Post septum myectomy: How did you feel 9 weeks after surgery?

@bocellibonjovi71 I'm about 4 months post-myectomy and mitral valve repair; age 73. The first month was not too bad for me, but I realized I should have tried harder to clear my work schedule 100% for those first 4 weeks or so, as I really just needed to focus on initial post-op steps -- literally: walking more and more -- and simply resting. Even though mine is a desk job (self-employed, semi-retired), every phone call and follow-up email, for example, was somewhat tiring and challenging in those first weeks.

That got better fast after the first month, and I started 12 weeks of cardiac rehab after two months. The rehab is still ongoing, and going well. The pain at the incision site was never too bad for me (though I certainly hugged the heart pillow that first month). That pain was completely gone by about 2-1/2 or 3 months.

One day at a time bb71; yes, it gets better and better.

@bocellibonjovi71 I am about 10 weeks out and just turned a corner in week 9. I had been suffering debilitating pain in my back and chest (away from the incision) and no medication helped. Although from a mechanical cardiac standpoint I am "fixed," I began to question my decision to have surgery because the daily pain was nearly too much and showed no signs of relief. Then, overnight, that pain disappeared, leaving me with the more manageable aches and pains of recovery. I'm still sleeping in a recliner, but have started PT to get my arms, back, and chest flexible again. My 9 weeks was a slog. One thing I've "learned" from reading about people's experiences is that everyone's is slightly different, but on the bell curve of recovery, 6-8 weeks seems to be about the standard amount of time before one really starts to feel better. There are obviously exceptions -- most people who post are at the tail ends of the curves -- but try to hang in there and also be sure to advocate for yourself re pain, etc. I hope that you feel better soon.

Thank you both for sharing. I'm one month post myectomy for HOCM and it's been hard so far, very hard. Nice to hear it should get better as I go.

I also had a septal myectomy in 2018. I felt like a brand new person after that surgical procedure and cardiac rehab. Then had the defibrillator/ pacemaker put in 2019. I'm so glad I had it done. It was a long time before my pain went away from the incision I had from surgery, it was almost 12 months.

Why was he recommended septal myectomy. Did he get an icd or pacemaker.

I am glad to hear how you are doing @jootzy! It sounds like you are doing really well, especially walking. I found that the more I walked, the better I felt. I feel like I am unrestricted now with walking. I too had the super sensitive scar. It was so sensitive even the softest tee shirts were irritating. I wore V-neck shirts for several months before it calmed down. I hope that happens for you soon too. I am also happy to hear you will be going to rehab. Too bad you have to wait so long though... that's a bummer. It sounds like you will breeze through it. The arm machines were what helped me the most, but all the equipment was helpful...and I met some really nice people there too. Having a sensitive or irritable scar is probably normal, and part of the program in open heart surgery. It just takes time, and we all heal differently. What surprised you the most about going through this surgery?

I am 69 and had HCM surgery on March 7th. Before surgery I couldn't walk for more than 10 minutes without being short of breath and needing to sit down. Stairs were especially difficult. Now, coming up to 6 months post-op I have very gradually worked up to walking 30 to 45 minutes with no symptoms. The only thing that still bothers me is some sensitivity and discomfort in my incision. At my follow with the surgeon in June he said that was normal. Hopefully it will clear up eventually. Due to my local hospital having a backlog I'm not starting cardiac rehab until Sept. 18th.

Hi @dbrima, I was wondering how things are going for your daughter and you and grandson? I sent a note to you a couple of weeks ago, but did not see a response and figured you had your hands full. Has your daughter's surgery been scheduled? Has she had it already? Hoping for the best news possible for you all...

My 33 year old daughter was on camzyos for 6 months. She sometimes had a low gradient but the gradient would also go back up. She is exhausted and can’t do anything. She is being scheduled for a septal myectomy. Will she ever feel better than she did when hcm went to obstructive? We were hoping she would feel like a new person.

Dr Geske is my heart doctor. I can’t remember the name of the surgeon right and I haven’t met him yet, but surgery is planned for June 23rd and I will meet him on the 22nd.