUZE'!!. I suffered for more than 10 years and got progressivley worse. I learned of the surgery on-line and resisted it for just about a year, with the hope that I would be able to 'manage' it with the next drug....they all ultimately failed and my life was being controlled by this affliction. It's very easy for others to dismiss it as an 'annoyance'...but it is like living under a large black cloud. I finally 'hit the wall' in June of 2000--- Given the high success rate with the maze, I felt it was my best choice. My cardio was open enough to speak with Dr. McCarthy and was quickly convinced also. I dreaded traveling from NY to Ohio, and the thought of the surgery was daunting to say the least. I was hospitalized for 12 days and they had some difficulty keeping me in NSR post-op...However, I have been in NSR since my (8/20/00)discharge and am off all my meds...my energy is 'boundless' and I dont think I realized just how bad i felt. I wish I had done it sooner and would have to encourage your husband to explore it. The few days of discomfort fade VERY QUICKLY and are a small price to pay for getting my life back!
- Re: My husband's A-fib Ed Wehan 21:01:47 9/03/2001 (0)