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Treatment options for returning to high performance career
Hello all, first post to the forums. I have oHCM. Septal thickness of 16-18mm with a provoked gradient of 74mmHG. The anterior leaflet of my mitral valve is elongated and creates a significant obstruction during exertion. Symptoms are about what you would expect. Throat tightness, chest tightness, breathlessness, coughing under exertion, dizziness, some left shoulder pain. I am 50 years old and have been given two options. I can start Camzyos. Or I can do a myectomy with a mitral valve repair. I am a police officer and, prior to my diagnosis, was on patrol. My questions are: has anyone had either treatment and returned to full duty with a career in policing or similar profession? My concerns are: Camzyos has not been around long enough to know what happens after being on the med for 20 years. Also, it does not rule out surgery at a later date. And it’s entirely possible that I do not return to duty on the med. With a myectomy, there is a long recovery time, but the result could be more permanent and a return to duty is more possible. That is, assuming there is not a complication with disrupting the electric function of my heart. Any thoughts or anyone with experience relative to mine?
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I am in a similar position, newly diagnosed last week. I am very interested in hearing others experiences.
Good afternoon...I started on Camzyos in October. I am in a highly demanding career...former school district Superintendent and transitioned to a training function teaching principals to become Superintendents, conducting evening workshops in conflict resolution with school boards and leading searches to fill administrative positions. Job requires being "on", public speaking and working many extended days.
The med has reduced my gradient and my cardio specialist has not brought up myectomy although
I expect it could be brought up at any time if the med stops responding. The difficulty is the fatigue factor. I sleep eight hours straight through but wake up exhausted. I dress up, paint on my face, get going and hope for the best. I'm 74. I decided on the med because I'm older and less worried about the impact twenty years from now if I should be blessed to live that long. Rigorous surgery worries me as I am a long-standing diabetic (under control but still worrisome). I'll stay with the med as long as the doc prescribes and maybe one of the competing meds might be better for me in the future. We have options and science evolves every day...
We have hope...tackle each day...push through as you can...say your prayers and surround yourself with good people, places and adventures. Blessings to you, Craig and Eileen