Re: My Story

[Guest guest]

> The reason I jumped into an ablation right away was that I didn't

> want to have to deal with the side effects of meds. The ablation

cost

> me $4,000.00, and I don't have the money to do another.

> Kirk

*******

Kirk, who is your EP and how many Afib or aflutter ablations has he

performed and what were his results? What is his training and where

did he get it? Is he certified in electrophysiology? These are all

questions you need to ask any cardiologist before you allow them to

perform any procedure on you, including a cardioversion. Do you live

close to a big city with a major medical center that has an EP

department? Please check all of the above out with this doctor before

you allow him to perform any other procedures on you. DO NOT BE

EMBARRASSED TO ASK QUESTIONS! This is YOUR life. He owes you that

information.

[Guest guest]

> I've asked all of those questions of him, and found that he's the

> best in Portland, Oregon. I'm not sure why certain doctors

> recommended in here would be better than him. It may be more of an

> art than a science in performing an ablation.

********

But, Kirk, what were his responses to your questions? I really am not

trying to annoy you, but I think you should know how many he has

done, and what exactly were his success rates, his rate of

complications, such as stroke and pulmonary vein stenosis, and all

the rest. And he should not be at all evasive in answering your

questions. He may well be excellent, but you deserve answers to your

specific questions.

[Guest guest]

Thanks, Rich. At this point, I'll take a little good luck.

Kirk

> In a message dated 8/1/04 4:07:37 PM Eastern Daylight Time,

sellmak@o...

> writes:

>

> > He did answer my specific questions. I like Dr. Florek. He's been

> > straight with me, and spent as much time answering my questions as

>

> Kirk,

> Good luck.

> Rich O

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

> He did answer my specific questions. I like Dr. Florek. He's been

> straight with me, and spent as much time answering my questions as

> needed. I don't have a problem with him. We're still early in

> treating my a-fib, and I've been very patient. He recommended a

> second ablation, but understood when I told him that I couldn't

> afford it. I'm going to call his office Wednesday if I don't see

the

> meds lessening my a-fib. I need to either increase the dosage or

find

> another medication to treat it.

*******

Best of luck to you, Kirk. What medications are you on?

[Guest guest]

Thanks, . I take 100 mg of flecainide acetate twice a day. I'm

hoping my cardiologist will increase it to 150 mg this Wednesday.

> > He did answer my specific questions. I like Dr. Florek. He's been

> > straight with me, and spent as much time answering my questions

as

> > needed. I don't have a problem with him. We're still early in

> > treating my a-fib, and I've been very patient. He recommended a

> > second ablation, but understood when I told him that I couldn't

> > afford it. I'm going to call his office Wednesday if I don't see

> the

> > meds lessening my a-fib. I need to either increase the dosage or

> find

> > another medication to treat it.

> *******

> Best of luck to you, Kirk. What medications are you on?

>

[Guest guest]

Thanks, . I take 100 mg of flecainide acetate twice a day. I'm

hoping my cardiologist will increase it to 150 mg this Wednesday.

> > He did answer my specific questions. I like Dr. Florek. He's been

> > straight with me, and spent as much time answering my questions

as

> > needed. I don't have a problem with him. We're still early in

> > treating my a-fib, and I've been very patient. He recommended a

> > second ablation, but understood when I told him that I couldn't

> > afford it. I'm going to call his office Wednesday if I don't see

> the

> > meds lessening my a-fib. I need to either increase the dosage or

> find

> > another medication to treat it.

> *******

> Best of luck to you, Kirk. What medications are you on?

>

[Guest guest]

Thanks, . I take 100 mg of flecainide acetate twice a day. I'm

hoping my cardiologist will increase it to 150 mg this Wednesday.

> > He did answer my specific questions. I like Dr. Florek. He's been

> > straight with me, and spent as much time answering my questions

as

> > needed. I don't have a problem with him. We're still early in

> > treating my a-fib, and I've been very patient. He recommended a

> > second ablation, but understood when I told him that I couldn't

> > afford it. I'm going to call his office Wednesday if I don't see

> the

> > meds lessening my a-fib. I need to either increase the dosage or

> find

> > another medication to treat it.

> *******

> Best of luck to you, Kirk. What medications are you on?

