Jane Hudson, Atrial Fibrillation

“I have no more restrictions on my life.”    - Jane Hudson, Mini-Maze Patient

Jane Hudson was passionate about nursing for 49 years and dedicated to caring for others. In her retirement, she found herself needing to care for herself. Jane developed atrial fibrillation, a heart rhythm disorder, which kept her from doing the things she loved. Atrial fibrillation caused shortness of breath and tiredness, making it difficult to travel, walk or perform other activities.

“When you are retired, you don’t want to have restrictions,” Jane said. “When I am traveling – especially with others – any extra care is time away from enjoying myself and an inconvenience. I was taking an anti-arrhythmia drug, but I had to have blood tests and all that, even on the road.”

Upon Dr. James Cox’s recommendation, Jane underwent the Mini-Maze procedure, performed by Dr. Thomas Gaines and Dr. Cox, to correct her atrial fibrillation and has since returned to regular activities, including traveling. Her most recent trip was spent touring Washington, D.C.

“I feel great,” she said. “I have no more restrictions on my life. Traveling is a lot easier and more fun. I don’t have to worry about having a blood test while I am traveling. And when I am off my final medication, I won’t have to worry about what I eat or go for blood tests every three weeks and, best of all, no more medications. Dr. Cox, Dr. Gaines and UT Medical Center were wonderful. Everyone took great care of me.”

For more information on atrial fibrillation treatment, visit the Atrial Fibrillation Center.