Hello:
For those considering ablation, I want you to know I'm 5 years "out" and doing very well. I just turned 49. I had two ablations done, 6 months apart in 2000, and have felt great ever since. I went to Houston and was treated by Dr. William Spencer. For some reason, the first ablation didn't take-I initially felt better but my gradient quickly returned. He reablated the same artery and my gradient remains below 20, it was 100+ at rest prior to my procedures. I did not need a pacemaker. While I was in Houston, I connected with two other patients of Dr. Spencer's and they are both doing well too. Since the procedure has now been done for about 10 years (it began in Europe,) more long-term data is available. I encourage everyone to research options before they consider what to do. The teenager who followed me at my second ablation had had a myectomy done 10 years prior....His symptoms had returned and he was now going down the ablation route. For me, open heart surgery was a road I didn't want to take...but I realize everyone needs to make up their own mind. Prior to my ablation, I saw two MDs at the University of WA and one felt strongly I should have an ablation and the other said a myectomy was the way to go! I researched the procedures, prayed a lot and in the end, made my choice. I lead a very active lifestyle, go to aerobics classes 3-4 days a week and no one would know I could barely get up my stairs 6 years ago. I was even considering moving into a one story home. My advice: pray about your choices, read the literature, and choose a VERY experienced MD!
For those considering ablation, I want you to know I'm 5 years "out" and doing very well. I just turned 49. I had two ablations done, 6 months apart in 2000, and have felt great ever since. I went to Houston and was treated by Dr. William Spencer. For some reason, the first ablation didn't take-I initially felt better but my gradient quickly returned. He reablated the same artery and my gradient remains below 20, it was 100+ at rest prior to my procedures. I did not need a pacemaker. While I was in Houston, I connected with two other patients of Dr. Spencer's and they are both doing well too. Since the procedure has now been done for about 10 years (it began in Europe,) more long-term data is available. I encourage everyone to research options before they consider what to do. The teenager who followed me at my second ablation had had a myectomy done 10 years prior....His symptoms had returned and he was now going down the ablation route. For me, open heart surgery was a road I didn't want to take...but I realize everyone needs to make up their own mind. Prior to my ablation, I saw two MDs at the University of WA and one felt strongly I should have an ablation and the other said a myectomy was the way to go! I researched the procedures, prayed a lot and in the end, made my choice. I lead a very active lifestyle, go to aerobics classes 3-4 days a week and no one would know I could barely get up my stairs 6 years ago. I was even considering moving into a one story home. My advice: pray about your choices, read the literature, and choose a VERY experienced MD!
Comment