>

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 7/30/04 1:11:12 PM Pacific Daylight Time,

sellmak@... writes:

<< I did see a gastroenterologist, and he quickly dismissed it. My

cardiologist said that it couldn't have anything to do with my

intestines, but I have to believe that that's where the signal is

coming from that causes the heart to go into a-fib. I don't believe

that my colon is the problem area, but I haven't been able to figure

out if it's the small or large intestines. >>

A gastroenterologist told me the same thing after I had every stomach test

known to medicine, and they all turned out normal. He recommended that I give

up dairy products, but I had already done that, thanks to advice I had received

from Angus here on this board. The G.I. doctor also said that giving up

dairy products would have no effect on my afib, but he was really wrong about

that. A year after I gave up dairy, my afib virtually disappeared after

plaguing

me 50 percent of the time during the year immediately before and after I gave

up dairy. Now I still frequently have stomach problems which don't trigger

afib but which sometimes cause sinus tachycardia or few second bursts of PAC's

or PVC's. I'll take this current situation over afib 50 percent of the time,

though.

My E.P., when I told him about the positive effect of giving up dairy, said

that it's possible that the dairy products were causing vasovagal stimulation,

and anything that causes vasovagal stimulation can cause afib. My primary

care doctor said that it is common knowledge that many people can avert or end

afib by having a bowel movement because of the tie to the vagus nerve. So

that's two doctors who agree with your theory about the connection between the

vagus nerve and afib. You might want to try eliminating various foods and try

different diets to see if any changes help you. This is what I have done. In

addition to dairy, I have also given up fruit because it seems the fructose

causes problems for me, sugar, greasy foods, too much fiber, MSG, and additives

of all types, to mention a few items. This has worked quite well for me, but I

also take Atenolol and Verapamil. Those drugs did not prevent my afib before

I gave up dairy, however.

Good luck,

in sinus in Seattle

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 7/30/04 1:11:12 PM Pacific Daylight Time,

sellmak@... writes:

<< I did see a gastroenterologist, and he quickly dismissed it. My

cardiologist said that it couldn't have anything to do with my

intestines, but I have to believe that that's where the signal is

coming from that causes the heart to go into a-fib. I don't believe

that my colon is the problem area, but I haven't been able to figure

out if it's the small or large intestines. >>

A gastroenterologist told me the same thing after I had every stomach test

known to medicine, and they all turned out normal. He recommended that I give

up dairy products, but I had already done that, thanks to advice I had received

from Angus here on this board. The G.I. doctor also said that giving up

dairy products would have no effect on my afib, but he was really wrong about

that. A year after I gave up dairy, my afib virtually disappeared after

plaguing

me 50 percent of the time during the year immediately before and after I gave

up dairy. Now I still frequently have stomach problems which don't trigger

afib but which sometimes cause sinus tachycardia or few second bursts of PAC's

or PVC's. I'll take this current situation over afib 50 percent of the time,

though.

My E.P., when I told him about the positive effect of giving up dairy, said

that it's possible that the dairy products were causing vasovagal stimulation,

and anything that causes vasovagal stimulation can cause afib. My primary

care doctor said that it is common knowledge that many people can avert or end

afib by having a bowel movement because of the tie to the vagus nerve. So

that's two doctors who agree with your theory about the connection between the

vagus nerve and afib. You might want to try eliminating various foods and try

different diets to see if any changes help you. This is what I have done. In

addition to dairy, I have also given up fruit because it seems the fructose

causes problems for me, sugar, greasy foods, too much fiber, MSG, and additives

of all types, to mention a few items. This has worked quite well for me, but I

also take Atenolol and Verapamil. Those drugs did not prevent my afib before

I gave up dairy, however.

Good luck,

in sinus in Seattle

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 7/30/04 1:11:12 PM Pacific Daylight Time,

sellmak@... writes:

<< I did see a gastroenterologist, and he quickly dismissed it. My

cardiologist said that it couldn't have anything to do with my

intestines, but I have to believe that that's where the signal is

coming from that causes the heart to go into a-fib. I don't believe

that my colon is the problem area, but I haven't been able to figure

out if it's the small or large intestines. >>

A gastroenterologist told me the same thing after I had every stomach test

known to medicine, and they all turned out normal. He recommended that I give

up dairy products, but I had already done that, thanks to advice I had received

from Angus here on this board. The G.I. doctor also said that giving up

dairy products would have no effect on my afib, but he was really wrong about

that. A year after I gave up dairy, my afib virtually disappeared after

plaguing

me 50 percent of the time during the year immediately before and after I gave

up dairy. Now I still frequently have stomach problems which don't trigger

afib but which sometimes cause sinus tachycardia or few second bursts of PAC's

or PVC's. I'll take this current situation over afib 50 percent of the time,

though.

