Hi @jasonfromco, and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. I'm glad you found this online support group of fellow HCM/HOCM folks.
It doesn't surprise me that you are still in a bit of shock, especially with your active lifestyle. HCM doesn't care who it picks!
Couch potatoes, runners, bike riders, grandmas, teens, super athletes...it can happen to anyone.
It sounds like you are doing the best thing possible, which is finding out as much about this insidious condition and becoming your own best advocate.
Bonus: You are a pharmacist, you've got insider knowledge about beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, Disopyramide, Camzyos, and the host of other treatments cardiologist try to help alleviate symptoms with.
It is also good that you are getting treatment from a COE, which is such a positive thing.
So many of your fellow HCM'rs took years to correctly diagnose and finally be treated for worsening symptoms.
Having four kids you want to be around for would certainly weigh heavy on your mind now that you know what is going on with your heart.
Have you read this from the Mayo Clinic?
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hypertrophic-cardiomyopathy/symptoms-causes/syc-20350198
Having a specialist at a COE is important, because you have additional concerns with the aneurysm you have to be mindful of.
No wonder you are still in shock!
I was a big time hiker. I didn't know I had HCM. The high elevations started getting worse for me. My legs would feel like lead, I'd be gasping for air...I knew something was wrong. Also on the occasions when I would indulge in dietary indiscretion, I would suffer for hours afterwards. Pounding heart. Tachycardia. PVCs. And walking up gentle inclines would make me have to stop to catch my breath. Those were my triggers. By the time I was finally diagnosed after being misdiagnosed, I had severe obstructed HCM, my heart was failing and I need open heart surgery. So I get the shock part!
I'm glad you found this site, and hope you get a chance to read some of the stories on here. @brumasterj is a fellow member who also was very active, and just had open heart surgery. If you get a chance read some of his posts...they will inspire you and give you more information.
Have you had a cardiac MRI yet? When do you see your cardiologist for follow up?