I have had Hypertrophic Obstructive Cardiomyopathy for 9 years, I am only 51 years old. I inherited it from my dad, its genetic and have had my 3 kids checked. The wall between my right and left ventricle is between a 2.9 and 3.0. I fight chest pain, severe chest pressure, exhaustion ( I could sleep all day and night) shortness of breath and easily winded walking and going up and down the staires, the heat really bothers me and I have passed out a couple times.
Three and a half weeks ago I had a Pacemaker/Defibrillator put in and they started me on a drug they don't use much called Norpace, I havent noticed any change and the drug has given me some side effects such as blurry vision and forgetfulness. We decided today to take me off of it and up my dosage for Metoprolol and started me back on a higher dose of Verapamil. My Cardiologist is also contacting Mayo in Rochester MN.for a consultation for a Myectomy.
I have had Hypertrophic Obstructive Cardiomyopathy for 9 years, I am only 51 years old. I inherited it from my dad, its genetic and have had my 3 kids checked. The wall between my right and left ventricle is between a 2.9 and 3.0. I fight chest pain, severe chest pressure, exhaustion ( I could sleep all day and night) shortness of breath and easily winded walking and going up and down the staires, the heat really bothers me and I have passed out a couple times.
Three and a half weeks ago I had a Pacemaker/Defibrillator put in and they started me on a drug they don't use much called Norpace, I havent noticed any change and the drug has given me some side effects such as blurry vision and forgetfulness. We decided today to take me off of it and up my dosage for Metoprolol and started me back on a higher dose of Verapamil. My Cardiologist is also contacting Mayo in Rochester MN.for a consultation for a Myectomy.
Hi Deb,
You sound alot like me. I am also 51, and have HCM. My dad also had it, and his brother and father before him. I had a myectomy at Mayo 10 years ago after going through all the drugs, including Norpace. It helped me for a few years, but then I went on to myectomy at Mayo. It helped alot.
I had many of the same symptoms you describe. I fainted a few times, and felt horrible going up hills or stairs, to the point I wouldn't even try. Now, I am so much better. Not perfect, but it has made a huge difference. I don't feel like I am going to faint anymore, which is huge, and the SOB is much better. I still take alot of medication, so it is not a miracle cure, but it certainly went a long way to making me feel alot better.
I assume from reading what drugs you are on that you have dilated cardiomyopathy? There are a few different kinds. Dilated means that you have a reduced ejection fraction (EF). Do you know what your EF is?
Also, do you have a bi-ventricular pacemaker or do you have a pacemaker/defibrillator combination?
Bibi, why don't you start off the conversation and tell us a bit more about yourself? How long have you had HCM? Have you had a myectomy? How are you managing today?
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I have had Hypertrophic Obstructive Cardiomyopathy for 9 years, I am only 51 years old. I inherited it from my dad, its genetic and have had my 3 kids checked. The wall between my right and left ventricle is between a 2.9 and 3.0. I fight chest pain, severe chest pressure, exhaustion ( I could sleep all day and night) shortness of breath and easily winded walking and going up and down the staires, the heat really bothers me and I have passed out a couple times.
Three and a half weeks ago I had a Pacemaker/Defibrillator put in and they started me on a drug they don't use much called Norpace, I havent noticed any change and the drug has given me some side effects such as blurry vision and forgetfulness. We decided today to take me off of it and up my dosage for Metoprolol and started me back on a higher dose of Verapamil. My Cardiologist is also contacting Mayo in Rochester MN.for a consultation for a Myectomy.
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1 ReactionHi Deb,
You sound alot like me. I am also 51, and have HCM. My dad also had it, and his brother and father before him. I had a myectomy at Mayo 10 years ago after going through all the drugs, including Norpace. It helped me for a few years, but then I went on to myectomy at Mayo. It helped alot.
If you would like, you can read all about my experiences at Mayo:
http://www.cynthiassummeradventure.blogspot.com
Also, I have a newer blog with a page of resources about myectomy:
http://www.hcmbeat.com/resources/resources-for-patients-about-myectomy/
I hope that helps you figure out more about what to look forward to in the future. It is scary to go through open heart surgery, but very worth it in the end, I found.
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1 ReactionThank you so much for replying! I just want to feel better!
I had many of the same symptoms you describe. I fainted a few times, and felt horrible going up hills or stairs, to the point I wouldn't even try. Now, I am so much better. Not perfect, but it has made a huge difference. I don't feel like I am going to faint anymore, which is huge, and the SOB is much better. I still take alot of medication, so it is not a miracle cure, but it certainly went a long way to making me feel alot better.
One more thing - if you are on Facebook, we have a group on Facebook for HCM patients at Mayo Clinic.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/MayoClinicHCM.Patients/You can join it here:
I just feel like I'm sleeping my life away.
Hello, I had a Myectomy, no pace maker or defibrillator
Have you seen a Hematologist to make sure your blood levels are good enough to support your heart if not I would consider it
Hi all,
We've just opened a new group on Connect dedicated to Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/hypertrophic-cardiomyopathy-hcm/ I hope you'll follow the group and introduce yourself here: http://mayocl.in/2errn7m
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1 Reaction@colleenyoug, Thanks, Colleen,