My E.P., when I told him about the positive effect of giving up dairy, said

that it's possible that the dairy products were causing vasovagal stimulation,

and anything that causes vasovagal stimulation can cause afib. My primary

care doctor said that it is common knowledge that many people can avert or end

afib by having a bowel movement because of the tie to the vagus nerve. So

that's two doctors who agree with your theory about the connection between the

vagus nerve and afib. You might want to try eliminating various foods and try

different diets to see if any changes help you. This is what I have done. In

addition to dairy, I have also given up fruit because it seems the fructose

causes problems for me, sugar, greasy foods, too much fiber, MSG, and additives

of all types, to mention a few items. This has worked quite well for me, but I

also take Atenolol and Verapamil. Those drugs did not prevent my afib before

I gave up dairy, however.

Good luck,

in sinus in Seattle

[Guest guest]

Thank you for sharing your thoughts about the connection between

dairy products and a-fib. I had never thought about that being a

problem. I will go without and see what happens. Thanks, again.

> In a message dated 7/30/04 1:11:12 PM Pacific Daylight Time,

> sellmak@o... writes:

>

> << I did see a gastroenterologist, and he quickly dismissed it. My

> cardiologist said that it couldn't have anything to do with my

> intestines, but I have to believe that that's where the signal is

> coming from that causes the heart to go into a-fib. I don't

believe

> that my colon is the problem area, but I haven't been able to

figure

> out if it's the small or large intestines. >>

>

> A gastroenterologist told me the same thing after I had every

stomach test

> known to medicine, and they all turned out normal. He recommended

that I give

> up dairy products, but I had already done that, thanks to advice I

had received

> from Angus here on this board. The G.I. doctor also said that

giving up

> dairy products would have no effect on my afib, but he was really

wrong about

> that. A year after I gave up dairy, my afib virtually disappeared

after plaguing

> me 50 percent of the time during the year immediately before and

after I gave

> up dairy. Now I still frequently have stomach problems which don't

trigger

> afib but which sometimes cause sinus tachycardia or few second

bursts of PAC's

> or PVC's. I'll take this current situation over afib 50 percent of

the time,

> though.

>

> My E.P., when I told him about the positive effect of giving up

dairy, said

> that it's possible that the dairy products were causing vasovagal

stimulation,

> and anything that causes vasovagal stimulation can cause afib. My

primary

> care doctor said that it is common knowledge that many people can

avert or end

> afib by having a bowel movement because of the tie to the vagus

nerve. So

> that's two doctors who agree with your theory about the connection

between the

> vagus nerve and afib. You might want to try eliminating various

foods and try

> different diets to see if any changes help you. This is what I

have done. In

> addition to dairy, I have also given up fruit because it seems the

fructose

> causes problems for me, sugar, greasy foods, too much fiber, MSG,

and additives

> of all types, to mention a few items. This has worked quite well

for me, but I

> also take Atenolol and Verapamil. Those drugs did not prevent my

afib before

> I gave up dairy, however.

> Good luck,

> in sinus in Seattle

[Guest guest]

Thank you for sharing your thoughts about the connection between

dairy products and a-fib. I had never thought about that being a

problem. I will go without and see what happens. Thanks, again.

> In a message dated 7/30/04 1:11:12 PM Pacific Daylight Time,

> sellmak@o... writes:

>

> << I did see a gastroenterologist, and he quickly dismissed it. My

> cardiologist said that it couldn't have anything to do with my

> intestines, but I have to believe that that's where the signal is

> coming from that causes the heart to go into a-fib. I don't

believe

> that my colon is the problem area, but I haven't been able to

figure

> out if it's the small or large intestines. >>

>

> A gastroenterologist told me the same thing after I had every

stomach test

> known to medicine, and they all turned out normal. He recommended

that I give

> up dairy products, but I had already done that, thanks to advice I

had received

> from Angus here on this board. The G.I. doctor also said that

giving up

> dairy products would have no effect on my afib, but he was really

wrong about

> that. A year after I gave up dairy, my afib virtually disappeared

after plaguing

> me 50 percent of the time during the year immediately before and

after I gave

> up dairy. Now I still frequently have stomach problems which don't

trigger

> afib but which sometimes cause sinus tachycardia or few second

bursts of PAC's

> or PVC's. I'll take this current situation over afib 50 percent of

the time,

> though.

