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@walkinggirl and t@thehelloyousay - my cardiologist and I have discussed all of the above. Yes, the HOCM has progressed somewhat and so has the breathlessness - although I can deal with the breathlessness as it is - not too much reduction in my quality of life from that as of now. I don't have any other symptoms. My understanding is that any of the meds for HOCM are basically just treating symptoms so that we sustain quality of life. I'm not sure if the beta blocker would decrease my quality of life more than it would improve it. I have had significant depression episodes all of my life but have now been staple and happy for 3+ years. Anything that could lead to that is off the table for me. It seems like beta blockers often lead to fatigue and depression. I'm wondering what people have experienced on beta blockers, particularly with depression??? P.S. - I love your comment that "we are all walking chemical labs!"
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@joycehocm I looked for reliable online studies regarding beta blockers and depression. I found https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/HYPERTENSIONAHA.120.16590, in the summary "Various psychiatric adverse events occurred relatively frequently during β-blocker therapy, with depression being the most common. However, compared with placebo, β-blocker therapy was not adversely associated with depression and most other psychiatric adverse events." Next time you pick up a prescription, you may ask the pharmacist the latest about what is known about beta blockers and depression drugs. The same question should be asked of your medical care team. Your work in stabilizing depression is successful ((HUGS)) and of course, one never wants to do anything to destabilize it. Yes, the drugs treat the symptoms, having surgery eliminates the physical presence of ventricle thickening. For some of us, a critical moment arrived and what we were able to deal with is worse and needed stronger intervention. You may wish to discuss possible future options with your care team.