I’m curious to know of any reliable statistics available on people who have afib in conjunction with a pacemaker. Also am interested in knowing of any good pacemaker specific forums. Thank you.by Chuck Connors - AFIBBERS FORUM
Is there a standard protocol followed by most EPs in terms of follow-on appointments and procedures post-Watchman procedure? I’m interested in knowing the timing of such events and what to expect. TEE a certain number of weeks following the Watchman procedure , etc…. Does the Watchman cause irritation? Other side effects?by Chuck Connors - AFIBBERS FORUM
Thank you for correcting my haphazard spelling. I thought you pronounce his name as NA-TAL-LEE, but I kinda of like your pronunciation, so I’m going to go with that.by Chuck Connors - AFIBBERS FORUM
Dr. Natalie is one of the top electrophysiologist’s in the world and Master of the Universe. He’s probably a 100th degree black belt, if there is such a thing. Any input on who of his former colleagues at CPMC are considered to be close to His Royal Highness (HRH) in terms of skill level? Thanks for any input you may have, however subjective it may be. Chuckby Chuck Connors - AFIBBERS FORUM
I'm not sure I'd have wanted that Sony Watchman device installed in my body, even back in '88. That antenna could have proven to be problematic.by Chuck Connors - AFIBBERS FORUM
While it may be subjective, how many Watchman procedures is generally considered a good number in order to say a doc has experience in this area?by Chuck Connors - AFIBBERS FORUM
Any information on the new Watchman that is due out and timing on its release? Thank you.by Chuck Connors - AFIBBERS FORUM
Dr. Natale gave me the name of Dr. Robert Rho. He is based at Evergreen in Kirkland and performs procedures at Overlake.by Chuck Connors - AFIBBERS FORUM
Dr. Natale got back to me and provided me with the name of an EP in the Seattle area.by Chuck Connors - AFIBBERS FORUM
It’s been awhile since I’ve researched this, but I’d like to get some input on the names of the top Cardiac Electrophysiologists in Seattle. Hopeful your feedback will give me a starting point for further diligence on my part. I’ve already been to Dr. Natale and consider him my go-to, and am only looking at this from the standpoint of local, routine medical care and support. Thank you.by Chuck Connors - AFIBBERS FORUM
Hi Shannon, Thank you for your reply. It is mystifying, which is why I posted. I'm hopeful that I'll be speaking with my doc in the coming week and will make a point of meeting with him in-person, as only so much can be conveyed over the phone. After the 2nd ablation in December 2015, and the ZEO patch results six (6) months post ablation, as well as results of an additional ZEO pby Chuck Connors - AFIBBERS FORUM
I'd be interested in learning if any others have had a similar experience as I have. I've had 2 ablations and have been afib free for nearly two (2) years. Approximately one year ago my doctor stated that he didn't think I was a candidate for a pacemaker, as the pauses were too short to go down that road. This year he had wanted to discuss closure of left atrial appendage. I wasby Chuck Connors - AFIBBERS FORUM
It appears that I may be going down the path of having a procedure to close the LAA in the next 12 to 18 months and in the meantime will be learning as much as possible. It's my understanding that there are new developments as well as technological advances coming out in this area over next 12 months. Can someone point me in the direction of where I may be able to find information on these nby Chuck Connors - AFIBBERS FORUM
Thank you all for your input and suggestions. I spoke with my EP, who after seeing the Zeo patch results, doesn't think I'm a candidate for a pacemaker. He said the pauses are too short and infrequent. In the meantime, his office will be sending me another Zeo patch, which I'll be wearing for longer than seven days in order to gather more data, and will follow-up with my EP at tby Chuck Connors - AFIBBERS FORUM
Mike, Thank you for passing along the words "heart block." I've learned a lot. Jackie, Thank you for your input. I'm not sure if I'm optimizing my electrolytes. I take a magnesium supplement. Please educate me in this area. Chuckby Chuck Connors - AFIBBERS FORUM