>

> My E.P., when I told him about the positive effect of giving up

dairy, said

> that it's possible that the dairy products were causing vasovagal

stimulation,

> and anything that causes vasovagal stimulation can cause afib. My

primary

> care doctor said that it is common knowledge that many people can

avert or end

> afib by having a bowel movement because of the tie to the vagus

nerve. So

> that's two doctors who agree with your theory about the connection

between the

> vagus nerve and afib. You might want to try eliminating various

foods and try

> different diets to see if any changes help you. This is what I

have done. In

> addition to dairy, I have also given up fruit because it seems the

fructose

> causes problems for me, sugar, greasy foods, too much fiber, MSG,

and additives

> of all types, to mention a few items. This has worked quite well

for me, but I

> also take Atenolol and Verapamil. Those drugs did not prevent my

afib before

> I gave up dairy, however.

> Good luck,

> in sinus in Seattle

[Guest guest]

Thank you for sharing your thoughts about the connection between

dairy products and a-fib. I had never thought about that being a

problem. I will go without and see what happens. Thanks, again.

> In a message dated 7/30/04 1:11:12 PM Pacific Daylight Time,

> sellmak@o... writes:

>

> << I did see a gastroenterologist, and he quickly dismissed it. My

> cardiologist said that it couldn't have anything to do with my

> intestines, but I have to believe that that's where the signal is

> coming from that causes the heart to go into a-fib. I don't

believe

> that my colon is the problem area, but I haven't been able to

figure

> out if it's the small or large intestines. >>

>

> A gastroenterologist told me the same thing after I had every

stomach test

> known to medicine, and they all turned out normal. He recommended

that I give

> up dairy products, but I had already done that, thanks to advice I

had received

> from Angus here on this board. The G.I. doctor also said that

giving up

> dairy products would have no effect on my afib, but he was really

wrong about

> that. A year after I gave up dairy, my afib virtually disappeared

after plaguing

> me 50 percent of the time during the year immediately before and

after I gave

> up dairy. Now I still frequently have stomach problems which don't

trigger

> afib but which sometimes cause sinus tachycardia or few second

bursts of PAC's

> or PVC's. I'll take this current situation over afib 50 percent of

the time,

> though.

>

> My E.P., when I told him about the positive effect of giving up

dairy, said

> that it's possible that the dairy products were causing vasovagal

stimulation,

> and anything that causes vasovagal stimulation can cause afib. My

primary

> care doctor said that it is common knowledge that many people can

avert or end

> afib by having a bowel movement because of the tie to the vagus

nerve. So

> that's two doctors who agree with your theory about the connection

between the

> vagus nerve and afib. You might want to try eliminating various

foods and try

> different diets to see if any changes help you. This is what I

have done. In

> addition to dairy, I have also given up fruit because it seems the

fructose

> causes problems for me, sugar, greasy foods, too much fiber, MSG,

and additives

> of all types, to mention a few items. This has worked quite well

for me, but I

> also take Atenolol and Verapamil. Those drugs did not prevent my

afib before

> I gave up dairy, however.

> Good luck,

> in sinus in Seattle

[Guest guest]

> Thank you for sharing your thoughts about the connection between

> dairy products and a-fib. I had never thought about that being a

> problem. I will go without and see what happens. Thanks, again.

I've been trying this also. It may be helping, as I can breath more

easily so I assume I have been having some reaction to dairy. I find

that I can eat eggs with no apparent problem, however.

[Guest guest]

> Thank you for sharing your thoughts about the connection between

> dairy products and a-fib. I had never thought about that being a

> problem. I will go without and see what happens. Thanks, again.

I've been trying this also. It may be helping, as I can breath more

easily so I assume I have been having some reaction to dairy. I find

that I can eat eggs with no apparent problem, however.

[Guest guest]

> Thank you for sharing your thoughts about the connection between

> dairy products and a-fib. I had never thought about that being a

> problem. I will go without and see what happens. Thanks, again.

I've been trying this also. It may be helping, as I can breath more

easily so I assume I have been having some reaction to dairy. I find

that I can eat eggs with no apparent problem, however.

[Guest guest]

Does calcium have something to do with this? When it gets absorbed in

the intestines, does it cause a chemical reaction within the Vagus

Nerve?

> > Thank you for sharing your thoughts about the connection between

> > dairy products and a-fib. I had never thought about that being a

> > problem. I will go without and see what happens. Thanks, again.

