hypertrophic cardiomyopthy

[patkir]

My mom is 80 years old and has hypertrophic cardiomyopathy without obstruction. In the last several months she has gone into congestive heart
failure and has been put on lasix which seems to help. After congestive failure develops in an elderly person what is the average life span. She does not seem to be in any stress other than a constant cough. Are there any other available treatments such as digoxin or any other meds.

[Largehearted]

I am sorry I don't know what to say about this. I am sure there are others who will be able to speak to CHF and give you some answers. Another option might be to search for HCM/CHF and explore other threads that have addressed the issue.

We will be in prayer for you and your mom.

Peace,

Leon

[Linda]

As Leon says, you will have many others offer you information and experiences, but please call the HCMA office to ask specific questions. You will find it to be very informative and reassuring. Best wishes, Linda

[Pam Alexson]

Management of CHF is a meticulous process and requires specific adaptations / tweeking to each unique individuals needs.

It is best to work with a doctor; cardiologist who is not only skilled with care of the CHF patient but also very knowledgeable about HCM. There are treatment modalities that can keep CHF well in check and managed so that the individual can live and function without being in acute distress. CHF does not go away , it is just managed. Many of us who have it take different meds and doses depending on our individual HCM and the degrees of CHF we are experiencing. There is no one answer to this question. I have included some reading which may answer some of your questions but remember having HCM and CHF requires unique specialized management.

http://www.clevelandclinicmeded.com/diseasemanagement/cardiology/heartfailure/heartfailure.htm

Pam

[Laoshur]

Recently I tried something that really worked for me. It is not a long term solution, but better than what I had been doing. I kept getting more and more fluid stored, but was too busy to rest enough to get it off. One morning I woke up before dawn and decided to take my fluid pills and go back to bed. I lost 4 pounds of fluid in 2 hours. (The only down side was that I had terrible leg cramps, so next time I will eat a banana at the same time.) I think that I will try to do this a couple of times a week to try to keep the fluid down. You might try something like that, especially if you get up earlier than she does.

Rhoda

[Eileen2345]

Patkir,

I am sorry to hear about your mom, and I respectfully ask this...

Have you been tested for Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy?

Since your mom has this, you may want to be tested for it (if you have not been already).

I hope your mom feels better soon.

Wishing you the best,

Eve

[sligoker]

Hi---I have posted in several threads about my 80 year old aunt with HCM who has greatly improved after treatment at a SPECIALIZED HCM unit. This is a a condition that requires experienced and focused physicians. I hope she gets to one of the centers located throughout the country. Mine went to St.Lukes Roosevelt in NYC. She has done miraculously well!

[tdishinger]

I am a long term HOCM patient, having started with a dual chamber PM at J Hopkins in 1995 as a trial patient. In 1/2001 I went on to CCF for a myectomy. In both cases the treatment worked for 5+ years before symptms (angina and SOB) moved me to the next treatment step. The myectomy was a miracle and has served me well for 6 years
A few months ago I developed CHF and now take Lasix + Potassium on a daily or tri-weekly basis - keeping my weight below the target set by my cardiologist - whom I believe knows HCM thoroughly.
I too would like to know how long this stage lasts - but am very satisfied that I have survived well for 12+ years with a very good quality of life.
I am planning on retiring later this year as my stamina cannot support my employment activities (travel + stress) any longer. This was a joint decision by my Dr. and I.
It's hard to say whether this is due to aging or HOCM - probably a combination - but I'll keep fighting.
The most important step, I believe, is to keep one's self well informed. For that I thank HCMA, J. Hopkins and especially the staff at CCF.
If anyone needs support or has any questions please feel free to contact me.
Good luck in your HCM treatments - whatever they are.

TOM

[Linda]

Tom - Welcome - Linda

[Reenie]

Welcome to the HCMA. I hope you call the office. The phone number's at the bottom of this page under Contact Us. They can answer lots of your questions over the phone. The good thing is you're getting good care. My thoughts are with you.

Reenie