Robert, I also have had issues with remembering to drink enough water. I found a simple solution. Purchased a 50 oz Nalgene bottle, fill it up in the morning, drink it during the day, fill it up again in the afternoon, and drink it until a couple of hours before bedtime. This is a solution that is measurable. In addition to the 100 oz. of water, I'm getting water from the food I eatby Chuck Connors - AFIBBERS FORUM
Can someone provide me with the proper medical term for when your heart pauses for a few seconds? How is this normally treated? What is the crtieria for the doc recommending a pacemaker? Thank you. Chuckby Chuck Connors - AFIBBERS FORUM
Dr. Chris Fellows at Virginia Mason (VM) in Seattle is generally considered one of the best in the Northwest. He is the Medical Director of Electrophysiology at VM. I believe that he has performed approximately 600 ablations, although you'll want to confirm it. I believe Dr. Natale has performed over 8,000 ablations, but you'll need to confirm that as well. Then there are different methby Chuck Connors - AFIBBERS FORUM
Thank you, Jackie. Much appreciated.by Chuck Connors - AFIBBERS FORUM
2nd ablation (LAA) this past May. Recent TEE showed velocities <40. Staying on Xarelto and repeating TEE in six months. I'm interested in learning from others who have had a similar course of treatment and what some typical scenarios have been for next steps. Thank you.by Chuck Connors - AFIBBERS FORUM
Ron, Sorry to hear of your situation. What did your doctor advise you yesterday in terms of treatment and follow-up? Chuckby Chuck Connors - AFIBBERS FORUM
Yes, Jackie, I did. Much more than I expected. Thank you. Chuckby Chuck Connors - AFIBBERS FORUM
I'd be interested in learning more about magnesium. Specifically: 1. Brand (and why) 2. Since I shop regularly at Costco, input on the Nature Made brand. 3. Form (powder, etc...) (and why) 4. Amounts. (any studies available on optimum levels?) 5. Regularity. Thank you in advance for any feedback. Chuckby Chuck Connors - AFIBBERS FORUM
Depending upon which report, website or newsletter you read, the success rate for an ablation can be interpreted many different ways. How do you define success? My naïve definition of success when I first learned that I had afib would have been afib free for five years. Once I learned more about afib, I learned that the definition of success is afib free after one year. Recently, I learned tby Chuck Connors - AFIBBERS FORUM
I've often heard that depression can follow a surgery. I've experienced the same feelings with a death in the family last summer, my 1st ablation this past January and my 2nd ablation just two weeks ago. I would appreciate any reference materials related to this subject. Thank you. -Chuck-by Chuck Connors - AFIBBERS FORUM
I'm having a difficult time understanding why some people refer to a 2nd or 3rd ablation as a "touch up". It's as if you had your engine (heart) overhauled during the 1st ablation and now need to go back just for a "touch up" (change the spark plugs or oil). The reality, as I understand it, is that a 2nd or 3rd ablation requires all of the preparation, intensity,by Chuck Connors - AFIBBERS FORUM
Thank you for all the replies. I'm persistent. Currently in afib and aflutter. Having a CV next week. It's too early to go in for a touch up due to the current healing process. The appendage may be the issue. I appreciate the conservative path of not dealing with the appendage the first time through. Definitely will be studying about the appendage, what all is involved and possiby Chuck Connors - AFIBBERS FORUM
Are there any authoritative studies or publications available on the chances of going into afib or aflutter within the 1st 6 months following an ablation?by Chuck Connors - AFIBBERS FORUM
I'm curious what to expect in terms of post ablation care from Dr. Natale in the first 12 months and beyond. I understand that every situation will likely differ. Thanks a bunch for your AFIB wisdom. -Chuck-by Chuck Connors - AFIBBERS FORUM
OK. Thanks Shannon. Guess I'll have to be stuck in San Francisco for a few days. Life is tough. -Chuck-by Chuck Connors - AFIBBERS FORUM