>

>

> I've been trying this also. It may be helping, as I can breath

more

> easily so I assume I have been having some reaction to dairy. I

find

> that I can eat eggs with no apparent problem, however.

[Guest guest]

Does calcium have something to do with this? When it gets absorbed in

the intestines, does it cause a chemical reaction within the Vagus

Nerve?

> > Thank you for sharing your thoughts about the connection between

> > dairy products and a-fib. I had never thought about that being a

> > problem. I will go without and see what happens. Thanks, again.

>

>

> I've been trying this also. It may be helping, as I can breath

more

> easily so I assume I have been having some reaction to dairy. I

find

> that I can eat eggs with no apparent problem, however.

[Guest guest]

>>...... This time a full PVA and have it done by Dr. Natale or

another world class EP. Who has dedicated their practice to AF.

==============================

I've seen a lot of kudos on this group and others about Dr. Natale,

and mentioned his name to a new EP I just saw for the first time

today. The reaction was swift ... that he considered Natale a bit

too " aggressive " in his ablation work. My EP felt that Dr. Jackman

from Kansas City (I think) and his disciples represent the kind of

practitioners he would go to himself if he had an AFib problem. I

didn't get the sense that this was my EPs professional jealosy

speaking at all .. he as met Natale and knows his work and its

results.

Of course, I know nothing first hand about Natale other than what I

read on this board. My only point is that, unfortunately, we all

have to do a fair amount of research to find out who the best

practitioners are for us. (Oh, and I am not criticizing the person

who posted the note I referenced ... just passing on an observation.)

[Guest guest]

>>...... This time a full PVA and have it done by Dr. Natale or

another world class EP. Who has dedicated their practice to AF.

==============================

I've seen a lot of kudos on this group and others about Dr. Natale,

and mentioned his name to a new EP I just saw for the first time

today. The reaction was swift ... that he considered Natale a bit

too " aggressive " in his ablation work. My EP felt that Dr. Jackman

from Kansas City (I think) and his disciples represent the kind of

practitioners he would go to himself if he had an AFib problem. I

didn't get the sense that this was my EPs professional jealosy

speaking at all .. he as met Natale and knows his work and its

results.

Of course, I know nothing first hand about Natale other than what I

read on this board. My only point is that, unfortunately, we all

have to do a fair amount of research to find out who the best

practitioners are for us. (Oh, and I am not criticizing the person

who posted the note I referenced ... just passing on an observation.)

[Guest guest]

I was curious as to what made Natale more successful than others. I

wondered if it was technique, equipment, experience, intuitiveness,

or being very selective in who he treats. Some people in here have

had success with him, and I'd be curious to know what he thinks of my

a-fib problems, but I don't have the money to fly 2,000 miles to see

him. I wish I did.

> >>...... This time a full PVA and have it done by Dr. Natale or

> another world class EP. Who has dedicated their practice to AF.

> ==============================

> I've seen a lot of kudos on this group and others about Dr. Natale,

> and mentioned his name to a new EP I just saw for the first time

> today. The reaction was swift ... that he considered Natale a bit

> too " aggressive " in his ablation work. My EP felt that Dr. Jackman

> from Kansas City (I think) and his disciples represent the kind of

> practitioners he would go to himself if he had an AFib problem. I

> didn't get the sense that this was my EPs professional jealosy

> speaking at all .. he as met Natale and knows his work and its

> results.

>

> Of course, I know nothing first hand about Natale other than what I

> read on this board. My only point is that, unfortunately, we all

> have to do a fair amount of research to find out who the best

> practitioners are for us. (Oh, and I am not criticizing the person

> who posted the note I referenced ... just passing on an

observation.)

[Guest guest]

I was curious as to what made Natale more successful than others. I

wondered if it was technique, equipment, experience, intuitiveness,

or being very selective in who he treats. Some people in here have

had success with him, and I'd be curious to know what he thinks of my

a-fib problems, but I don't have the money to fly 2,000 miles to see

him. I wish I did.

> >>...... This time a full PVA and have it done by Dr. Natale or

> another world class EP. Who has dedicated their practice to AF.

> ==============================

> I've seen a lot of kudos on this group and others about Dr. Natale,

> and mentioned his name to a new EP I just saw for the first time

> today. The reaction was swift ... that he considered Natale a bit

> too " aggressive " in his ablation work. My EP felt that Dr. Jackman

> from Kansas City (I think) and his disciples represent the kind of

> practitioners he would go to himself if he had an AFib problem. I

> didn't get the sense that this was my EPs professional jealosy

> speaking at all .. he as met Natale and knows his work and its

> results.

