Alcohol Ablation

[annamc Atria Find all posts View Profile Close annamc]

Okay...

I'm not having it done right now and not sure when in the future it will need to be done. However, since my doctor has been mentioning 'alcohol ablation' at my recent visits, I have started to draw concerns.

I don't even like looking it up. I mean those complications are not something I am to fond of and it doesn't make me comfortable in making a decision. Well, he said that there was no other option but the 'alcohol ablation' because they couldn't cut out where the thickness currently was. I mean they couldn't get it all out. I guess that's a disqualify for another myectomy.

I mean I had my myectomy at 7 years old with a mechanical heart valve having to be put in as well. I don't only have hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy and don't even know the other names for the heart conditions I have. Also, the HOCM is an unusual form they said. Though, I currently don't represent any symptoms...which I'm thankful for.

You see this makes me nervous when I read about complications from 'alcohol ablation' or worse. Doesn't this procedure hurt? How long does the pain last? I'm sorry, I am just rambling, but I knew to come here because you all would understand. I am only 22 years old.

[Cynaburst Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Cynaburst]

Anna - Have you talked to Lisa Salberg? She can help get you to a doctor who can evaluate all of your problems. It sounds like your doctor may not be giving you the whole story, and that you could benefit from a consultation with an expert.

Please call Lisa in the office (number on the bottom of this page) and get on the right path to taking charge of your health.

[Reenie Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close Reenie]

I agree with Cyn. Call Lisa and find a specialist. A person your age is rarely a candidate for an ablation.

Reenie

[annamc Atria Find all posts View Profile Close annamc]

Hi there Cynaburst and Reenie,

Yes, I've seen a specialist...Dr. Wang, I believe is his name. At the time I went, he didn't seem to think I needed an 'alcohol ablation'. I just wonder why my local cardiologist is bringing it up. Well, actually this last visit...June 1st...he did an ultrasound and said the thickening was a bit worse. I guess it just makes me concerned about this.

I read on the Cleveland Clinic site if I'm not mistaken the same thing you said Reenie about the 'alcohol ablation'. I am more than willing to take charge of my health...but, I'm nervous.

[Stuart Schwartz Red Heart Find all posts View Profile Close Stuart Schwartz]

I agree that you should talk with Lisa.

Dido what was said above about alcohol ablation. I came very close to doing that here in Philadelphia (Within a week or so). That seemed to be the only thing the doctors wanted to talk about.

Then the good people here got my head on straight & I went to one of the top HCM doctors Lisa & the others talk about here for a qualified opinion.

The Cleveland Clinic & Mayo Clinic are among the top few HCM clinics in the country.

The Cleveland Clinic has a very qualified HCM doctor at their Jacksonville Florida location. That would be Dr Asher. Dr Asher was sent from Cleveland to Florida about a year ago. He was under Dr Lever in Cleveland for quite some time.

[Reenie Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close Reenie]

Hi Anna. I've never heard of Dr Wang but that doesn't mean he isn't a good doctor. You should ask a lot of questions. How many HCM patients does he see? Why is he suggesting ablation over myectomy? What does he mean a myectomy wouldn't work? How many ablations have been done there, and with what success rate? How many had complications? You might want to take time to go to one of the larger specialty centers to get a second opinion. I bet it would be worth your time. Let us know how things go.

Reenie

[annamc Atria Find all posts View Profile Close annamc]

Okay...

I realize I forgot to include that Dr. Wang is in Raleigh NC...the Duke Hospital. He isn't the one that said I need the 'alcohol ablation'.

My local cardio (rather err um surgeon) said that I would need an 'alcohol ablation' laters on. When? I don't know. For my second opinion I'd definately like to consult Cleveland Clinic since it's #1 for Heart Center. Even though it's quite aways off from where I live, I'd go.

So, well...I'm going to have to look into it before anything drastic would occur. My current cardio would probably get angry about the 2nd opinion, but I don't care...he acted angry when I went to Dr. Wang before.

Um, yeah...well I can't help that.

[Stuart Schwartz Red Heart Find all posts View Profile Close Stuart Schwartz]

If your local doctor gets upset that you are going for a second opinion
(& I don't think that he will), then he is not much of a doctor. Especially if your going to one of the few highly regarded top HCM specialist in the country, which he is not.

[Reenie Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close Reenie]

I understand now. Thanks for clearing that up. I'm glad you're doing your research and finding out what might be best for your situation. We're here for you if you have any questions at all.

Reenie