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4.79 cm - Female Age 59
I am a female that was diagnosed with an aortic aneurysm in 2015. It's grown from 4.2 to 4.79. It grew 2 cm in the past year. I'm starting to experience some chest discomfort from time to time and I'm noticing some belly pain. I've had some mild back pain in my upper back--dont know if it is related. I'm full of anxiety because it sounds like the outcome if grim. Any words that can help are encouraged thank you.
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Thanks for replying. I have swith to dumbell incline bench press and will continue but I find the dumbell incline bp harder on my body. I think the is getting the dumbells as opposed to bar which is already. Well again thanks and good luck.
I think it’s important to have a local cardiologist no matter what. You need someone local that knows your history and can follow you. If you need emergency care, at least the local cardiologist will be aware of your situation whether or not you have the surgery or not. Just my opinion.
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3 ReactionsCan I ask how fast your aneurysm grew??
@twocents: My local cardiologist doesn't bother reading the echocardiograms regarding the aortic root and ascending aorta. That's why my primary care got me the recommendation to Mayo. If the cardiologist is going to see my once a year and not evaluate the situation before hand, what is the point? His idea is control the blood pressure, hope for the best and go to the ER if something happens before Jan 5th 2025. If it was an LAD issue needing a bypass or stent, he would be great. Aortic aneurysms, not so much. I had changes from Oct 31 to May 10 with the same tech and radiologist evaluating the echocardiogram. A recommendation of a CT Aortography and aortic valve leak due to aortic root dilation was either missed or ignored by the local cardiologist with the only cardiology group in Tallahassee. I am not going to gamble until there is a train wreck.
@twocents I agree regarding a local cardiologist. I was only diagnosed a week ago, and I was able to get in to see a cardiologist this week in Miami. I could not get an appointment locally. One office took my number to call me back with an appointment time and then never called back. I'm sure there will be testing to be done and other follow-up appointments, which I am hoping can be done locally. Thank you for your help!
They have been watching my aneurysm since 2016. I’m not sure what size it started out as. But the last year it seemed to have grown a little faster and they measured it between a 4.7 and a 4.9. One surgeon said he would have operated on it at a 4.2 just because of my small stature. They also had to repair my bicuspid valve and aortic root.
I was told yesterday that we will scan again in the new year . Says the aneurysm grew minimal. 4.2 to 4.4 in 6 months does not seem minimal to me?? But I’m not a dr . I think I will try and get some genetic testing done. Thanks so much for replying.
It sounds like you have been getting regular surveillance. That's good! What does your cardiologist say about the size progression of your aneurysm or your current symptoms? That's where I would start. I became aware of my ascending aortic aneurysm in 2016. I'm at 4.7cm and share your anxiety about this condition. I decided to see the Aortic Clinic at Mayo in Rochester MN. I see them annually for advice and direction. As per this advice, I do everything under my control that can help manage this. I try to enjoy and feel grateful for everyday I have. Best wishes.
I guess in my reply above I didn’t really tell you that I had the open heart surgery in March. The took the part of the aorta out with the aneurysm and replaced it with a graft. They also repaired the bicuspid valve and aortic root. It is definitely a relief to not have to worry about it anymore. I’m glad it is behind me.
Glad to hear you got the treatment you needed.