Arythmia

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

[cindy707]

Hey Pete i read your post also...we are the same age and i have the same diagnosis among other things but.....i am a huge advocate of ablations and had mine done over 3 years ago now and have never been happier.  The majority of everything was handled thru the procedure.  The main thing is that you need to ask the doc if you are in the 70% or above range for success and if they say yes i would go for it personally.  I would also probably abstain from strenuous activity until this thing gets settled because i am one who does not tempt fate in life and you don't want anything to set off a "bad" episode. I would definately look into the options myself.  You may end up completely med free in the end...

[Jerry_NJ]

Your doctor, one that does ablation surgery would be the one best able to estimate the chances of a success... that specialist is usually called an electro-physiologist, abbreviated EP.  

Has an electrocardioversion been tried?  I have had some success with that for a temporary cure for my AFib.  That procedure is much less intrusive than is an ablation and I believe is usually tried before one goes for an ablation.

None of the procedures are 100% effective.  I have gotten about one and a half years of relief following electrocardioversions.  I have never had an ablation, and my cardiologist and consulting EP do not support the idea of me getting one. I am in permanent AFib but the symptoms are troublesome only if I try to engage in high output physical activities.  At age 71 it may be time for me to just walk for exercise.

[cindy707]

Hey Pete i read your post also...we are the same age and i have the same diagnosis among other things but.....i am a huge advocate of ablations and had mine done over 3 years ago now and have never been happier.  The majority of everything was handled thru the procedure.  The main thing is that you need to ask the doc if you are in the 70% or above range for success and if they say yes i would go for it personally.  I would also probably abstain from strenuous activity until this thing gets settled because i am one who does not tempt fate in life and you don't want anything to set off a "bad" episode. I would definately look into the options myself.  You may end up completely med free in the end...

[Pete0629]

Hey Cindy, I am in contact with Cleveland Clinic now. My cardiologist said they are the best in the country at doing ablations. Sinc I'm only about 6 hours away I figured I'd go there.

It is hard to deal with a little, being a divorced guy and not having a spouse to bounce things off of is tough. My kids are supportive of course but it's not like being able to talk to someone in the middle of the night when fears are exaggerated.

I am off all meds except for cumadin (coumadin). I do have to take it do to the chance of stroke.

Glad to hear you are off all the meds. I am looking forward to the possibility of being able to play racquetball, tennis, and cylce again. It ***** having just walking as my big workout.

[ksig]

Hi, Pete

I started with my AFib adventure a few years younger than you are now and currently I am in my early 60s.   My assumption is that you have not seen an EP yet, correct?  I, personally would try the cardioversion first since you are continuous AFib. It is done under a mild sedation and can bring you back to normal sinus rhythm (NSR) It is a temporary "cure" and can give you some relief as you make a decision about an ablation. Having a NSR is such a calming feeling and everything is right with the world.  I had to have more than one ablation to ward off AFib.  I am glad I had every procedure. Not one regret.  AFib can really wear you out.  

After the ablations, I was able to return back to regular activities: going to the gym, sailing, etc.  Good luck to you as you go to the Cleveland Clinic.
ksig

[Pete0629]

Ksig
I have seen an EP, twice, two different ones. It turned out both times they were outside of my insurance so I couldn't stay with them. One of them was going to do an ablation but when I found out they weren't in my network I had to start all over. My current cardiologist, the second one I've had because of insurance issues, wanted to go through all the tests and meds the first one tried. Finally now after another 4 months he agrees with the first one I need to look at ablation. Oh and by the way I have been cardioconverted 4 times. They all lasted about 1 week. The only thing that has really put me back in rhythum is the amiodrone. But it has such bad bad side effects on so many other parts of your body I didn't want to stay on it much longer than the year I was taking it.
So now I'm heading to Cleveland clinic, I hope. They still have to evaluate me to see if I'm a canidate. They are covered under my insurance also. You are right this afib stuff changes your life and wears you down. Being single hasn't helped either. No one to talk to when I'm anxious and no one to bounce thoughts off of when I'm afraid.

Thanks for the words of encouragement.

Pete

[ksig]

Pete,
So when are you going to Cleveland?  The 6 hr trip will be worth it.  Although my trip to the EP was a third of the time, it was well worth the traffic, etc.

