I just finished a two day work up with Dr. Lever at the Cleveland Clinic. He was great. I have HOCM (2.2 cm, 44 yo). I have a birth defect with the angle of my heart wall and the papillary muscle that connects to my Mitral valve as well. Consequently when my pulse gets above 110, I have significant symptoms. Dr. Lever told me the toughest news of all.... stop my intensive exercising. This was devastating. I have enjoyed all forms of sports most of my life... football, wrestling, basketball, cross country skiing, aggressive down hill skiing, cross country skiing, bicycling (fast!), etc. I had hoped to continue this lifestyle into my 80's. What does one do with this? I have so much fun playing all of these activities. They are more fun to me than golf and bowling and chess. (I do like those activities too, just not as much). My doctor told me that surgery may help my symptoms. Have any of you had the surgery for the purpose of returning to aggressive exercise activities? Am I nuts?
Nathan
Nathan
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