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DiscussionHas anyone had surgery for Apical Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) | Last Active: Aug 28 9:03pm | Replies (46)Comment receiving replies
Replies to "Wow. That is a lot to process @dreitmey. I would like to introduce you to @danab,..."
Hi @dreitmey I see you have been suggested that Heart Transplant may be an option. I had mine now 6 years ago and honestly my life is completely normal In most respects. I didn't have most of the heart problems you had, mine were in the electrical department. My ejection factor was at its lowest at 5 % back when a virus cause fluid to collect around my heart and lungs. This caused my heart to enlarged which brought on the arrhythmia problems. My EF (CHF) did improve to about 45% prior to transplant but like you the damage was done. It was difficult to keep my rhythm under control which ended up with the transplant. But I would not trade my life now with what I was dealing with the 10 years prior to transplant. Except for things like being careful about viruses and skin cancer, which means even in Arizona in the summer I have to wear long sleeves, but even that they have great UV protection clothes that are really cool. The recovery took about a full year with the worst part being the first 6 weeks. It's a distant memory now. I golf, hike, go to all the things I enjoy and no more weakness or worry about when my heart would have another arrhythmia. I have met many people who are 25 year plus transplant recipients and doing great. They say the average is 16-19 years but I'm pushing for the 25-30 ones. I also know of one person who had theirs for 25 years and got another one. So I hope that gives you some confidence in the idea. Please ask any questions you like. I've been thru the whole process here at Mayo Arizona. Some great doctors on the team here also. I would not trade them with anyone.
Blessings