Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy complications

Posted by Rosebud @rosebud, Feb 16, 2012

I have HCM and recently had a myectomy surgery. I had complications including heart block requiring a pacemaker /defibrilator and VSD (ventricular septal defect) which is a hole in the septum. It is moderate in size and will most likely need repaired. I have already gone into heart failure and am on lasix and low sodium diet. I am unsure how to proceed as my surgeon seems reluctant to do anything and my cardiologist says it needs fixed.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) Support Group.

Hi Rosebud, I would suggest that you get second opinions from another cardio-thoracic surgeon and cardiologist from a major hospital that has a proven track record with HCM, if you can. Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic and Columbia Presbyterian are some of them. If you are unable to travel, some of these hospitals may be able to provide you with local referrals.
Also, here is the link to the HCM Association that may be helpful:
http://www.4hcm.org/
All the best to you.

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I woul get a second opionion , which state you live in which mayo clinic is the closest to you. good luck.

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I have HCM. I went to mayo clinic and had sugrey for it. I went to minasotta

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it depends which one you have there are three different one"s.

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<p>My mom just had open heart surgery due to Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy. During her surgery there was a tear in her heart caused from the removing of the thickening area. Is this common? It has really set her back. A surgery we thought she'd be up and at it by now is over a month of recovery and still has a ways to go. The tear in her heart caught us all by surprise!</p>

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I had gone to several Doctors and clinic before I was Diagnosed with Hypertrophic Obstructive Cardiomyopathy. It took several tries but was finally referred to Stanford Cardiology whom specialize in HCM. I was not near a Mayo Clinic but heard they are very good. I was diagnosed in March of 2011 and had Open heart surgery to replace my mitral valve in July 2011. Feel better but surgeon never did the myectomy so I am still having a lot of symptoms.

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@lepadelford

I had gone to several Doctors and clinic before I was Diagnosed with Hypertrophic Obstructive Cardiomyopathy. It took several tries but was finally referred to Stanford Cardiology whom specialize in HCM. I was not near a Mayo Clinic but heard they are very good. I was diagnosed in March of 2011 and had Open heart surgery to replace my mitral valve in July 2011. Feel better but surgeon never did the myectomy so I am still having a lot of symptoms.

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Are you still obstructed? What does your echo show? It is possible that an adjustment to your medications may help. You should discuss with your cardiologist. If you are still feeling unwell despite medical management, you may want to seek another opinion. Mayo is one of the best centers in the U.S. I was lucky enough to have my surgery there and have felt much better since. Good luck to you. Sometimes another surgery may help, but you would really have to see someone who does these surgeries all the time -- Mayo does a couple of hundred a year.

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@catiemorris

<p>My mom just had open heart surgery due to Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy. During her surgery there was a tear in her heart caused from the removing of the thickening area. Is this common? It has really set her back. A surgery we thought she'd be up and at it by now is over a month of recovery and still has a ways to go. The tear in her heart caught us all by surprise!</p>

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So sorry to hear that. I hope that she is feeling better now. Unfortunately, as with all surgeries, there is always the possibility for something unforeseen to go wrong. I myself had a myectomy at Mayo Clinic 9 years ago, and am doing so much better, though I did have a couple of small bumps at the beginning. Please update us and let us know if things are improved.

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