1. < Aortic Aneurysms

Aortic Aneurysms – Introduce yourself & meet others

Posted by Kanaaz Pereira, Connect Moderator @kanaazpereira, Feb 16, 2018

Welcome to the Aortic Aneurysms group on Mayo Clinic Connect.

An aortic aneurysm is a bulge in the wall of the aorta. The aorta begins deep in the heart as it emerges from the powerful left ventricle, gently arching over the heart, descending into the chest, and finally into the abdomen. Some aortic aneurysms can be harmless; others can lead to catastrophic problems. I invite you to follow this group and connect with others, share experiences, exchange useful information, and learn about aortic aneurysms.

Get started rby clicking the +FOLLOW icon on the group page here: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/aneurysms/

There are some great conversations going on right now that I think you’ll like. Grab a cup of tea, or beverage of your choice, and lets chat. Why not start by introducing yourself?

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

geocirese | @geocirese | May 20 12:02pm
In reply to @kkohl "Hi - my thoracic ascending aortic Aneurysm was found following my first AFib incident. Meds, monitor,..." + (show)
@kkohl

Hi - my thoracic ascending aortic Aneurysm was found following my first AFib incident. Meds, monitor, scan, and daily BP for a year and a half. Ascending Aneurysm has now grown to 5. Preop tomorrow at Seattle Heart Institute at the University of Washington Medical Center, with surgery scheduled for June 5th. The surgeon and cardiologist agree with the need for surgery. At 76, I'm generally in good health. Walking daily, eating well...mostly, retired from a high-stress job, hoping I can enjoy a mostly normal life following the surgery. At the moment, however, I'm suffering from high anxiety over what could go wrong and a protracted, painful recovery.

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Best of luck to you and yours.

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clearlake | @clearlake | May 20 4:32pm

Hi. I am a 57 year old male from Canada. I led a very active lifestyle that included exercising daily and mountain climbing. Routine physical two years ago, my Dr. said I had a heart murmur and referred me to a cardiologist. At first I was diagnosed with a bicuspid valve and then after an echo it was determined I had a 4.5cm thoracic aneurysm. One year later after a follow up it was 4.6cm. I also found out my sister also has a bicuspid valve. Probably the hardest part I am dealing with is the emotional part. Its the thinking game that wears on me. I have a very hard time taking my bp everyday as it gets me very anxious. I know I should do it but I know before I do it it will be high, and it is high. No bp meds as of today. White coat syndrome? I continue to exercise daily and the hard part for me is to not lift heavy objects. I feel strong, probably in the best shape of my life, but my Dr told me nothing over 10lbs. I am not use to this. Anyways, that's my story. It's hard to talk to someone about this because they are not living in my shoes. Glad to have found this group.

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1 reply
sktaylor67 | @sktaylor67 | May 20 7:06pm
In reply to @clearlake "Hi. I am a 57 year old male from Canada. I led a very active lifestyle..." + (show)
@clearlake

Hi. I am a 57 year old male from Canada. I led a very active lifestyle that included exercising daily and mountain climbing. Routine physical two years ago, my Dr. said I had a heart murmur and referred me to a cardiologist. At first I was diagnosed with a bicuspid valve and then after an echo it was determined I had a 4.5cm thoracic aneurysm. One year later after a follow up it was 4.6cm. I also found out my sister also has a bicuspid valve. Probably the hardest part I am dealing with is the emotional part. Its the thinking game that wears on me. I have a very hard time taking my bp everyday as it gets me very anxious. I know I should do it but I know before I do it it will be high, and it is high. No bp meds as of today. White coat syndrome? I continue to exercise daily and the hard part for me is to not lift heavy objects. I feel strong, probably in the best shape of my life, but my Dr told me nothing over 10lbs. I am not use to this. Anyways, that's my story. It's hard to talk to someone about this because they are not living in my shoes. Glad to have found this group.

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I wish u the best. I’m glad I found this. I’m learning a lot.

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twocents | @twocents | May 21 2:39pm
In reply to @kkohl "Hi - my thoracic ascending aortic Aneurysm was found following my first AFib incident. Meds, monitor,..." + (show)
@kkohl

Hi - my thoracic ascending aortic Aneurysm was found following my first AFib incident. Meds, monitor, scan, and daily BP for a year and a half. Ascending Aneurysm has now grown to 5. Preop tomorrow at Seattle Heart Institute at the University of Washington Medical Center, with surgery scheduled for June 5th. The surgeon and cardiologist agree with the need for surgery. At 76, I'm generally in good health. Walking daily, eating well...mostly, retired from a high-stress job, hoping I can enjoy a mostly normal life following the surgery. At the moment, however, I'm suffering from high anxiety over what could go wrong and a protracted, painful recovery.

Jump to this post

I know exactly what you are going through. I had my surgery on my ascending thoracic aneurysm March 6 of this year. I was very nervous as well, but kept thinking I’d rather go through the surgery then have the aneurysm dissect or rupture. I had no complications during the surgery. They did repair my bicuspid valve and also they repaired the, aortic root, along with taking care of the aneurysm replacing it with a sleeve. I was in the hospital for seven days and my recovery has been relatively easy. I continue to go to cardiac rehab through the end of June. It is definitely a relief to not have to worry about the aneurysm anymore. I’m a 70-year-old female and mine was repaired at a 4.9. Trust your surgeon, the nurses and everyone that’s involved in your aftercare. It will be over with before you know it. sending you prayers and well wishes.

