HCM

Posted by bettyannh @bettyannh, 3 days ago

I have HCM newly diagnosed. I've heard pros and cons on heart biopsy
I have no symptoms and am 79 years old. I'm nervous about anything invasive. Can I benefit from this procedure at this point?

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gloaming | @gloaming | 3 days ago

I dunno, I like to know. I think that knowledge, and from that, understanding, really is power. And since I am the one who learns, and who understands when I seek them both, I am empowered. I may not win the race, but I'm gonna give it my best shot. If I have to go down, so-to-speak, I'm going down swinging.

Hospital staffs world-wide have done biopsies of all kinds for 200 years now. They know their craft. Once they have the tissue they need, they'll be able to tell you yay or nay.

I refuse to succumb to fear. Fear is hell. Hell, according to my late grandpa, is a place of 'not knowing.'

Debra, Volunteer Mentor | @karukgirl | 3 days ago

Hi @bettyannh,
It's okay to be nervous about having an invasive biopsy...most people are nervous about having any procedures! I don't blame you!
But a biopsy also may help to add more information to your diagnosis, and more information is better when it comes to HCM!
Naturally, there are risks to just about anything!
Driving, flying, climbing stairs. Even getting out of bed has risks.
It just depends on your decision whether you want more information or not. If you don't, and you feel confident knowing you have HCM then there you are.
If, however, you want to be more certain it is HCM and not something else, then perhaps a biopsy is the next logical step. Only you can make that choice in concert with your doctors.
Did your doctor suggest a biopsy? If so, did they explain why that may be an important step?

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