Walter's Journal

So, I just discovered this website and I love it already! Seems like a great place to keep up with my crazy Heart journey and chat with people going thru similar situations. This entry is just a catch-up if you will. It is lengthy, but so is my journey. After being Diagnosed with HCM in Dec 2015 I Freaked out for a little while. "Am I going to die?" became the Question of the day, everyday! It was not long after being diagnosed that the question became "Where do I find a doctor that actually knows what he/she is talking about when it comes to HCM?" Unfortunately I discovered fairly quick, that all cardiologists are not created equal, lol. After 3 cardiologists in a year I discovered the HCMA and they helped me with understanding this bastard of a disease and advised me where to go for proper evaluation and treatment. The Place.... "The Cleveland Clinic". They are the best for a reason! Dr. Lever is one of the leading authorities on HCM and is "The Man with the Plan!". So, I sent all my records and films to him and scheduled a visit on Nov. 21rst, 2016 for testing and evaluation. After tests were done I met with Dr. Lever. He advised I needed a Septal Myectomy surgery to remove the thickening caused by the HCM. He also advised that I may need Mitral Valve repair or Replacement, but that the surgeon would be the one to determine that once he was into the heart. So, Surgery was scheduled for Nov. 25th.... the day after Thanksgiving. At least I got to eat some turkey before surgery. Long story short... Ended up having Two open Heart Surgeries 10 days apart. Two septal Myectomies and Mitral Valve Replacement (Mechanical). I was released from the Hospital on Dec. 15 2016. I am healing well, I think. Docs are happy with my progress. I was just released to go back to work on Jan. 30. I am looking forward to that. We shall see how it goes.... TO BE CONTINUED, I HOPE!