← Return to 84 yrs old with around 5cm Abdominal aortic aneurysm

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@cindylr

I’m at a crossroad in my life. I have an abdominal aortic aneurysm over 5cm. Do I quit smoking and have the surgery which is very risky for me or do I leave it to fate.. I’m having a really hard time making that decision.. Have been told I am a walking timebomb. I am scared, but also I have a freedom to choose the path in which way I leave this world.

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Replies to "I’m at a crossroad in my life. I have an abdominal aortic aneurysm over 5cm. Do..."

That's exactly were I am with my husband, they told him have
the surgery you are in good health all your tests are good, he
is 81 years old and his aneryism is over 6, he says he is so
scared of surgery, he can't do much or lift much, his family
me the wife and children are disappointed, it's effecting us
also, he says it's his choice not ours, what can I do to
change bhis mind, I'm scared

Scary yes. But whatever else, quit smoking! Ask yourself what you want for the remainder of your life - do you have family that you are close to - grands or great grands - do you want to see them grow and thrive? Thoroughly discuss risks of surgery with doctor - and risk of rupture. My brother (though younger than you but with health complications) aneurysm was over 6 cm - he has recovered well and is enjoying life. If the aneurysm is growing the surgery becomes more difficult increasing the risk. Be sure to be fully informed before making any decision.

Bless your heart. All of us are going to face something like this eventually. I'm 78 and my AAA is 4.2 I talked to my cardiologist about the wisdom of having surgery in my 80s. He was as reassuring as he could be. He said new techniques are being developed all the time. By the time I get to 5, there may be a completely new protocol. A lot depends on your health in other respects. The first thing to do is quit smoking. That's the first thing my cardiologist said he tells all his patients. I haven't smoked since I was in my 20s. Do you really want to exhange your life for a cigarette? Get good medical advice, think of your family and friends, be brave. The hardest thing is to be brave, but it's what we all need to do. Good luck. Keep us posted.