Ascending aortic aneurysm – repair/surgery

Posted by ginko @ginko, Jul 11, 2019

I am so glad that you are there and wish you all well. My question for you is as the title says.

Although I wish the aneurysm (4.7) will grow slowly or not at all, I also know that as I age the surgery will be more difficult. I have somewhat good general health for age 69 except for some ortho issues. Blood pressure is on the low side, etc. I am not the strongest person with a small frame and weight. Nor am I the bravest regarding this surgery and have only one person as my support and no family.

I would like to ask anyone who is of this age and has had the surgery in their 70s for a bit of input and/ or sincere advice or thoughts on this issue.

Thank you for your kindness.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Aortic Aneurysms Support Group.

ginko | @ginko | Jul 12, 2020

In reply to @dinis "I totally agree. Both echo and CT are 4.7." + (show)

Oh my, we certainly do have things in common and should definitely stay in touch. So very nice to hear from you. Please keep me informed on your progress at testing during this time of Covid.

dinis | @dinis | Jul 12, 2020

In reply to @ginko "Oh my, we certainly do have things in common and should definitely stay in touch. So..." + (show)

Sounds good to keep in touch.

Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Jul 12, 2020

In reply to @ginko "Thank you for your kind reply. I agree that we should look into someplace locally just..." + (show)

@ginko and @dinis, I want you to know that the cardiovascular department at Mayo Clinic is operating at full capacity. You can learn more on the department's website here: https://www.mayoclinic.org/departments-centers/cardiovascular-medicine/home/orc-20121930

Here is further information about travel safety during the COVID-19 pandemic from Mayo Clinic
https://www.mayoclinic.org/patient-visitor-guide/preparing-for-your-visit/visiting-mayo-clinic-safely

You may also be interested in seeing what other patients have to say about their trips to Mayo during this time, how they ensured safe travel and the protocols to follow to stay healthy. See this discussion:
- Tips: Traveling to Mayo to get medical care safely during COVID-19 https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/your-tips-traveling-and-getting-medical-care-safely-during-covid-19/

Your heart health is important and care shouldn't be delayed if possible.

dinis | @dinis | Jul 12, 2020

In reply to @colleenyoung "@ginko and @dinis, I want you to know that the cardiovascular department at Mayo Clinic is..." + (show)

Thank you. I will check it out.

ginko | @ginko | Jul 12, 2020

In reply to @dinis "Thank you. I will check it out." + (show)

Thank you Colleen. 😊

dietgourmet | @dietgourmet | Jul 13, 2020

In reply to @ginko "Thank you for your kind reply also. Yes, I agree that it is a very challenging..." + (show)

Ginko,

sometimes we have so much worry, we lose track of which worry needs to be addressed, so if there is a missed app't, you need to call and ask what your best alternative is. You have a team of doctors, so when you are wondering what to do, call them. You may be surprised at all the alternatives you may have. I don't know where you are but let Mayo decide what you need to do. Mayo Clinic has three locations and you may be able to get to one of the other locations. I am going to be in Florida in November, and I could plan an app't at that location. I may not be in Florida either, because of the Covid Virus. I am sorry you are dealing with such a difficult problem at such a difficult time. Have you considered contacting the Heart Society for a support person? Mine was amazing and they are trained.Does Mayo provide emotional support people and/or programs.

ginko | @ginko | Jul 13, 2020

Thank you for your wonderful suggestions and for thinking of me once again. I have contacted the heart Society but there is no local chapter where I live. I had not known of the concept of a heart sister when I inquired of them and they did not mention it. Perhaps I will try again.

I haven’t heard of Mayo suggesting any support in this way. Perhaps they do though. I think I might contact them and ask for a virtual appointment in light of the Covid to see what my doc advises me. Your suggestion is a very good one and very much appreciated.

Sincerely,
Deby

You sound like you might be from the east and so am I originally. I was born and grew up in Erie Pennsylvania But have lived here in California for many years.

Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Jul 13, 2020

In reply to @ginko "Thank you for your wonderful suggestions and for thinking of me once again. I have contacted..." + (show)

Mayo Clinic cardiologists and cardiac surgeons are recommending NOT to delay care as postponing in some cases may increase severity of the condition(s).

@ginko @dinis, One option to consider is a video consultation offered with a Mayo Clinic cardiovascular expert from the comfort of your home. The video consult allows the physician and patient to determine whether watchful waiting is appropriate or if care should be sought sooner rather than later along with evaluating the risk of traveling. In the case of thoracic aortic aneurysm repair, it is important to have an experienced cardiac surgeon do the repair, either close to home or at Mayo Clinic. To find out if a video consultation is right for you, call 507-255-2000.

dinis | @dinis | Jul 13, 2020

In reply to @colleenyoung "Mayo Clinic cardiologists and cardiac surgeons are recommending NOT to delay care as postponing in some..." + (show)

Thank you. I have discussed it with my cardiologist at Mayo and in light of the pandemic, we agreed to postpone my visit.

ginko | @ginko | Jul 14, 2020

In reply to @dinis "Thank you. I have discussed it with my cardiologist at Mayo and in light of the..." + (show)

Will do Colleen. Thank you.
Deby

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