Terry Traver’ s story

A-Fib Patient Story #89

In A-Fib for 15 Years, Eventually is Incapacitated, Unable to Work

By Terry Traver, Thousand Oaks, CA, September 2016

I’m a sixty-five year-old male and live in southern California. I am writing this because, as great as Steve’s site [A-Fib.com] is, there aren’t many stories from the west coast.

For over 15 years I suffered with A-Fib. It was not so bad. I stopped using caffeine and chocolate and cut back on my [alcohol] drinking.

Every three months or so I would have an episode that would last about 15 hours and then I would be fine.

Meds never really helped in my case.

A-Fib Progresses to the Point Where I Can’t Work

In 2011, my A-Fib became severe to the point where I was almost completely incapacitated [Persistent Atrial Fibrillation]. I was not even able to work.

Luckily, through a friend I was put in touch with Dr. Anil K. Bhandari, a clinical Electrophysiologist (EP)] at Los Angeles Cardiology Associates in downtown Los Angeles.

Ablation and a Touch-up at Good Samaritan Hospital in Los Angeles

In March 2012, I went in to Good Samaritan Hospital for a catheter ablation (wonderful Hospital and staff). I knew I was a difficult case, so I was not surprised when I had to return in July 2012 for a second touch up ablation (I think Dr. Bhandari was more disappointed than I was).

Afterwards, no sign of A-Fib. I felt great! At my 30 day return visit and I was told to use up the remainder of my meds and then discontinue them.

A-Fib Free for Five Years

I’ve been A-Fib free for five years. I still doesn’t drink coffee but enjoy chocolate and an occasional cocktail without worry.

Dr. Bhandari and the ablation was the best thing I could have done. I would like to add that the procedure is very easy. I was home the next day. I had no pain and had a short recovery time.

I have nothing but great things to say about my experience with Dr. Bhandari, his staff and Good Sam. Hospital, I live 40 miles north of L.A. and the drive was worth it.

Lessons Learned

What I wish I knew then or did differently:

• I would have had the ablation much sooner. No G.P. [family doctor] ever mentioned ablation as an option. I only heard about it from a friend!
• I had never heard of an electrophysiologist (EP), and wish I had seen one sooner.
• I would learn more about what my insurance covered and what expenses I could negotiate.

I also want to thank Steve Ryan for this wonderful web site. Good luck

P.S. For the guys: For bladder control during the catheter ablation, instead of a urinary catheter, Dr. Bhandari uses a condom. No insertion. Just sayin’.

Terry Traver
terrytraver@gmail.com

Editorial comments:

I’m still amazed when an A-Fib patient tells me his family doctor didn’t refer them to a cardiologist, and more importantly, to an Electrophysiologist.

Atrial Fibrillation is a problem with the electrical function of your heart. Most cardiologists deal with the pumping functions of the heart (think ‘plumber’). It’s important for A-Fib patients to see a cardiac Electrophysiologist (EP)—a cardiologist who specializes in the electrical activity of the heart (think electrician) and in the diagnosis and treatment of heart rhythm disorders.

Terry writes that his GP did not refer him to an EP. Thank goodness a friend stepped in to help him.

It’s so important for patients to educate themselves to receive the best treatment. To learn how to find the right doctor, go to our page: Finding the Right Doctor for You and Your Treatment Goals.

The longer you wait, the worse A-Fib tends to get. Look at Terry’s story. His disease progressed to Persistent Atrial Fibrillation and was incapacitating.

A-Fib is a Progressive Disease—Seek your Cure ASAP!

Note: Dr. Bhandari is still with Los Angeles Cardiology Associates (213-977-0419), also now works at Cedars Sinai in Los Angeles.

Back to top
Return to Patient A-Fib Stories

If you find any errors on this page, email us. Y Last updated: Tuesday, February 7, 2017

Related Posts