New diagnosis of ascending aortic aneurysm and I’m terrified

I was diagnosed many, many years ago (maybe 16 or 17 years ago) with an ascending aortic aneurysm of 3.8 cm. It is now 4.1, so very slow growing. I am told to not lift more than 25 lbs and my blood pressure is well controlled with medication. I am now 79 and expect something else will take me away when my time is up.

But I remember my horror when I was first diagnosed. We think we are moving along with life, eating a healthy diet, exercising, seeing our docs as necessary and then, out of the blue comes a terrible diagnosis. As time has gone on, I have become much less worried about this diagnosis. The repair of this aneurysm is far less invasive than it used to be, often done through an artery rather than through open chest surgery. I also have a floppy aortic valve, near the aneurysm and both can be repaired through the artery.

Something will eventually "get me" but I don't think it will be the aneurysm.

Donna

Hi, I am sorry to hear of your diagnosis. I can relate. I am almost 73 and have a thoracic aneurysm is dilated at 5 cm. I was surprised and very much did not want this to be my story. I too was surprised how nonchalant my cardiologist was. Three years ago it was at 4.5. I will have a CTA scan in October to determine the next steps.

Living with the fear of rupture hanging over our heads is tyrannical. However, it can be a useful tool if it causes us to rethink our lives for the better. I don’t know if you are a religious person but surprisingly, Jesus had a lot to say about fear. In fact, the tyranny of fear is one of the reasons given for Jesus coming to earth. Hebrews 2:14-15 says “ Therefore, since the children share in flesh and blood, He Himself likewise also partook of the same, that through death He might render powerless him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, and might free those who through fear of death were subject to slavery all their lives.“ I still don’t like the circumstance I find myself in, but I hope that these comments are of some use.

Follow the doctors instructions and try to relax. I had the same problem at 76 years old and had it taken care of by surgery at Mayo in Rochester. That was 10 years ago and I'm still Here!! The surgery was a breeze (the first major surgery I ever had) and recovery went very well. Am sure you will be fine so try to relax (I know that easier said than done) Wishing you relaxation and peace. You Will Be Fine!!

I can relate fully with you. Last year, at age 64, my wife scheduled my first visit, with a heart doctor. Although, I had never thought of having heart problems. I have gone to the gym religiously for over 30 years. The CT scan revealed that I also have an ascending aneurysm, the same size as yours. My initial heart doctor instructed me to not lift anything over 10 pounds! I was terrified, & thought I was at death’s door. After a couple of visits, I decided to get a second opinion. My current heart doctor advised me to continue going to the gym with no weight restrictions, other than not to be lifting anything excessive. I have lifted weights, on average, three times a week, for the past year. I just completed my annual CT scan, and I’m happy to say that my aneurysm is still at a 4.1. I hope that you can too, can get over the initial stress of having an aneurysm, and have a great life. 😊

Thank you so much for your reply! I have a second opinion cardiology appointment scheduled in a few weeks. I’m hoping to get some concrete answers, but your knowledge of no restrictions and the fact that over a year it hasn’t grown as most reassuring! I really appreciate you taking the time to get back with me. Hoping for your continued good health

Thank you so much for your reply. This is so reassuring. I also have some floppy valves which I never really worried about too much as I knew surgery could be easily done on those. This aneurysm has taken me for a loop but I appreciate the positive response from you and wish you continued good health! I’m glad to know these are slow growing. At first, I thought it was like a water balloon and it was going to blow anytime.

Thank you so much! I’m so glad to hear everything went well and that you’re doing fine following that surgery. If you don’t mind my asking, did they do the surgery when your aneurysm measured below 5cm? I was told I had to wait until it was five or greater before they would repair it. i’m the kind of person that wants a problem fixed as soon as I find it. So waiting is a challenge. I really appreciate you getting back to me.

I cannot Remember the exact number other than it was in the high 4's. Sorry I can't be exact number. I do recall it had been progressing higher as I was checked for a few years before the actual surgery.

I understand. I do appreciate all of your insight! Thank you so much.

Since I was diagnosed with AA I had another episode which after testing I was diagnosed with congestive heart failure and a weakening of the bottom of my heart. Then I had chest and jaw pain. The only thing wrong that time was my blood pressure was sky high. All this happened this summer! I am beside myself and frightened. Both my parents died recently of congestive heart failure. I am 68 and up until now I was healthy. Do I get a bracelet like my parents had in case of an emergency? Hate to rattle on but it’s all too much! Oh and now I just found I have arthritis in my lower back.