Hi Folks,
It's been years since I've posted in the HCMA Forums. I've missed it. I just spent that last 90 minutes reading through the various topics. I really love the community here at HCMA.
On March 27th, I am headed in to the Electrophysiologist to have an ICD implanted. I have a very large family (6 full brothers & 7 full sisters from the same two parents) and we lost our mother to HCM in 1991 and she was only 45. We just buried our father 2 weeks ago (Complications from Dementia). Needless to say, the whole family is sort of in a panic over this surgical procedure. I am trying to allay their concerns and stay calm, but I'm actually pretty anxious.
My cardiologist ordered a genetic test and it positively identified the gene mutation that caused my HCM, as well my recent stress-echo that showed the my pressure gradient upwards of 100mmHg. The stress-echo also showed that with only a brisk walk on an incline had my heart rate at 193bpm and that my blood pressure pretty much didn't change at all before, during, and after exertion. My blood pressure being non-responsive to exercise was apparently cause for concern. So they've decided that I have an ICD implanted because of my mom's sudden death, the genetic testing results, and the high pressure gradient, in addition to my blood pressure's unresponsiveness to exercise.
I'm nervous about the way this is going to change my life. I'm 31 years old and I get depressed thinking about having to have this device replaced repeatedly, having to have even more invasive procedures as I age...and so on.
I could really use some encouragement, insight, advice.
Thanks a million!
It's been years since I've posted in the HCMA Forums. I've missed it. I just spent that last 90 minutes reading through the various topics. I really love the community here at HCMA.
On March 27th, I am headed in to the Electrophysiologist to have an ICD implanted. I have a very large family (6 full brothers & 7 full sisters from the same two parents) and we lost our mother to HCM in 1991 and she was only 45. We just buried our father 2 weeks ago (Complications from Dementia). Needless to say, the whole family is sort of in a panic over this surgical procedure. I am trying to allay their concerns and stay calm, but I'm actually pretty anxious.
My cardiologist ordered a genetic test and it positively identified the gene mutation that caused my HCM, as well my recent stress-echo that showed the my pressure gradient upwards of 100mmHg. The stress-echo also showed that with only a brisk walk on an incline had my heart rate at 193bpm and that my blood pressure pretty much didn't change at all before, during, and after exertion. My blood pressure being non-responsive to exercise was apparently cause for concern. So they've decided that I have an ICD implanted because of my mom's sudden death, the genetic testing results, and the high pressure gradient, in addition to my blood pressure's unresponsiveness to exercise.
I'm nervous about the way this is going to change my life. I'm 31 years old and I get depressed thinking about having to have this device replaced repeatedly, having to have even more invasive procedures as I age...and so on.
I could really use some encouragement, insight, advice.
Thanks a million!
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