Interested in Sharing your AF Journey?

[Sharonica-Admin]

Ahead of Global AF Awareness Week next month (16-22 November), we would love to hear about your AF journey.

Whether it is your diagnosis story, the experience caring and supporting a loved one, or what it is like to live with the condition, your story has the potential to educate and inspire.

If you would be interested in being featured in our upcoming awareness campaign, we'd be delighted to hear from you. Just email us at [e-mail].

[Globe-J]

Dear Sharonica,

Some members of this forum were instrumental in my successful search for a cure to AF. I am happy to say that I have been free of the affliction for years.

Unfortunately, there has also been a degree of negativity, perpetuating a myth 'AF is forever'.

I would encourage everyone to explore all available options, to look for solutions.

Thank you

J (-:

[belindalore in reply to Globe-J]

What was your solution? I too am looking for a solution other than drugs which I don't tolerate.

[Bambi65 in reply to Globe-J]

What was your solution??? And how long have you been Afib free?

[Globe-J in reply to Bambi65]

Dear Bambi and Belinda,

Sorry about my tardy response. Traveling is the excuse.

I have been AF free for about four years, not needing any medication. Best of all, I am back to running, back to normal life.

In my case, ablation did not work. After a considerable amount of research, I opted for the most radical, in my opinion most likely to succeed solution. I.e. a full Maze procedure performed via an open-heart surgery. Obviously, this surgery is not a trivial matter. Worst of all, I understand ‘a failure rate is about 10%, for unknown reasons’. Although I had no other heart problems, the surgeon considered my lifestyle and agreed to proceed.

While I was lucky and am completely happy with the outcome, a caveat. Even if one is healthy, without any underlying health problems, the recovery time is long and tedious. I believe the Maze can also be performed in a less invasive (perhaps less effective?) manner. Hence my suggestion. Please investigate, seek as much information as possible, from as many sources as possible.

Best wishes

J (-:

[Bambi65 in reply to Globe-J]

I discussed this with my doc over a year ago and was very interested until he described the following: We put 3 very small holes in your left side between the ribs. Then we deflate your left lung so that we can ablate the outside of the heart and also remove the small atrial appendage where blood will pool (causing a stroke), the we re-inflate your lung and do the same thing on the other side. Then we will ablate the inside of the heart in the usual way. Recovery is 6-12 months and the first week is the worst. Just so you know.... when he first said we deflate your lung, I was NO, at that point. This is a very intrusive, and dangerous procedure. Some will elect this IF they are already having open heart surgery.

[Physalis in reply to Bambi65]

I have just found out that my daughter is due to have an operation in two or three weeks time at Guy's to remove something in her chest between the oesophagus and the heart. It will be done with da Vinci robots. She will lie on her left side and they will make five holes in her right side between her ribs to put the robotic arms in. This sounds like the way they did your operation. However, if it is more complicated then they will have to open her chest.

Have any of you had an operation using the da Vinci robots?

She will have to self isolate for two weeks before even from her husband.

[Bambi65 in reply to Physalis]

Oh hell no, I did not do that. I avoid doctors and hospitals and/or any type of procedures as possible. Other have and have had success

[Physalis in reply to Bambi65]

Sorry I thought you'd had this done but it was just a proposal!! I'd have it done but that's just me.

I'll let you know how she gets on!

[Globe-J in reply to Bambi65]

Hi Bambi,

Please understand. In no way I wish to question your decision. I merely shared a personal experience.

Actually, I did not undergo the procedure outlined by your doctor. I chose an open heart surgery. I chose this highly invasive procedure, without having any other heart issue. AF was the only present condition, the only reason for the surgery.

Once again my best wishes

J (-:

[Barb1]

The e mail address does not work.

[jedimasterlincoln]

I believe I did this last year but I don't remember ever seeing it shared/submitted.