@emenich Hello Eddie and welcome to the HCM group in Connect!! You have a very important and valid question concerning post-surgical issues after a septal myectomy. Believe me when I write that all of us had exactly the same question you are asking. You are definitely not alone.

BTW, your symptoms and lead-up to this step are the exact the same story for me - active, asymptomatic, on Verapamil until one day, things changed.

From your question, I conclude that you have done much research and know that all surgery has risks. We are all different which means that there are patients who had absolutely no post-surgical issues and patients who had issues such as those you are concerned with.

It's too bad we have no crystal balls that we can foretell the future in our individual situation. I am glad that you are associated with a COE, I went to Mayo where the success rate for the surgery is 99+%. For Duke to be a COE, they must have much experience and an excellent success rate. I can share my post op experience which is unique to me. Once I left Mayo, I was under the care of my home cardiologist who trained at a place that is now a COE, but we have no such place here in the Capital District of NY.

I did develop deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in both legs, when I had pain, my cardiologist wasted no time in having me get an ultrasound to confirm and I was prescribed Eliquis immediately, effect noted within hours. Took it for 5 months. The other complication was that my lucky (yes!) heart started having electrical problems (arrythmias - dizziness and giddiness along with a couple of syncope) and I acquired Buddy, my ICD.

Yes, hearts experience trauma from surgery. But we are the beneficiaries of all the research done and the experience coming from our COE surgeons who are constantly learning how to perfect their skills and keep up with the latest research. My 2 complications occurred after surgery in July 2022, everything has been absolutely fine since then. This morning I walked 10K with my walking club, I go to the gym etc.

My fellow HCM mentor, Debra, started a thread a while back that I think you may "enjoy" reading to help you make a decision. https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/what-i-learned-from-my-open-heart-surgery-part-1/ Another thread was written by a gentleman who had his where my cardiologist trained. https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/my-septal-myectomy-decision-and-10-things-ive-learned-since/

To answer your question: NO, I not for a minute regretted having a septal myectomy at age almost 76. What would my life be now if I had not had it?

You are young (this almost 80-year-old considers 54 young) and have an exciting and rewarding life to look forward to in the years to come. You are healthy enough where your cardiologist suggests the surgery and expects a good outcome. If there are complications, you are in good COE hands, your team will deal with them if and when they may happen. Another thing is that I wanted to be here to share in the lives and milestones of people I care about and I wanted to show courage in facing a frightening and scary event. You will make the best decision for yourself, and I hope you will share with us!