Posted by Terry Gann on September 22, 2001 at 14:59:14:
In Reply to: advise please posted by Marc on September 22, 2001 at 13:06:36:
Marc,
You'll find many sympathetic ears on this site. It is my understanding that ablation can help with tachacardia originating in the atria, but, unless your AF originates from the tachacardia, the ablation may or may not help. I am now 43, and I experienced AF of and on for a period of 15 years. It was controlled for a long period by a beta blocker, Inderal, but as I got older the occurences became more frequent and lasted longer. My AF was of unknown origin - just an "electrical problem" in my heart. I had also tried several anti-arrythmic drugs, but did not like the side effects, some of which can be quite severe. My twin sister and I went to the Cleveland Clinic to be evaluated for the Maze procedure. She was scheduled to have the surgery immediately after the evaluation; however, mine was to be sceduled later. (I tend to study problems longer, and I figured I would let her be the test subject!) After I was there, I found that my mitral valve also needed repair, and due to that, my heart was enlarged slightly so I went ahead and had the surgery. I haven't regretted that decision at all! Except for a brief period of hours about 3 weeks after the surgery (when my heart was still healing) I haven't been in atrial fibrilation, and I no longer take any heart medication. I would definitely advise finding a Doctor who is familiar with the Maze who can advise you on what is best. Lots of luck. Let us know how you are.
Terry