**Former Clemson Football Player Battles Rare Heart Condition with New Drug Advances**
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Jimmy Addison, an 80-year-old former football player for Clemson University, shares his journey of living with transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM) following a life-altering diagnosis that came when effective treatments were becoming available. The retired commercial real estate attorney, who resides in Seneca, South Carolina, recalled the concerning changes in his health that began over six years ago.
Addison, who has always lived an active lifestyle as an athlete and enthusiastic runner, started noticing troubling symptoms, including excessive weight gain, bloating, and discomfort, particularly in his legs. “I wasn’t eating any more, and I was still doing a modicum of exercise,” he remarked. Despite his efforts to maintain a healthy lifestyle, he found himself increasingly short of breath while making his way up the stairs at Clemson’s football stadium, a profound shift for someone so accustomed to physical activity.
Initially, Addison’s doctors were unable to identify the cause of his symptoms. He described the early conversations with medical professionals as frustrating because the issues did not appear serious at first. “It was hard to tell whether I was eating too much,” he stated. After numerous consultations, he was eventually diagnosed with ATTR-CM, a rare condition where misfolded proteins accumulate in the heart, leading to stiffness and impaired functionality.
In search of answers and treatment options, Addison connected with Dr. Daniel Judge, a renowned cardiologist and amyloidosis specialist at MUSC Health in Charleston. Their initial meeting took place virtually in September 2020, amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Judge recalled Addison presenting with severe heart failure symptoms, including shortness of breath and dangerous heart rhythm irregularities. “He was struggling,” Dr. Judge stated, emphasising the critical nature of Addison’s condition.
Following their meeting, Dr. Judge prescribed medication aimed at stabilising the transthyretin protein, which can help slow the progression of the disease. He also guided Addison into a clinical trial for a groundbreaking drug designed to reduce transthyretin production in the body. Reflecting on this pivotal moment, Addison expressed that finding Dr. Judge and receiving the appropriate treatment was a life-saving decision. “It’s one of the best things I’ve ever done,” he noted, acknowledging the progressive nature of his condition while expressing gratitude for the advancements in treatment that have emerged in recent years.
Just a few years prior to Addison’s diagnosis, the outlook for individuals with ATTR-CM was bleak, as there were limited treatment options. Dr. Judge pointed out that prior to 2019, the first drug to treat the condition received FDA approval, patients had no viable options. He explained how those diagnosed often received grim advice, urging them to “get their affairs in order,” as survival rates were dismally low.
Fortunately, medical advancements have introduced new hope for patients like Addison. Several medications are now available, while research is ongoing into innovative therapies involving gene editing and antibodies to target amyloid deposits in the heart. “The earlier we make the diagnosis, the better your prognosis and the better these therapies work,” Dr. Judge optimistically stated.
Though Addison’s journey is challenging, he has made strides in managing his condition. After his diagnosis, he developed ventricular tachycardia, a serious heart rhythm disorder. An ablation procedure that followed posed a risk due to the existing stiffness of his heart; however, the surgery was successful, leading to significant improvements in his heart rhythm.
Addison continues to navigate the challenges of living with a progressive illness. He manages fluid retention and occasional breathing difficulties, adhering to a low-sodium diet and monitoring his weight daily with the aid of diuretics. Despite his limitations, he stays upbeat and engages in activities he loves, from reading to watching sports and spending quality time with his wife, Mary Gwyn “Dinny” Addison, who he credits as his pillar of support.
As he prepares to attend Clemson football games this season, he acknowledges he may go less frequently. Through sharing his story, Addison aims to raise awareness about ATTR-CM, encouraging others to heed their bodies’ signals and seek specialist care when needed. “You probably don’t realise how lucky I am,” he reflected. Looking back, he believes that had he experienced his symptoms eight years earlier, the outcome could have been devastating.