Post Wolf Minimaze - 11 days - feelin... - Atrial Fibrillati...

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Post Wolf Minimaze - 11 days - feeling great

ArkyGirl profile image
15 Replies

Post Wolf Minimaze - 11 days - I am off Eliquis for life since my surgeon Dr. Randall Wolfe at Houston Methodist Hospital clipped my Left Atrial Appendage. The LAA is where blood pools during afib and can cause a stroke. What a relief to have this done. I am currently AFIB free since 2/21/20 and was taking Eliquis, Metoprolol 12.5, and Rhythmol 225. This cocktail has worked well for me. I did have a cryoablation in July 2018. The EP couldn't complete the procedure due to my heart block and I had to be paced about 5 minutes until my ticked off heart decided to beat again. The cryoablation probably has helped reduce the number of episodes.

The Wolf Minimaze is an amazing procedure and I am feeling so good post surgery.I am still on meds mentioned above during the healing process for the next month.

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ArkyGirl
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15 Replies
jeanjeannie50 profile image
jeanjeannie50

That's really good news to hear. Please report back here every few months to give us all your positive feedback.

Jean

It’s not a procedure (operation) we hear much about in the UK but after a great deal of (excuse the pun) heart searching, Bambi65 had it done earlier this year and seems highly delighted with the outcome. If you are not aware, click on her name or search for her under “members” and you will be able to read all her recent contributions which I think you will find encouraging……all the best

Bambi65 profile image
Bambi65 in reply to

Welcome Arky Girl to the Wolf Pack!!! Isnt it just grand to have your life back.

www Thanks FlapJack! I am doing fantastic. Racing around like Im 30 again, can drink cocktails, play sports, everything!!!

Jpot34 profile image
Jpot34

Arkygirl, are you from outside Texas? Arkansas? Did your health insurance pay quite a bit? Dr. Wolf's secretary told me the operation is around $146,000 without insurance. Did you have any trouble getting your insurance to cover these 2 procedure codes, if you used insurance? Would love to know how you set up this surgery since I'm looking into it now. Any insight from start to finish would be greatly appreciated. I'm from out of state, and have had trouble in the past getting my insurance to approve it since I've only been on PIP, with no ablations. They want you to try meds, then ablation first in my case. Hope to see you elaborate on your experience!

Maxim10 profile image
Maxim10 in reply to Jpot34

We could ask our PM for the money. If he regards £250,00 as peanuts, he wouldn't mind paying out $140,000 which to him is half a peanut. Regards, Maxim.

2018NSR profile image
2018NSR in reply to Jpot34

Hello, most insurances pay for the mini maze and Medicare certainly does. Some advantage plans do not allow you to travel out of state and some have been changing insurances during the open enrollment time to one that has Dr Wolf in network. You would set up a virtual interview with Dr Wolf to determine if you would be a candidate but there are very few reasons one would not qualify.

Jpot34 profile image
Jpot34 in reply to 2018NSR

I'm from Illinois unfortunately, and my Bluecross Blue Shield HMO has been fighting me wanting me to try everything else prior to covering the mini-maze procedure. I don't understand why they don't want a patient to attempt a possible cure first. Guess I'll have to May for open enrollment to attempt to find a plan Dr. Wolf accepts.

2018NSR profile image
2018NSR in reply to Jpot34

Are you on Medicare? If yes, now is the time to change to a PPO. United usually pays.

Jpot34 profile image
Jpot34 in reply to 2018NSR

No, I'm only 59. Trying to find a plan from the Illinois list offered that Dr. Wolf will accept.

Bambi65 profile image
Bambi65 in reply to Jpot34

yes!!!!! change it now to one that will cover during the open enrollment

Maxim10 profile image
Maxim10

Thank you for your posting. Prior to the LAAO procedure, were you aprised in detail of the four main types of 'umbrella' - Watchman, Amplatzer, Minimaze, Atriclip? Advantages/Disadvantages? May I ask where you had your procedure done - Oxford, Birmingham?

Regards,

Maxim

Maxim10 profile image
Maxim10

Sorry, I read your post more clearly. You had the procedure done in the 'States.

Maximn.

2018NSR profile image
2018NSR

Congratulations, over three years for me since my WMM. It only gets better!

johnMiosh profile image
johnMiosh

Four and a half drug and AF-free for me now. I had the Atriclip (who were sponsoring the clinical trial I was on) in Sheffield, UK.

Bambi65 profile image
Bambi65

Welcome to the "Wolf Pack" !!!! There are more and more of us here that have our lives back thanks to Dr Wolf.

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