Specialist closest to Nashville Tn

Hi jackwalker,
There are actually two COEs (Centers of Excellence) for HCM right in Nashville: Vanderbilt Heart and Vascular Institute/Vanderbilt Medical Center and Ascension St. Thomas Heart. If you have trouble getting an appointment, it might be worth it to join the Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Association (they have a web site) and they can sometimes help get you an appointment. Would definitely benefit you to see a cardiologist at an HCM clinic as they see a large volume of HCM patients and can better understand your needs. Good luck.

Im a patient of Dr. Abraham and Dr. Brinkley at Vanderbilt Heart on campus. I have HCM with obstruction. I think they do a great job, them seem to sincerely care.

Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect @jackwalker. I am glad you found this online support group for HCM.
You already got two wonderful responses from other members.
Here is a link to the HCM organization. They provide location information for Centers of Excellence:
https://www.4hcm.org
You mention you had a septal myectomy in 2015 and you also mention you have vertigo/dizziness.
Do you attribute that to the HCM?
It certainly can be a symptom of HCM, but having had a myectomy, your HCM symptoms would be worth seeking a second opinion with a cardiologist who is very familiar with HCM post myectomy.
It's good you are looking for someone. Medications can cause dizziness/vertigo, but you really need follow up with an expert.
May I add that distance to home is a factor to consider, but it should not be the main reason for choosing to stay as close to home as possible. You need the best of the best and may have to travel to be seen by one. In other words, do not let convenience be your deciding factor.

I would not hesitate to get a second outside opinion.
You know you better than anyone, and you have to be your own best advocate.

How long have you had this symptoms? Have you tried different meds with the same result? Have your symptoms from HOCM gone away since your myectomy, such as heart rate issues, fatigue, shortness of breath?

Hello I was trying to be brief, so maybe some more details. I have been going to see a cardiologist at Ascension St. Thomas for all these years. I have had robotic open heart surgery two years ago for a main artery bypass. Just had my 6th heart cath for the doctors to find out why the dizziness and weakness daily. Every med they try I cannot take because they increase my symptoms making life worse. I also had a pacemaker and defibulator installed by Emory around 2016. Many other tests I have had annually but none show the doctors what to do. Just thought I would see if someone else had a superior idea for me to try. Thanks you all for listening.

@jaywalker I can completely sympathize with you! I am not giving you medical advice, which I am not qualified to do. I am reading that you do have an ICD, I had one installed when I was experiencing dizziness and vertigo (giddiness) for a while - 4 months - after my septal myectomy at Mayo. I had a 2 syncope, too. My ICD's name is Buddy. One suggestion: I changed my diet to avoid most carbs and sugars: corn tortillas rather than bread, whole wheat pasta and brown rice (not more than 2 or 3 times a week), no potatoes, ice cream perhaps once every 2 weeks kiddy or baby sized (that's a real sacrifice), among other changes. I was already doing low salt and fats. The low carb and sugar made a difference, I can tell when I go off the wagon, so to speak, it is an easy but annoying fix for me. I am sometimes prediabetic, level goes above and below the "line." Maybe something in your metabolism has changed. I think there is a glucose test that you can talk about with your doctors. Don't know if this is a superior idea, but it's something to try. Also, make sure you are drinking plenty of water, I am under orders to drink 2 quarts a day. Please let us know what happens.

I to can't take the medication that the Dr have prescribed I have tried all of them, and had a failed Septel Myectomy 10 months ago.
I find myself watching what I eat no pasta no carbs at all I eat smaller portion, as I have put weight on I walk everyday I drink plenty of fluids .
I get tired very quickly but I find myself fighting everyday to enjoy my life and try not to let it get me down and it's hard.
I think the hardest part is feeling depressed that I didn't get the answers to why it came back .
So keep your mind focused it's hard but it helps.
I hope this helps..

@holly1275 I am so sorry to read that you had a failed septal myectomy 10 months ago. That truly stinks! You and your heart deserve to know why it came back (so quickly) and all the options that are available to you. Here is some food for thought to help you think about this. There was another person who contributed to the discussion several months ago who also had a failed septal myectomy done at a non-COE (Center of Excellence). She got her courage up and went to Mayo for a second surgery, a successful outcome followed! Another contributor who wrote that it came back, her input was that the Mayo doctors said it was very unusual, I believe she, too, had further surgery. Have you considered another opinion? Let us know how you are coming along.

🙂