Hi All, So happy to find you! I'm from Tucson and have been diagnosed locally with asthma for 15 years. I was always very physically active (swam 1 mi/ day) and couldn't understand why in the last few years my SOB kept getting worse and my inhalers provided no relief. At the same time I was a 6 yr caregiver for my late hubby and so whenever I complained about increasing SOB, my Tucson cardiologists wrote it off as caregiver/ death of spouse stress and anxiety. You know: Learn biofeedback. Meditate. Relax. Breathe deeply. Think happy thoughts.
I just went to Mayo Scottsdale for my annual physical and my PCP there had ordered every test known to man when she noticed that I was SOB from just changing into my gown. Echocardiogram findings are HOCM. I drove the 3 hrs back to Tucson in semi-shock. Next week I have lots of appointments, including my 1st bonafide cardiologist consult at Mayo and of course my wrap-up with my PCP. I've been actively researching HCM online and it certainly fits all of my symptoms.
I have seen 2 terrible cardiologists in the past in Tucson (who basically blew me off) and so I want to definitely continue at Mayo. But I have no clue how to live in Tucson and be treated at Scottsdale---it's a 3 hr drive. I have no family here.
Anyway, maybe TMI but I'm so happy to have found you! Thanks for being here!