1. < Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM)
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Septal Myectomy Questions

Posted by hopenr @hopenr, Mar 2 9:48am

I live in Colorado and will be going to the Mayo for septal myectomy. Can anyone tell me how long I should plan on staying in the area? And how does one fly home after this? Can I come home to a place that requires stairs to us the bathroom? Thank you for any insight you can give me.

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hopenr | @hopenr | May 13 7:44am
In reply to @joyrcc "I am 5 weeks out from my septal myectomy. One of the best things, in my..." + (show)
Profile picture for joyrcc @joyrcc

I am 5 weeks out from my septal myectomy. One of the best things, in my opinion, was the thoracic splint they gave me..like a chest "hug" for support. I found it made maneuvering up and down, in and out of the car, and especially wearing a seat belt so much more comfortable. I wore it up until a week ago as it kept me from doing too much stretching early on. I wore it over my button up shirts and front close lounge bras which I preferred, but everyone is different. Fortunately, you will get a lot of good help while there from the different disciplines...PT, OT, Respiratory, besides the nurses. You will also get a special pillow for coughing or sneezing. We drove 2 days to and from western CO. I did have some muscle spasms/cramps in my hands, upper back, but I was given a muscle relaxant which worked great until my electrolytes normalized.
I found the Mayo/St.Mary's staff listened to my needs and helped me before and after my discharge from the hospital. I hope that reassures you a bit more.

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This is helpful to me. I am in Boulder and was wondering about driving versus flying. I am glad you are doing so well.

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walkinggirl | @walkinggirl | May 13 8:57am

Regarding using your arms after surgery: I was told to keep my upper arms - shoulders to elbows - against my sides as if I was in a cylinder. My lower arms could move normally although the range was restricted without upper arm movement, I could cook and do other normal things when the supplies were within close reach. I cannot remember how long that restriction lasted.

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walkinggirl | @walkinggirl | May 13 9:15am
In reply to @oliviasoma "Thank you..figured we would take a cab or uber to St. Mary on Tuesday since my..." + (show)
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Thank you..figured we would take a cab or uber to St. Mary on Tuesday since my first appt is at 7:30 am. Not really sure when shuttle starts in mornings. All the appts are only an hour or hour and half apart in different places..I don’t walk real well and certainly not fast. I am doing exercises to try to maintain my core strength including chest, back, and leg muscles. Figured it could not hurt and would surely help. Counting down now..Sharon

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Yes, the appointments are scheduled so that you have time to complete them and get to the next one. You'll see how big, busy and efficient Mayo is and how caring everyone on the staff is. They must truly love helping people and are excellent listeners. BTW, someone else (@brumasterj) is headed there around the same time you are!

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oliviasoma | @oliviasoma | May 13 10:37am
In reply to @joyrcc "I am 5 weeks out from my septal myectomy. One of the best things, in my..." + (show)
Profile picture for joyrcc @joyrcc

I am 5 weeks out from my septal myectomy. One of the best things, in my opinion, was the thoracic splint they gave me..like a chest "hug" for support. I found it made maneuvering up and down, in and out of the car, and especially wearing a seat belt so much more comfortable. I wore it up until a week ago as it kept me from doing too much stretching early on. I wore it over my button up shirts and front close lounge bras which I preferred, but everyone is different. Fortunately, you will get a lot of good help while there from the different disciplines...PT, OT, Respiratory, besides the nurses. You will also get a special pillow for coughing or sneezing. We drove 2 days to and from western CO. I did have some muscle spasms/cramps in my hands, upper back, but I was given a muscle relaxant which worked great until my electrolytes normalized.
I found the Mayo/St.Mary's staff listened to my needs and helped me before and after my discharge from the hospital. I hope that reassures you a bit more.

Jump to this post

I have long hair that I usually pull back into a low ponytail each morning after brushing. This morning I was aware how I had to raise my arms to brush and do this..how did ya’ll brush your hair and put it up if needed? I also noticed I use my elbow a lot to move around as I sleep..I guess that will be controlled by pain..yikes. Any advice or suggestions are much appreciated. Sharon

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joyrcc | @joyrcc | May 13 11:19am
In reply to @oliviasoma "I have long hair that I usually pull back into a low ponytail each morning after..." + (show)
Profile picture for oliviasoma @oliviasoma

I have long hair that I usually pull back into a low ponytail each morning after brushing. This morning I was aware how I had to raise my arms to brush and do this..how did ya’ll brush your hair and put it up if needed? I also noticed I use my elbow a lot to move around as I sleep..I guess that will be controlled by pain..yikes. Any advice or suggestions are much appreciated. Sharon

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I may not be a help on that one. I laugh because I actually cut my hair short enough for wash and go. My husband did offer but my daughter came with to drive so she took on that job. I wasn't too focused on how styled it was. The chest splint/brace helped me turn in bed since I'm a side sleeper. Pain med at night the first couple of weeks, for sure helped. Honestly, sleep has been my greatest challenge until this 5th week, but I did use Tylenol and Ibuprofen and extra pillows to help. Naps (new for me) helped too.

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walkinggirl | @walkinggirl | May 14 1:29pm
In reply to @oliviasoma "I have long hair that I usually pull back into a low ponytail each morning after..." + (show)
Profile picture for oliviasoma @oliviasoma

I have long hair that I usually pull back into a low ponytail each morning after brushing. This morning I was aware how I had to raise my arms to brush and do this..how did ya’ll brush your hair and put it up if needed? I also noticed I use my elbow a lot to move around as I sleep..I guess that will be controlled by pain..yikes. Any advice or suggestions are much appreciated. Sharon

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I used several pillows to prop myself up in the motel on the way home. Once home, I preferred a Lazy Boy for sleeping, no danger of rolling over in the night and it was easy to rise from to use the bathroom. Hair: mine was short at the time and I was able to move my head around to brush it while keeping the shoulder-to-elbow part of my arm next to my side. I have an autoimmune condition which resulted in some ugly bald spots, consequently, I always wear a hat, scarf or my wig when leaving the house. I wore scarves at Mayo; husband put then on each day.

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hopenr | @hopenr | May 15 6:57pm
In reply to @joyrcc "I am 5 weeks out from my septal myectomy. One of the best things, in my..." + (show)
Profile picture for joyrcc @joyrcc

I am 5 weeks out from my septal myectomy. One of the best things, in my opinion, was the thoracic splint they gave me..like a chest "hug" for support. I found it made maneuvering up and down, in and out of the car, and especially wearing a seat belt so much more comfortable. I wore it up until a week ago as it kept me from doing too much stretching early on. I wore it over my button up shirts and front close lounge bras which I preferred, but everyone is different. Fortunately, you will get a lot of good help while there from the different disciplines...PT, OT, Respiratory, besides the nurses. You will also get a special pillow for coughing or sneezing. We drove 2 days to and from western CO. I did have some muscle spasms/cramps in my hands, upper back, but I was given a muscle relaxant which worked great until my electrolytes normalized.
I found the Mayo/St.Mary's staff listened to my needs and helped me before and after my discharge from the hospital. I hope that reassures you a bit more.

Jump to this post

May I ask how old you are.

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