I was prescribed amiodarone at one point of my AFib journey but refused to take it.  With that, I had to find another cardiologist and then I was on my way to San Francisco to see an EP... I tried Tikosyn for a while which did the trick for many, many months.  You have to load the med while in a hospital setting for 3-4 days as it affects the QT interval.  Multaq is another new med out on the market that has worked on for some people.  From what I have read, Multaq is as effective as amiodarone BUT without the nasty side effects.

This forum has been quite helpful to me when I have needed help dealing with AFib and all of the procedures and meds I have had to take.  I have written in to ask for clarification/support a number of times rather than burdening my fabulous, highly supportive husband.  Submit what's on your mind about dealing with AFib and someone will respond.  We have all gone through this.

Let us know how your appointment goes at the CC.  They are one of the best in the world.
ksig

[Angel_001]

Good luck with your afib journey!
Another option to catheter ablation is surgical Thoracoscopic MAZE Procedure with much better success rates.  Dr John Sirak at Ohio State Medical Center in Columbus, OH does a innovative "5 box" technique with bi-directional block testing to assure conduction block.  His results are really good!  He has a web site http://www.ohioafib.com/ that is very helpful from an educational point of view.  He also lists his private cell # on his web site and speaks with patients directly.  He has an objective approach to af treatment and will recommend the best options for you.  Ive had a very close friend that had this procedure and is AFib free for 4 years now.
Best of luck!
Angel_001

[Pete0629]

My cariologist just sent my records to CC. I am suposed to hear from them in a couple of weeks. My fear now is whether I'm even a canidate for ablation. Since I have persistant Afib, fro what I have read, I may not be,

I did try the Multaq just recently. I started taking it in early may and it has had virtually no effect. That is when he decided I needed to look at ablation. The only med I'm on now is cumidon, so I don't have a stroke, as you know.

You are lucky to have a spouse who supports you. I have been divorced for 8 years. I have a new girlfriend but , do I really have the right to burdon her with all this crap?? My answer is no. If my kids can't get away from school, daughter goes to SIU or work, son works 45 miles away from me,  may have to make the trip alone----ugh!
Pete

[Pete0629]

Angel

Thanks for the direction. I have heard of the MAZE procedure and even after I read about it I don't understand it. Is it very invasive? Or is it done through the arteries like ablation?
From what I have read Cleveland Clinic is pretty good at also.

Thanks Angel, I appreciate the input.

Pete

[annie1724]

Angel,
I read on your profile that you are a Clinical Heart Team specialist.  Do you work with/for Dr Sirak?  I went to the OSU website that you mentioned, and the procedure looks very impressive.  Do you have any other first hand information?  If this really works, it sounds very close to a cure for a fib, which would be absolutely wonderful.  Is there much of a risk involved?  How does it compare to the risk for an ablation for a fib?

[Angel_001]

Hi Pete!
Its not a surprise that your meds were in effective.  They have a 40% success rate according to the Farrmington Study - randomized trial.  Catheter ablation also has a 40-60% succuss rate, with poor long term results (CABANA Trial).  You mentioned you are in persistant AF - which is one of the 3 classes of AF a person can be in.  Success rates for Catheter ablations for persistant AF are much more dim b/c your heart is already electrically remodling itself making NSR harder to sustain.  Catheter ablation is a very good option for most people.  However, those patients with persistent and long-standing persistent AF need more of an aggressive treatment.  And don't be mistaken catheter access ablations is not a walkin the park.  Its typically a 6 hour procedure with under anticoagulation, radiation and post risk factors like: phrenic nerve paralysis, atrial fistulas and perforation.  And usually requires another catheter ablation later when the first ablation fails. Minimally invasive Surgical MAZE procedures (if done correctly) have very good success rates and is a single treatment therapy. 3-4 pencil size incisions are made on both sides of the chest just below the armpit,  Ablations are all made Epicardially - so there is NO tramatic access inside the heart making the ablations.  EP testing is always preformed to assure bidirectional conduction block (stop/contain the AF).  Patients usually leave the hospital after a 2 to 3 night stay.  CCF does not offer this surgical option at their main campus.  They do offer it at one of their sister hospitals called Fairview Hospital.  He is very good - although it I really bealive the website I mentioned earlier has the best results in the nation.
Best of Luck, Pete!!
Cheers

[Angel_001]

