HCM-ers: Introduce yourself or just say hi
Welcome to the Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) group on Mayo Clinic Connect - a place where you can connect with others, learn about living HCM, share experiences and exchange useful information.
I invite you to follow the group. Simply click the follow icon on the group landing page.
I'm Colleen, and I'm the moderator of this group, and Community Director of Connect. I look forwarding to welcoming you and introducing you to other members.
Why not start by introducing yourself here?
Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) Support Group.
thanks what medication are you on if any? And how bad is your gradient?
I am on 2.5 Camzyos. I started on 5 mg and they moved me down, which I wasn't happy about at first, but am doing fine on it. I started March 2023. I was in REALLY bad shape when I started taking Camzyos and it has given me my life back. I am so thankful! I will look up my gradient.
Which gradient would be helpful? I am still not sure what all of this means.
Hi @don69, This group has been invaluable to me, particularly when I was making the decision to start Camzyos and then subsequently when I was frustrated with my Dr.
You have every right to be nervous. It's still a fairly new drug. It was even newer when I started. I have been on it for 14 months.
I would recommend that you do your research and then follow your heart/ have faith. It's important that you be informed so you can be your best advocate. Know your options.
The drug has been highly effective for many in this group, giving them a new lease on life. For me it has not been as life changing as I had hoped. I still have shortness of breath and a high heart rate upon exertion. I am going to Cleveland Climic in 2 weeks for a more through evaluation. Mayo was harder for me to get to. Next week I am having a new MRI that NHI is developing to examine the heart under exertion.
I may end up having open heart surgery. But, I decided to give Camzyos a try as an alternative first.
Only you can make the decision on how to tackle your HCM. But remember, nothing beats a failure but a try. Good luck! We are here for you.
Yes, I am on Whidbey Island. I have not hiked at altitudes over 5,000 feet yet. This week I will have been on Camzyos one full year.
Hopefully all turns out well for you.
Keep us posted on your journey
Thank you Colleen!
Hello Colleen,
Katiekins here from the U K. Can’t understand why I have to sign in everytime I come onto the site to read very informative comments. Thank you for all the marvellous work you do. 🙏🏼
The gradient is the rate at which the blood goes out of your left ventricle, Mine is very high between 77 / 111 mmg I believe it’s called. Now been told I will have to have a mitral valve repair shortly, crumbs all so confusing.