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HOCM anad Pickleball

Posted by joycehocm @joycehocm, Apr 29 7:47am

Hi all - I am a 74 year old female who has HOCM. Breathlessness is my only "symptom" (if I don't count the numbers - which are not great while exerting). I take verapamil and jardiance - which together have made a huge difference in the breathlessness and my overall energy. My cardiologist said not to "fight through" the breathlessness when exerting. I really like to play pickleball but have stopped since I am pretty much always breathless while playing - and can't ask my partner to stop and rest every few minutes! Since my overall quality of life is excellent and breathlessness is my only issue - I don't want to go on Camzyos or Aficamten. My question is - what would you do? Play through the breathlessness or give up playing???

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hocm2025 | @hocm2025 | Apr 29 9:46am

I wouldn't play through breathlessness and wouldn't want to give up playing. Exercise is an important part of good health. Although pickleball can be an aerobically demanding activity, recreational, friendly, competition shouldn't lead to constant breathlessness.

So, I would find a doctor that you trust at a Center of Excellence, and follow their advice. I did that, had a myectomy, and am symptom-free. If your current medications aren't resolving your symptoms, I would discuss potential other medication regimes, other surgical solutions, or a conditioning/cardiac rehab program to help with breathlessness.

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joycehocm | @joycehocm | Apr 29 10:57am
In reply to @hocm2025 "I wouldn't play through breathlessness and wouldn't want to give up playing. Exercise is an important..." + (show)
Profile picture for hocm2025 @hocm2025

I wouldn't play through breathlessness and wouldn't want to give up playing. Exercise is an important part of good health. Although pickleball can be an aerobically demanding activity, recreational, friendly, competition shouldn't lead to constant breathlessness.

So, I would find a doctor that you trust at a Center of Excellence, and follow their advice. I did that, had a myectomy, and am symptom-free. If your current medications aren't resolving your symptoms, I would discuss potential other medication regimes, other surgical solutions, or a conditioning/cardiac rehab program to help with breathlessness.

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@hocm2025 - Thank you - I do go to a Center of Excellence and do have a great cardiologist. He didn't say not to play - just not to try to work through the breathlessness. Still - I think you are right about resolving the symptoms without giving up what I love to do exercise - wise. Hmmm...I bet that is why he is suggesting that I go forward with Camzyos which I am truly reluctant to do. Many people here have mentioned weight gain and that is the last thing I want - after many years of changing habits and slowly getting to a healthy weight for my age and size. The right weight also makes cardio and everything else much easier. The idea of a cardio rehab program is really helpful though - thank you!

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