Hi Annie!
No - I've worked in and around heart procedures for 14 years.  I have serveral relatives that do the same - one is a retired vasclar surgeon.  So it runs in my blood so to speak ;).  But my friend had the procedure there and is really a BIG believer.  She's only 4 years out though - hopefully she will continue with good long term results. I don't think there is such a thing as "CURE" for AF b/c there are so many active substrates.  But at least this is an option - and most people don't know about it.  EP's and Cardiologists don't tell their patients about it. I think they should at the very least give them the option. I do know that Dr Sirak is published in several CT journals.  Another surgeon out of Dallas (plano heart hospital) has similar results and has a very well respected CT surgeon, Dr James Edgerton.  
As with every procedure it is not wilout risk. However, patient with symptomatic AF are miserable and cannot enjoy the quality of those in NSR. It seems to give better acute and long term resut than 2-3 cath ablations. The surgical maze prodedure is also an ablation - although epicardial vs endocardial - with similar EP testing thresholds as catheter ablation. As I learned, it is important that if you get a surgical option for AF that your surgeon does a full-maze procedure.  It yeilds a better result than "partial- maze".  They also take off the left atrial appendage (LAA) which is a source of clot formation and can lead to strokes.  They can not do that in the cath lab either. There is also another website: stopafib.org (I think) that is helpful if you are interested in a surgical option.  Surgical option certinaly isn't for everyone - it is an option though.
Cheers

[Pete0629]

Angel

Well I took your advise and look at the website your suggested. After reading and rereading what the 5 box Thoracoscopic Maze procedure was I sent an e-mail to Dr John Sirak for a consult. Amazingly he actually called me and talked to me about the pros and cons of cathater ablation vs the 5 box system. I also thought of another question after we had spoke and e-mailed it to him, expecting to maybe get an answer next week, he answered me within a half hour.My only concern now is it seems he has only done about 85 of this orocedure, although from what I could understand from him, bad cell phone connection, he has done over 300 maze procedures. His nurse is goin g to call me next week to start the process of seeing if they are in my insurance network. That's another sore issue I have after discovering I had afib 1-1/2 years ago. You have to be very focused on who's in your network and watch to make sure they pay what they say they are going to pay----what a pain! Anyway I digress, now I'm a little more leary of the ablation because of it's lower true success rates and the added risks of actually going inside the heart to attempt a fix of the afib.
I truly do appreciate your input in all of this, it has helped me a lot.

I guess you have earned your title---Angel.

Pete

[Angel_001]

Hi Pete!
Great!  Surgical ablation just gives you another option to cure your AF.  Not many people know about it.  But it seems to get good results. From what I understand Dr Sirak is very accessable to his patients.  Which is unusual for any non-GP doc. And he has really pioneered this procedure to perfection - which adds to the validity of his good results.  I believe he does the most surgical ablations in the contry. Patients come from all over.
I understand your insurance concerns.  However, insurance comapanies are seeing that the surgical option is less costly than 2-3 cath ablations.  Which means less hospitalization and less cumlative costs to insurance companies.  Keep appealing to the company - which establishes need and leads to coverage.  I believe there must be someone in his office that can help you with that.  
Gods speed and best of luck!  Please keep us updated!  I would love to hear about your results.
Cheers :)

[Pete0629]

Angel

I did further checking on the insurance. Ohio University nor Dr Sirak are not within my insurance network. I looked on line this weekend but will still let his nusre check also. This whole insurance thing is very frustrating. My daughter broke her hand recently. I looked and made sure she went to a doctor that specialized in hand repair AND was in network before taking her to him. He fixed her up pretty good but had to put her to sleep to do it. I received a bill from her anestegiologist for $ 300.00, because they were not in network. I suppose I'm going to have to take a list into surgey with me and interview everyone in the room before I go under. Cast out the ones that are not in network and wait til we can find ones that are in! The company I work for used to have Blue Cross 1-1/2 years ago but switched to United Health care because of costs. I never had any trouble with Blue Cross, United is a different story, every bill, everytime.

But I have already decided I'm going to fight to get Dr Sirak in network somehow. If not I suppose I'm stuck with catheter ablation.

Thanks again for all your input Angel. I will definatley keep everyone updated.