>

> Of course, I know nothing first hand about Natale other than what I

> read on this board. My only point is that, unfortunately, we all

> have to do a fair amount of research to find out who the best

> practitioners are for us. (Oh, and I am not criticizing the person

> who posted the note I referenced ... just passing on an

observation.)

[Guest guest]

You've made me curious. Did your EP elaborate on what was meant by being " too

aggressive " ? I don't

think I've ever heard that term applied to Dr. Natale or the Cleveland Clinic. I

know when I mentioned Dr. Natale to my local Card. her reaction was definitely

professional jealousy, and a poorly disguised at that.

Thor

Re: My Story

>>...... This time a full PVA and have it done by Dr. Natale or

another world class EP. Who has dedicated their practice to AF.

==============================

I've seen a lot of kudos on this group and others about Dr. Natale,

and mentioned his name to a new EP I just saw for the first time

today. The reaction was swift ... that he considered Natale a bit

too " aggressive " in his ablation work. My EP felt that Dr. Jackman

from Kansas City (I think) and his disciples represent the kind of

practitioners he would go to himself if he had an AFib problem. I

didn't get the sense that this was my EPs professional jealosy

speaking at all .. he as met Natale and knows his work and its

results.

Of course, I know nothing first hand about Natale other than what I

read on this board. My only point is that, unfortunately, we all

have to do a fair amount of research to find out who the best

practitioners are for us. (Oh, and I am not criticizing the person

who posted the note I referenced ... just passing on an observation.)

Web Page - http://www.afibsupport.com

List owner: AFIBsupport-owner

For help on how to use the group, including how to drive it via email,

send a blank email to AFIBsupport-help

Nothing in this message should be considered as medical advice, or should be

acted upon without consultation with one's physician.

[Guest guest]

You've made me curious. Did your EP elaborate on what was meant by being " too

aggressive " ? I don't

think I've ever heard that term applied to Dr. Natale or the Cleveland Clinic. I

know when I mentioned Dr. Natale to my local Card. her reaction was definitely

professional jealousy, and a poorly disguised at that.

Thor

Re: My Story

>>...... This time a full PVA and have it done by Dr. Natale or

another world class EP. Who has dedicated their practice to AF.

==============================

I've seen a lot of kudos on this group and others about Dr. Natale,

and mentioned his name to a new EP I just saw for the first time

today. The reaction was swift ... that he considered Natale a bit

too " aggressive " in his ablation work. My EP felt that Dr. Jackman

from Kansas City (I think) and his disciples represent the kind of

practitioners he would go to himself if he had an AFib problem. I

didn't get the sense that this was my EPs professional jealosy

speaking at all .. he as met Natale and knows his work and its

results.

Of course, I know nothing first hand about Natale other than what I

read on this board. My only point is that, unfortunately, we all

have to do a fair amount of research to find out who the best

practitioners are for us. (Oh, and I am not criticizing the person

who posted the note I referenced ... just passing on an observation.)

Web Page - http://www.afibsupport.com

List owner: AFIBsupport-owner

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[Guest guest]

He didn't elaborate too much .. just that he thought that Natale was

quick to ablate, and that ablation is not for all. I don't know

much about their respective techniques, but I think that Jackman and

Natale represent two different approaches to treatment of afib and

EPs may line up behind the expert they most associate with. My EP

trained under some of Jackman's disciples so naturally he resonates

with Jackman's techniques.

By the way, in an earlier posting someone was asking about

flecainide (generic for Tambocor). My EP just put me on it, 50mg.

I'm taking a calcium channel blocker (generic diltiazem, brand name

Cartia XT or Cardizem) which controls (reduces) heart rate and

lowers BP a little. Actually, calcium channel blockers are a mild

form of BP reducers. It does nothing to prevent or stop any

fibrillation or PACs. On the other hand, the flecainide is a sodium

channel blocker which, in some people, will specifically prevent or

stop fibrillation but without many unpleasant side effects.

> You've made me curious. Did your EP elaborate on what was meant by

being " too aggressive " ? I don't think I've ever heard that term

applied to Dr. Natale or the Cleveland Clinic. I know when I

mentioned Dr. Natale to my local Card. her reaction was definitely

professional jealousy, and a poorly disguised at that.