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A-Fib Patient Story #40
In Sinus Rhythm After Maze Operation And Four Catheter Ablations
by Glenn Bickert, 2010
I’m a 6’5, 275lb avid weight lifter/gym rat when I can be. This has been difficult with the AF, causing me to be inactive for months at a time.
My Symptoms Were Horrific
My symptoms of perspiring, dizziness, difficulty in breathing and extreme fatigue were horrific.
The fatigue was the most interesting because it put me in a state of mind that resulted with me sitting for hours. Not that I couldn’t do the simplest of chores, but I just didn’t want to. It wasn’t a depressed feeling but more of a frustrated trance. I would feel 15 yrs older than I was.
I hope I can supply hope for people with Atrial Fibrillation. I was diagnosed with AF in 1997 after a routine EKG for insurance.
Since then I have gone this route:
1997-pharmacologically managed after cardioversion
2002-After going through most anti arrhythmic drugs and bordering on Thyroid and Liver toxicity from Amiodarone, I had my first radiofrequency catheter ablation, went into AF in 6 weeks
2003-second catheter ablation, placed on Tikosyn post op, AF in 3 weeks.
2004-Open chest microwave modified maze procedure by Dr. Michael Argenziano, Tikosyn as needed post op
2009-radiofrequency catheter ablation with Carto XP navigation by Dr. David Cannom and Dr. Ivan Ho, unable to eliminate multiple foci, Flecainide post op.
2010-March, 16 radiofrequency catheter ablation with Carto 3 by Dr. David Cannom and Dr. Ivan Ho. Placed on Amiodarone
2010-August 17 went into sinus rhythm and have remained since.
Placed on Metoprolol to keep resting pulse rate below 80 bpm. I don’t feel the 200mg of Amiodarone is holding me in sinus rhythm.
• general anesthesia for 6 hours back in AF in 4 days
• cardioversion 1 month post op, in AF in 4 days
• cardioversion 3 month post op, in AF in 4 days
Results: I Feel Great!
After 5 ablations and 12 cardioversions interspersed between procedures, I feel great for the first time in 13 years, DON’T GIVE UP HOPE.
I am a 63 yr old Prosthodontist who is very critical of healthcare, and I couldn’t be more pleased and impressed with the people who have helped me through this ordeal.
The 2009 ablation was successful in reducing the severity of the symptoms but seemed to increase my resting heart rate and BP while still in AF.
Glenn Bickert
email: gbickert(at)cox.net
Orange County, CA
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