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2 replies
jmmg | @jmmg | May 21 3:41pm
In reply to @houston13 "It is very important to know for sure if you have a bicuspid valve or not,..." + (show)
@houston13

It is very important to know for sure if you have a bicuspid valve or not, I am amazed they are even doubting or contradicting each other, any good cardiologist should be able to tell you without doubts (cardiology 101). Usually an echocardiogram would tell them. Having a bicuspid valve greatly raises the possibilty of developing an aneurysm, and bicuspid valves are subject to deterioration and needing replacement later in life.

I had both and AAA and bicuspid valve, the AAA was fixed (open heart surgery) the bicuspid valve although slightly deteriorated was left in place as it still could last 10 years+, but I need to monitor it every year with an echo, it will have to be replaced at some point. There are also measures I need to take to protect it and extend its life, like taking antibiotics when going to the dentist as they are very vulnerable to infections.

It is important you see the right specialist that not only gives you the right info about your aneurysm but the health of your heart and valves.

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Thank you for your comments. The second doctor was with a different practice and he said I should have a "gated CTA scan" because the first scans by first doctor were not very good but he showed me the moving valve and said he did not see the bicuspid. The first doctor actually showed me a still picture of the bicuspid but that picture was not sent to the second doctor. I've decided to change insurance in order to get a better team but joining the second doctor's highly rated practice with a trusted heart center. Thank you again! Keep that positive thought process!

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croblesaz | @croblesaz | May 21 6:08pm

Hello- new to group, hoping to gather insight and information on ascending aorta aneurysm. Mine was a surprise discovery in pre-surgery PET scan, 2022, for endometrial cancer. Went into Mayo Clinic for one issue, found I had another! Cancer determined the priority; following surgery and radiation, began cardiology in 2023. At discovery, 4.3 cm. Cardiologist suspects likely inherited, due to family history and my LP(a) is 358. Put me on CRESTOR and TOPROL-XL, annual EKG and lipid profile. Since diagnosis, I’m following a strict heart-healthy diet and walk 4-5 miles/day, at least 5 days/week. Feel like I’m walking around with a ticking time bomb.

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1 reply
wags199 | @wags199 | May 21 8:51pm
In reply to @twocents "I know exactly what you are going through. I had my surgery on my ascending thoracic..." + (show)
@twocents

I know exactly what you are going through. I had my surgery on my ascending thoracic aneurysm March 6 of this year. I was very nervous as well, but kept thinking I’d rather go through the surgery then have the aneurysm dissect or rupture. I had no complications during the surgery. They did repair my bicuspid valve and also they repaired the, aortic root, along with taking care of the aneurysm replacing it with a sleeve. I was in the hospital for seven days and my recovery has been relatively easy. I continue to go to cardiac rehab through the end of June. It is definitely a relief to not have to worry about the aneurysm anymore. I’m a 70-year-old female and mine was repaired at a 4.9. Trust your surgeon, the nurses and everyone that’s involved in your aftercare. It will be over with before you know it. sending you prayers and well wishes.

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Thank you so much for this entry. It gives me hope! May I ask where you had your surgery?

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1 reply
kkohl | @kkohl | May 21 8:52pm
In reply to @twocents "I know exactly what you are going through. I had my surgery on my ascending thoracic..." + (show)
@twocents

I know exactly what you are going through. I had my surgery on my ascending thoracic aneurysm March 6 of this year. I was very nervous as well, but kept thinking I’d rather go through the surgery then have the aneurysm dissect or rupture. I had no complications during the surgery. They did repair my bicuspid valve and also they repaired the, aortic root, along with taking care of the aneurysm replacing it with a sleeve. I was in the hospital for seven days and my recovery has been relatively easy. I continue to go to cardiac rehab through the end of June. It is definitely a relief to not have to worry about the aneurysm anymore. I’m a 70-year-old female and mine was repaired at a 4.9. Trust your surgeon, the nurses and everyone that’s involved in your aftercare. It will be over with before you know it. sending you prayers and well wishes.

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Thanks; that's exactly what I needed. It looks like it'll just be the aortic sleeve replacement. The root and valve appear to be healthy. They won't confirm that until they get and look around. Thank you for the detailed response and excellent advice. It helps a lot.

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twocents | @twocents | May 24 4:03am
In reply to @wags199 "Thank you so much for this entry. It gives me hope! May I ask where you..." + (show)
@wags199

Thank you so much for this entry. It gives me hope! May I ask where you had your surgery?

Jump to this post

I had my surgery at Monument Health in Rapid City South Dakota. The surgeon here was amazing and having the surgery where I live was much less stressful than traveling elsewhere to have it. It’s nice that all my after care is here too, especially if there is a problem.

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wags199 | @wags199 | May 24 4:03pm

Thank you for responding! Prayers for your continued health journey!

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