Thank God I'm in Canada!

Lived overseas for many years and upon return I started getting more and more tired. I first thought it was some tropical bug I picked up, then maybe anemia - then settled on "just getting old".

At 40 years old I went in to GP and mentioned my fatigue. He sent me to get an echo to confirm that I had a heart murmur. This lead to a referreal to a cardiologist and more tests that confirmed hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy. Cardiologist asked me if I ever played hockey or basketball. I said "Yes - competitively in my youth". He answered: "You're lucky you made it out of high school alive!"

Four years later, on beta blockers, but really slowing down. Obstruction now about 22mm. More trouble sleeping, putting on weight. Can't stay active or push myself. Very fatigued. Surgery likely in the coming months...