Pete

[Angel_001]

Hi Pete!
I feel you on the insurance frustration!!!  I just had a baby and it cost me twice as much as it did over 2 years ago with my first.  Both were uneventful deliveries - but a hike in rates.  I've had Blue Cross for 4 years now and the last 2 years cost and coverage are unsatisfactory...so much for health care reform...
Let his office work for you.  A lot of the times they can put in individual requests with your provider and win coverage.  Either way you are doing a fantastic job educating yourself and using all the options available to you inorder to resolve your AF!!!
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers! Keep me posted.
Cheers
Angel

[Angel_001]

Hi Pete!
I feel you on the insurance frustration!!!  I just had a baby and it cost me twice as much as it did over 2 years ago with my first.  Both were uneventful deliveries - but a hike in rates.  I've had Blue Cross for 4 years now and the last 2 years cost and coverage are unsatisfactory...so much for health care reform...
Let his office work for you.  A lot of the times they can put in individual requests with your provider and win coverage.  Either way you are doing a fantastic job educating yourself and using all the options available to you inorder to resolve your AF!!!
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers! Keep me posted.
Cheers
Angel

[Pete0629]

Hey Angel

Well I guess I have to completely follow through with this thing now. I am scheduled to have the 5 box procedure done on Sept 17th. The thing that's most shocking to me is it is an in network procedure with my insurance company. Dr Sirak looked at my stress test and echo results today. He said I'm a perfect canidate for the procedure. I'm a little nervous about it now. You spend so much time fighting  to get it done then once you get it approved reality sets in. Oh well I can always blame you if it goes bad----just kidding, my research, my decision.

Wish me luck all.

Pete

[annie1724]

Please keep posting and let us know how the five box procedure goes, Pete.  Good luck to you!  We'll be thinking of you on the 17th!

[JoKelly]

I wonder why doctors in the UK never even suggest surgical ablation?  My husband has been in permanent AF for two years now and I have paroxsysmal AF but only anti coagulants (Warfarin) are prescribed for both of us.  I note how costly it is for you in US and wonder if this is why or whether it is a medical reluctance due to risk.  I read about the success rates whenever they are mentioned so that I can try to educate myself in the subject.

[Pete0629]

Annie

My son and I are going to head out on the 16t eeaarrllyy! I have to be there at 10:30 and it's a 6 hour drive. As I said I'm nervous about it, some because of going to a strange place and have them cut on me and some because I want to be done with this sooo badly. I can't let myself get to optimistic about the success----yet.

But I'll let you know how it goes and thanks for thinking of me.

Pete

[Pete0629]

Huh, yeah that is strange they wouldn't at least discuss a possible cureable option with you and your husband. I chose the 5 box Thorancoscope maze because I'm in persistant afib and the success rates seem to be higher with that procedure. Your condition seems to be perfect for the cardiac ablation, or at least from what I have read. It definatley is a very expensive procedure either way you go and risky. But for me personally I think it's worth the expense and risk, if my insurance will cover most of it  :). If I remember the UK is under a more socialized medicine, is it not? Maybe there lies the difference between ours system, at least as it stands today and your system, who knows really. Anyway, for me, and I am on warifin also, I want my life back, drugs put me in a state where I feel I am looking at life through plexiglass, I can see it, I just can't fully feel it anymore.

So anyway I hope you continue to educate yourself. The people on this site have been soooo helpful to me.

Pete

I hope you can figure this out

[Angel_001]

Hi Pete!
Wow! Congratulations on your courage and journey!
I found a afibbers forum on Yahoo that had several people commenting on their experiences for the surgical maze option.  Specifically Dr. John Sirak's technique.  I think you are in good hands b/c there is a lot of patients pleased (so far) about their results.
Also, Congratulations for being Proactive about our healthcare options and asking lots of questions to better equipt you on your journey!!  You really should feel proud of yourself for all the hard work and research you've done on this.  All I can say, is that my friend would do it all again in a heartbeat (NSR of course ;) ).  She got her life back.
You are in my thoughts and prayers as you continue on your path!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Please, keep us updated to your progress :)

Angel

[shseri]

Hi Pete I have been reading your journey. I wish you good luck and hope you let us know how you are doing. I am interested because of the same thing. My Doc has me on meds and says cardiac ablation and electrocardioversion wouldn't work for me.I also hate the out of breath feeling. I hate the thought of this for the rest of my life. I am 57.

[Pete0629]

I have spoken to Dr Sirak several times through conversation and e-mail. He seems to be very open. My only concern is I really don't know him very well. I am banking mainly that Ohio State University wouldn't back someone that isn't reputable.
You have been so helpful and encouraging to me, and I thank you for that. I have a lot of support having several of my female friends offering to bring me food next week :). My son made the hotel reservations and have already checked out the local gyms and of course where he can eat!

So I will keep you informed of my progress.

