From HCM to a bypass

[Clive]

Finally they decided to catheterise me and the surgeon turned round at the end of it and said "Well, your hypertrophy is not the problem you should be concerned with. Your two blocked arteries are the serious problem."
If you undergo catheterisation, be aware that you might get some vision effects afterwards. They didn't bother to tell me about that. I had zig-zag patterns visible in both eyes for an hour or so. I'm pretty certain that it's caused by the X-Ray reflective dye they inject.

[Lisa Salberg]

Re: From HCM to a bypass

A common thought among those of us with HCM is that we have our disease and that is all we need to worry about...
Wrong - HCM is only one of many issues that our hearts may need to deal with. Coronary Artery Disease is 20 times more common then HCM - So do the math... there are many of us at risk for BOTH!
How to avoid this???... Use a heart healthy diet, no smoking, get excersise and get appropriate rest (and keep your fingers crossed
RE the vision issues - Many people with HCM have these problems daily - I have not heard a great deal of people post procedure with this problem. I would not worry to much about it.

Be well and take care of yourself.

Lisa

[Reenie]

Re: From HCM to a bypass

Clive, I'm glad you found out about the blocked arteries early and are able to fix them before something serious happens. Good luck.

Reenie

[Clive]

Re: From HCM to a bypass

Thanks. I have a pretty good view of the diagnosis loop now. It's like they run a machine here at the large hospital known as Clinic 34 (34 specialises in cardiology). The machine investigates, diagnoses, and routes patients depending on the problem. I have a distinct impression that they have kind of an assembly-line for bypass ops, another for stents, and so on.

I wonder what would happen in the US, to someone with my condition and no medical insurance. Would they be left to deteriorate and die? Bearing in mind the nature of a bypass operation, I imagine that in the private sector it must cost an absolute fortune. Not to mention the five lab work-ups, the two echo-cardio tests, the two stress tests, the catheterisation, and the several consultations!

They don't pratt about, that's for sure. Told me straight away that I needed surgery, and a surgeon came before I was discharged, to discuss the next step. Apparently my chances are very good because I'm not diabetic, haven't had an infarct, have my weight under control, and the condition was diagnosed early.

I think it's quite right what Lisa said about not neglecting general heart health factors just because of HCM. Take vitamin supplements, take fish-oil supplements, control blood pressure, take exercise three times a week, monitor your condition, and - I'll add this - take a stress (effort) test once a year. That test is a sure-fire indicator of cardio-pulmonary status. And don't eat junk food like hamburgers and processed crap!

- Clive

[john m. jordan]

Re: From HCM to a bypass

Clive, i had myectmy and double bypass surgery last july 15. it was when they did the cath that all became clear. glad you found out the need you have at this time. the surgeons do great things. good luck, john

[Clive]

Re: From HCM to a bypass

Thanks for your note, John.
Would you mind telling me how long your recovery took before you could return to work?
- Clive

[john m. jordan]

Re: From HCM to a bypass

Clive, i was told to plan six to twelve weeks. for me i was able to be off eight weeks after i got out of the hospital. i found the first several weeks very exhausting. im 57 so im sure that played a part in my timing as well as the need for the myectomy. do you have your surgery scheduled? john

[Clive]

Re: From HCM to a bypass

No, not yet. Probably looking at 3 months.
What's a myectomy? I am guessing it may be ablation of the thickened heart muscle?
I imagine that will be up for discussion but I doubt they will want to go that far with me.

[Sarah]

Re: From HCM to a bypass

A myectomy is the surgical removal of obstruction (eg go in with a knife and cut it out). Alcohol septal ablation is injecting alcohol into the muscle to kill it, so it melts away. Each have their own "selection criteria" (how to figure out which one is right for you).

S

[Lisa Salberg]

Re: From HCM to a bypass

Clive,
FYI in the USA if you are in urgent need of a procedure there are hosptials that MUST take you in and provide services. For some procedures you can not be sent away, such as a pregnant woman showing up in labor - regardless of the hospital they MUST deliever the baby and if they do not get paid they "write off the charges" and get a tax break for it.
RE cardiac procedures there is ALWAYS a way to get it done. It may cost someone...even if it takes 10 years to pay off a part of it at least they can get it done. They may not be able to go the hospital they want but it can be done.
There are misunderstandings about how the US system works - many people think they can not go places for care just because the "insurance company" said "no"...truth be told you can go anywhere you want...you may have to pay your own way.... but you can go. I had a thought the other day about this very topic - a family of 4 can go to Disney World for 5 days and with airfare and hotel and park passes it will cost about $5,000 when all is said and done... for about $1,000 you can go to an HCM specialist and get care that will improve your life.... Funny how we Americans look at the value of a dollar
Clive - I wish you all the best!
Lisa