Arythmia

[Pete0629]

I have had afib for the past 1-1/2 years. I have gone through Adriodone and multaq. My cardiologist said I need to talk to someone about cardiac ablation. I am in continuous afib and in good health other than afib. My stress test turned out good with no blockage and no heart enlargement at all.I get dizzy once in a while and feel weak sometimes. I am 56 years old. What are the chances that an ablation would be successful? I feel I can't play racquetball, run, cycle or play tennis anymore because the strenuousness of the activity isn't helping my heart since it is beating in odd ways now and not efficiently.
Thanks you.
Pete Nicholls

[Pete0629]

Hi All!  Well it's official I had the 5 box thorascopic maze procedure last Friday!  I am still recovering but home. As Dr Sirack said the surgery was uneventful. although I still feel lingering anesthesia and pain meds. That stuff is strong and the worst part of the surgery. Probably won't drive for the next few days. Luckily I took this week off and I'll need it. I am trying to shake it still. My chest is tight but I am back in rhythum. I am on no restrictions and will be on Multaq, blood pressure med, potasium and a dieretic for the immidiate future. He doesn't anticipate me taking Multaq more than a month.

It was pretty cool in that he offered my son to go to the Ohio State football game with his family Saturday while I recovered. My son is a big sports fan and wanted to see the stadium more than anything else. Awlful nice of him though.

I will be monitoring this all week so feel free to ask questions.

Pete

[Angel_001]

Hi Cindy!
Thanks for the message!  Im a triathlete - have been since my athletic college days, long ago.... The older I get the more I keep seeing/hearing friends sidelined by AF.  I mean A LOT out there have it.  So when I was having health issues myself - I started researching AF.   As far as my background, I worked in the CVOR for 10 years - but mainly now I am a MOM (just had my 2nd 3 mo ago), part time "try"athlete, and part time CHTS (clinical heart team specialist).  Which is a fancy way of saying that I work in a local hospital for continuing education.  I have NOT had the procedure that Dr Sirak offers - but my very good friend has - she is also a triathlete and a HUGE fan of his.  I have also met several others that have had the/a surgical maze procedure.  They are very passionate about their quality of life and very convincing.  To hear their stories about numerous hospitalizations, pherenic nerve paralysis, drug side effects, GI bleeds, insurance.........(where should I start) bills, co-pays, perscriptions.....is heart wrenching and miserable.  All those years in open heart surgery and I had no idea how devistating AF was - strokes, cardiomyopathy, pacemakers.  It wasnt till just recent that I met someone at a family event who - long story short.....has AF (I had no idea) and after we shared backgrounds they were LIVID that their cardiologist didnt even give them the option for a minimally invasive surgical option.  Instead they had a nodal ablation and pacemaker put in.  As nurses we are taught "standard of care".  But when we are not even given the options available to us that is NOT "standard of care".  So now that I am a Mother, Caregiver to my aging parents/family, Supporter of friends with AF and a Health Care representative - I feel like I have the Responsibility/Priviledge to better understand the process.  This is where I found MedHelp, afibbers on yahoo, Wolfminimaze.com, ohioafib.com, and stopafib.com.  A fire is lite inside me now - just like my co-thiathletes.  So having said all that - I kept on finding that my research always brought me back to Dr. Sirak (clinical published data, especially - not only his but surgical sucess rates too).  His personal cell number is on his/OSU's website.  Recently I had a family member that had valvular disease and an anurysm.  We bounced all over the city for consultations.  It was such a headache.  Then I remembered Dr. Sirak's website and my friends praise.  I called the number and spoke to him directly about my concerns with my family member.  For FREE!!!!!!!!!  I have been working in the medical profession for a long time and I have NEVER seen that. My ONLY message to people (family, friends, bloggers) is to do your research, ask lots of questions and do not take no for an answer.  I still need to get better at the latter myself. ;) However, now I feel much better about my healthcare decisions with the ones I love.   Surgery is certianly not for everyone – but should be an option!
Cindy – the short time Ive been on MedHelp – I quickly noticed you had a nursing background and had wonderful advice for those in need of help.  Especially with your personal experience with AF – your perspective and professional knowledge is VERY educational, insightful and invaluable!!!!
Thank you for your interest and best of luck on your Journey J
Cheers
Angel

[cindy707]

Break a leg Pete...........

[Jerry_NJ]

I as a fellow permanent (low symptom) AFib wish Pete the best.  I have myself had a mini-maze done the "old fashioned" way - open heart surgery.  Of course there was another reason to open me up, I had a mitral valve repaired, and that's going fine. My surgeon gave the maze procedure about a 60% chance of working, but as noted,  I was already opened.  I was in NSR following surgery and for about a month, then back to AFib.  None of these procedures are 100%.  

I haven't looked up the "5 box" but I believe "robotic" surgery that minimized opening the body do offer much faster recovery.  I think the most important thing is the surgeon and the experience he/she has.  The fact your insurance accepts the procedure suggests it is not "experimental"... at least I know my insurance (no backup to medicare) will not cover anything they consider experimental.  

Wishing you the best results.

[cindy707]

Hi Angel....i posted you some questions under "My son has atrial fib at age 20" can you please post your answers......i am soooo curious

[t4me]

i was just reading your posts and wanted to wish you the best of luck with your procedure...i am experiencing a-fib for the first time in my life (i am 50)...always had pvc/pac and recently svt's and i am searching for some help and answers...i commend you in taking charge of your health...i live about an hour from baltimore and i am ridding myself of 2 cardio docs and going to one at johns hopkins (bad choice given the events of the day, huh), actually he is in baltimore county....anyway, i can't wait to hear of your success and i'm glad that your son is able to go with you...have a safe trip and a quick recovery!