Septal Ablation Cancelled - Arterial Blockage the Culprit!

[MartinKennedy]

:o My preoperative angiogram uncovered a 70% blockage in the same artery that feeds the area of my heart that has the thickened septal muscle. My symptoms were getting REAL bad - mental confusion, radiating pain from heart to heck, fingers and sometimes leg! Very tired, irritable, short of breath. Dr. Fifer was suspicious that I had a secondary issue and he was right. Now that the blockage in my artery has been repaird with a stent, I am so much better that we are going to wait on the ablation until my symptoms justify the risk of surgery. In the meantime we are trcking down issues relating to my sudden nod-offs which may be a little petit mal seizure or narcolepsy! I do also have sleep apnea so narcolepsy is not out of the question. I am learning that HCM can be managed if that is the only issue but when one has multiple issues it can be very problematic. I feel that we avoided a stroke or heart attack with the angioplasty. Don't overlook the obvious in your self monitoring and care.

Marty

[Reenie]

I'm glad that you feel so much better. I hope you continue to improve since you've fixed that blockage.

Reenie

[swinand]

That's good news Marty, glad you are feeling much better now. I think tying down all the secondary issues is a good plan. Then you can isolate and evaluate just what effects the HCM is presenting. It makes the treatment and decision process related to HCM much clearer. Take care of yourself and keep us up to date.
Steve.

[Lisa Salberg]

You bring up a good point. Those of us with HCM may feel that THAT is our only problem...and it may not be. It is very common for a doc to request a cath. for someone who is also in the age range for other forms of heart disease. I caution however that SOMETIMES people have been known to minimize the HCM because something else was found. ALL conditions must be take seriously and with the same attention to details!

Be well, eat well, and treat yourselves well!!!

Lisa