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I had my first appointment at the HCM Clinic in Boston this past Friday and, as expected, heard that a defibrillator implant was recommended. Dr. Link will be providing the service which is currently scheduled for next week.
Dr. Link has mentioned that a right side implant was possible, as I am left handed and still hope to pitch during the play-offs for the Red Sox. I’m wondering if anyone has opted for this “twist” and if so, are there any draw-backs? Maybe I’m wrong, but it seems that the leads would have to be longer and would be subjected to more tugging and stress – especially when I’m throwing a curve ball.
During the consult with Dr. Udeslson, I also learned that it is not at all unusual for an individual to present with Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy without family history. To be honest, I was beginning to wonder about this diagnosis. Nearly all those posting to the boards here refer to brothers, sisters, parents, etc who share the disease. In my case, there are 2 relatives who might be suspected (both on my mother’s side), but we’re going back 60 and 70 years to single them out. We’ll never be able to prove HCM one way or the other.
And finally, all three Drs. agree; not only do I have this rare disease (HCM = 1:500), but this rare disease has progressed to an infrequently seen phase (end stage = maybe 5% of above) in my 50 year old heart. So what does that work out to 1 in 10,000?? The weird thing is, this gloomy sounding diagnosis bears no resemblance to how I am feeling. I actually feel quite good and for the most part am asymptomatic– knock on wood. I continue to work and recreate though I do become winded sooner than I did a year ago. I suppose the non-obstructive version has it’s benefits.
Dr. Link has mentioned that a right side implant was possible, as I am left handed and still hope to pitch during the play-offs for the Red Sox. I’m wondering if anyone has opted for this “twist” and if so, are there any draw-backs? Maybe I’m wrong, but it seems that the leads would have to be longer and would be subjected to more tugging and stress – especially when I’m throwing a curve ball.
During the consult with Dr. Udeslson, I also learned that it is not at all unusual for an individual to present with Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy without family history. To be honest, I was beginning to wonder about this diagnosis. Nearly all those posting to the boards here refer to brothers, sisters, parents, etc who share the disease. In my case, there are 2 relatives who might be suspected (both on my mother’s side), but we’re going back 60 and 70 years to single them out. We’ll never be able to prove HCM one way or the other.
And finally, all three Drs. agree; not only do I have this rare disease (HCM = 1:500), but this rare disease has progressed to an infrequently seen phase (end stage = maybe 5% of above) in my 50 year old heart. So what does that work out to 1 in 10,000?? The weird thing is, this gloomy sounding diagnosis bears no resemblance to how I am feeling. I actually feel quite good and for the most part am asymptomatic– knock on wood. I continue to work and recreate though I do become winded sooner than I did a year ago. I suppose the non-obstructive version has it’s benefits.
Despite his recklessness he has never had any problems with his right side implant. He does have a deep tissue implant, which gives the box some extra protection from direct blows. The leads have never had any problems and it is now 5 years after original implant. 
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