Pete

[Pete0629]

I am glad to be your ginniepig. I know what you are going through and am hoping this is the answer we all have prayed for.

I'll keep you informed.

Pete

[Angel_001]

Hi shseri!
I saw your other post about cardioversion and your doc's 2nd opinion.  I agree cardioversion is a tough route to take.  But medication isnt always 100% effective - its more like 40% with a load of side effects - as is cath ablation for 1st time treatment.  If your AF burden is symptomatic and intolerable to live a 'normal' life I have to say that I support the surgical maze procedure.  Every treatment is at risk of success or failure.  But atleast YOU get to choose what option is best for you.  Not your doc and certianly NOT your insurance company.  Stay on top of your insurance company and work with the doctors office to establish coverage so that YOU can choose the approperiate care you NEED.  I too am a swimmer - I competed at the NCAA level - swimming in the BEST exercise you can get (my unbiased opinion ;)  )
The shortness of breath you are having to deal with is defineately compromising the sport you enjoy doing.  You recognize that there are more options out there and you are not liking the professional opinions/answers you are currently getting.  Good For You!  There are better answers.  Keep asking questions. You WILL find the best answer for you and your health.
Good luck on your journey!
Angel

[annie1724]

Good luck tomorrow, Pete, as you head to Columbus.  We'll all be thinking of you on Friday.  Keep us posted!

[Angel_001]

Hi Pete!
I am thinking of you - and wishing you all my best!!!!
You will do Great :)
Glad to hear you have some nice neighbors looking in on you during your recovery.  We all should be so lucky.
Safe Travels and speedy recovery!
Cheers
Angel

[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!

[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

[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]

Break a leg 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

[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

[cindy707]

That is great news Pete....we posted a question on the site over the weekend asking if anyone had heard from you.  If possible it would be great if you could run thru beginning to end how it was done or what you remember to help others like me that are so curious.   I am so happy that you are back into rhythm...i know exactly how that feels and for me i was a little shocked when i realized the SVT was gone and shortly after the a fib and then the arrythmias.  I hope that your procedure continues to be a big success....so some of my questions are:  how long did it take, were you put under, how many incisions inside and outside, did you spend the nite in the hospital, did the doc set off the episodes as with a regular ablation?  What were the insertion sites on the outside of the body, why are you on so many meds and what for, how long did the doc say before he knows if it is a success, did your insurance cover the procedure, are you allowed to resume all normal actiivities right away, what are you to avoid, what was the worst part of the procedure physically, how many docs, nurses were in the O.R. with you...so those are just a few questions so i can educate myself personally...and lastly what did the doc say the difference was between a conventional ablation thru the veins in the groin and the 5 box and the benefits of doing the 5 box?  Thanks Pete but you asked and i asked...congrats i am so happy for you......

[cindy707]

PS maybe you could start a new comment post saying "Completed my ablation or 5 box a couple of days ago to start a new thread for easier reading......thanks

[annie1724]

Congratulations, Pete!!!!  I am so happy that the surgery went well and that you are back in normal sinus rhythm.  You must just be thrilled!  Wow, and to think that if it wasn't for this site and Angel's advice, you (and all of us) might never have heard of the five box procedure and Dr. Sirak.  He sounds like a great doctor....not just technically, but also a very empathetic person.  Again, so happy to hear that all went well!!

[LindaTX]

Yes, Pete, congratulations ...sounds like things went well during surgery.  I am so happy for you!  I hope you will do what Cindy suggested if you feel up to it and post what happened in the actual procedure.  I had at one point talked to a Dr at Eisenhower Medical Center in Palm Springs about a mini maze procedure but it involved deflating first one lung, then the other and there were three small incisions (holes)  through the ribs a few inches down from the arm pits, maybe on each side.  Is that similar to the way your ablation was perfomed, through the ribs?  I am headed for my ablation this Wed.  I think I'm finally ready!  I'll let ya know how it turns out.

[Pete0629]

Hey Linda

Good luck, I can tell you the emotional toll it takes going through all of this is pretty high. It's not a walk in the park either.

Good luck.

I'm going to try to start a new post about the 5 box procedure and answer as many questions as I can. But I have trouble navigating this site so if I can't I'll continue here.
Pete

[Angel_001]

Hi Pete!

Good to hear you are in NSR and back home doing well!!!!

I hope your recovery time continues to go well!  I look forward to following your progress in your new post!!!  

Cheers
Angel :)