So close to the line.

Glad you made it and get to stay on this side of the line.

Have you ever had blunt force trauma to your chest? Have you ever been on fluoroquinolone antibiotics, like cipro? Also, have had your whole genome sequenced, or did your doctor just run the standard aortic panel on you?

With no warning, with that serious an aneurysm, I can almost guarantee there's a reason for it that isn't being investigated.

I kept asking, "Why?" And I kept not getting answers. So I looked for my own.

No to all questions. There doesn't need to be a reason.
I think I just survived until it finally dissected and I felt it that night.

Aortic pulmonary aneurysm

Hey there. Being diagnosed with an aortic pulmonary aneurysm can feel overwhelming, but it's important to know that you're not alone, and there are steps you can take to manage your health effectively. Here's some general advice to help you navigate this condition:

1. Follow Your Doctor’s Recommendations: Your healthcare team is your best resource. They will provide specific guidance tailored to your situation, including lifestyle adjustments, medications, or possible surgical options. It's essential to keep up with regular check-ups and follow their advice closely.

2. Adopt a Heart-Healthy Lifestyle: A healthy diet and regular exercise can make a big difference. Focus on eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Limiting salt, sugar, and saturated fats can also help. Moderate exercise, such as walking or swimming, may be beneficial, but always consult your doctor before starting any new physical activity.

3. Manage Blood Pressure and Cholesterol: Keeping your blood pressure and cholesterol levels in check is crucial. High blood pressure and high cholesterol can put additional strain on your blood vessels, potentially worsening the aneurysm. Take medications as prescribed and make lifestyle changes as needed to maintain healthy levels.

4. Avoid Smoking and Limit Alcohol: Smoking can damage your blood vessels and increase the risk of aneurysms growing or rupturing. If you smoke, consider seeking help to quit. Limiting alcohol consumption can also help maintain overall cardiovascular health.

5. Stay Informed, But Avoid Stress: Educating yourself about your condition can empower you to make informed decisions about your health. However, try not to become overwhelmed or stressed by what you read. Always discuss any concerns or questions with your healthcare provider.

6. Seek Support: Don't hesitate to reach out to family, friends, or support groups. Connecting with others who understand what you're going through can provide comfort and practical advice. This Mayo blog is excellent and lots of folks on here, me included, have current aortic health issues. I survived a full dissection in 2015. There is hope.

Remember, each person's situation is unique, and your healthcare team is there to support you every step of the way. By taking proactive steps and working closely with your doctors, you can effectively manage your condition and maintain a good quality of life. Be positive. Be calm. Be proactive. Listen to your medical team and have surgery if they tell you it's necessary. Peace.

Good work. Welcome to the Aortic Dissection Survivors Club. It's a small little group. I'm in it and I am glad you are too!

Mine felt like someone was tearing the skin off of my back. Is that how yours felt? How long for your recovery? I spent two weeks in a coma. How long ago did it happen and how are you doing now?

My reasons were simple: Air travel, on my feet teaching for 14 hours a day, two days in a row, obesity, fatty hotel food, stress, untreated hypertension, and a layover day spent in the 113F Anza Borrego desert in California acting like I was 20 when I was actually 50. The human body can only take so much pressure. I have to be ruthlessly honest with myself about what caused my aorta to expand and then ultimately explode: me.

At the risk of scaring any readers, not really.
Mine started like a chest tightness. I walked into the room and sat on the bed. I started hyperventilating like I had some indigestion. Short, shallow breaths. I had a pain in my chest like a fire - like a red-hot sword had been stuck in my heart. It burned, how it burned. And it was a strange pain and I knew it wasn't like anything I have ever had. Not like a broken bone, or a torn muscle, or like a cramp or a cut. This was fire.
I sat on the bed and said "I think I am having a heart attack." Wow, what an understatement.
So I was in ICU for five days, two of which I was in a coma.
I also had a tamponade, and they had to take me back to theatre and remove the clotting around my heart. My BP was 50. So open again, undo the sternum wire, and then clean it again and wire it all back up. Add 2 more hours onto the surgery. I think 10 in total.
I spent two weeks in the ward and discharged.
That was 11 months ago. I think I am doing okay. But things are different. I am different. I can't put my finger on it. But my eyes are open.

Or as i once heard; “on this side of the grass”

Also reminds me when I read Bette Davis once upon a time saying “old age is not for sissies…”