AFIC Doctors Touching Lives
| Joseph Sexton was mowing the lawn when
it first kicked in. Lightheaded, the Anacortes,
Washington native reached for his wrist to feel
his pulse. His heart was beating very fast -
"like a drum roll." That was Joe's first experience
with atrial fibrillation.
After many years of anti-arrhythmic medications with caustic
side effects (like Coumadin®), five cardioversions and an
endocardial ablation failed to control his irregular heartbeat,
Joe turned to the Internet to research other treatment
options. He found an article by Cleveland Clinic surgeons
discussing a surgical treatment called the Cox-Maze
procedure. As he continued to research, his confidence in
Cleveland Clinic grew. "These [doctors] are the best in the
world at what they do. Here is the best place in the world
for heart care," stated Joe. Coming to the Clinic for surgical
treatment was, "scary, but exciting at the same time."
In July 2003, Cleveland Clinic cardiothoracic surgeon
A. Marc Gillinov, M.D., performed a successful Cox-Maze
procedure on Joe. After 20 years, he had finally been cured
of his a-fib. Today, he enjoys a life free of all the medications
he had previously used to control his irregular heart rhythm,
and he credits the care given to him by Dr. Gillinov and the
Clinic personnel. Joe offers this advice to patients suffering
from a-fib: "If you've got chronic a-fib, don't look past the
gold standard - the Cox-Maze." |
 |
 |
|
 Dear Dr. Wolf:
My husband and I celebrated our 35th anniversary in Hawaii! Thanks to my surgery I was able to have a few afib-free mai tai's and pina coladas. My heart has been in rhythm since that date, and I'm very grateful!
To this I can add that my experience with Dr. Wolf and staff was good from beginning to end. I believe my first appointment was last September or October, so not much time passed between then and my surgery, although my surgery was postponed from November 18th to December 13th. Dr. Wolf's staff was very cooperative in helping me to gather my medical records, and my CT scan was arranged the day of my first visit so that I didn't have to return to Cincinnati from my home 2 1/2 hours away. I was impressed at the speed in which my emails were answered. As far as University Hospital goes, I can remember receiving exceptional care in CICU. When I returned home, I had some lung problems, but I was always able to speak with someone promptly using the phone numbers I'd been given.
I was delighted that I was able to perform as organist for Christmas Eve services at Trinity Episcopal Church 11 days after my surgery. Six weeks after the surgery I went skiing in Lake Tahoe. My energy has returned and I feel so-o-o much better. I'm off sotalol, and I'm wearing the Cardionet monitor this week in hopes of discontinuing coumadin in the near future. I'm a "poster child" for the Wolf mini-maze, and I've recommended Dr. Wolf to some of my afib friends. If I can be of further help, please let me know.
Cheryl Tolbert, McArthur, Ohio |
|
|
|
"I was totally happy with every
part on my Surgery. Everyone on the [Dr. Wolf] staff from
top to bottom was professional, knowledgeable, and friendly. My wife Nancy felt the same way. I could go on in detail, but it
would just be a repeat of what I just said. I am still in sinus
rhythm and feel great!!!!"
|
