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do I need a second opinion?
69 yr old M diagnosed with 4.3 upper aortic aneurysm. dr had me take 3d scan and told me to come in for another in 6 months. all he told me was not to lift over 30 lbs. after a lot of reading, ahve found several things that I wasn't told. ie caffine is really bad. I live in centeral Wa and need to know how to get in to see a dr in Seattle or Spokane. Do I need a referral does medicare cover?
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Never heard anything related to caffeine, the weight (has been discussed a lot in this forum) has to do with keeping your BP from rising, grunting and holding your breath while lifting weights raises your BP.
My recommendation is you try to find a cardiologist who is an expert in aneurysms, not all of them are, ask a lot of questions and follow his/her advice.
(I had a ascending aortic aneurysm, that was repaired in early 2020)
Can’t answer the Medicare questions I’m sure someone in this forum has gone through something similar.
Best to you
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2 ReactionsI had a dozen different X-rays, MRI’s and sonograms. My cardiovascular surgeon has only used a sonogram once a year. I no longer really need anything else other than a sonogram once a year. 10 years ago it was at 1.7 and it’s still at 1.7 10 years later. Ask your doctor at your next appointment why he is pushing on it. Everyone is different
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1 ReactionLiving in central Washington too I can tell you that there are several good options.
Spokane- Muelheims
Seattle-Demopuloas
I use Kadlec Cardiology due to location being closer.
As far as caffeine I drink Mt Dew on occasion and no issues. I went to Hawaii last fall and ordered a pineapple cup and am pretty sure the base was Red Bull as my heart started to pound and I felt really sick for several hours. I would avoid energy drinks. Moderation in all things.
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1 ReactionWhen you mention "4.3 upper" are you referring to a thoracic aneurysm as in aortic root dilation? I ask because I was recently informed by my new cardiologist that's what I have at 4.1 cm, but he's not yet calling an aneurysm. RE: caffeine intake, it can definitely temporarily raise when's blood pressure, and of course if drinking in excess can potentially cause arrhythmias. I'm three years younger than you, male, thin and very active, so needless to say this came as a bit of a shock. Fortunately, I have no hypertension, and pass the stress treadmill test with flying colors. Also, no heart valve issues fortunately. PS: is there another name for the 3D scan you mention? Many thanks!