HCM-ers: Introduce yourself or just say hi

I blew snow two days ago. I can almost do everything, but lifting heavy stuff.

Hi,
I'm Melissa and started out with HOCM with atrial fibrillation. I was cardioverted a few times and then had an Alcohol Ablation which did get rid of the obstruction but 2 years later it's back. I am going to try it again. They say it happened because I have been taking strong medicines for 30 years. I had 3 kidney transplants. I just wanted to say hello and learn from you. Thank you!

Melissa - are you seeing a HCM specialist? With your complications I would want to be sure you are getting appropriate care.

Yes, thank you. I see a lot of doctors!

Hi everyone!
I am a manager of a very unique cancer center. My specialty is Radiation Oncology. I know cancer better than cardiology, but my docs were residents at Mayo and say I have the best care possible there!
I fly out from my home in Billings, MT in the a.m. to Mayo in Rochester. Getting my workup this week, followed by septal myectomy next Monday. This feels like a big deal to me. I was referred after being pulled off a stress echo in January by my cardiologist. I turn 60 on March 20th. This was a shocker having to get this done. Thought I could wait a few more years. But, I get it. My biggest fear is waking up intubated. After that I accept a lot of rehab to get back to a wonderful life. I am spending my time in Rochester alone, so will just try to relax and be positive before the operation. My brother will arrive the night of surgery and be around after that.
I am very anxious. I am the worst patient and just want to be independent, but I know I have to let go of that.
Thanks for listening to me. Pace

One thing I tell folks having a myectomy is that yes - you will wake up intubated. BUT you are in a fog and if you remember to just let the medication keep you in LaLa Land and R E L A X, the tube is really nothing. Hey I gag at the dentist so I was concerned. The nursing is one-on-one there and they do a great job of keeping you in this state. Just try to breathe as fully as you can - the faster your 02 levels go up, the sooner mister tube is gone. Try to do some really DEEP breathing beforehand for a few days it'll help you immensely.
Good Luck - you will do fine.

You are in great hands. You may no t even remember that. When I had my septal myectomy/double bypass in Dec. of 2015, I didn't recall that part of the procedure and I'm happy about that. Even though we prepared and did research, my wife said it was a jarring when she saw me. Post op too, with the tubes in your chest and neck, that is startling to others as well. When I came to, I felt great and was even singing in ICU, for about 45 minutes. Then I started to wake up, and I can say the first day and a half wasn't the most fun, and yes it hurt, but I have to say, it was all worth it and I would totally do it again. The care was outstanding!!! I felt better two days later, and you will most likely be walking either the day of, or day after surgery. The walks won't be far, but just getting to the hallway is a big step on the first day. I was 55 when I had my surgery and I have not felt this good in decades. Note, I live in Rochester and work at Mayo in Communications. When I got home too, I needed help and I was lucky that my wife was there. You need to be careful with wound care, and will use a lot of wash clothes and towels. I was like a turtle and couldn't turn over for the first two weeks, so if you have a recliner, use it. If you have the $, I'd advise getting on. Today, I'm running several miles a week, lifting light weights and am so glad that I did this.

If you need anything, in person next week, please message me, and we can try to connect. Good luck.

Hi, I'm Sandy. Diagnosed with HOCM
2 years ago. Could be facing surgery and am be worried.

hello I wanted to discuss anybody who had a heart cath

were I'm going to have a heart cath they don't do stents if I needed a stent would have to by ambulance to another hospital. is that safe