New diagnosis of ascending aortic aneurysm and I’m terrified

Posted by mjm3 @mjm3, Aug 16 10:27pm

I received the diagnosis of a 4.1 CM ascending aortic aneurysm as an incidental finding after an angiogram was ordered to make sure I had no blockages due to an unexpected spike and blood pressure at work. I normally have low blood pressure so I was surprised when it was 189/111 and they took me to the hospital. that seem to come from acute stress at work, but I had a complete cardiac workout after finding a very low amount of troponin in my bloodstream 0.03. Anyway, the aneurysm was a complete shock and now I’m terrified that it’s going to burst at any time despite my cardiologist rather nonchalant approach. I asked if there’s anything I should be doing or not doing and she said don’t lift anything over 40 pounds . But no other instructions other than they’ll keep an eye on things. How do you get past feeling like your life is almost over. I’m 67 years old and in good health otherwise. I eat healthy, not overweight and thought based on my family longevity that I would live into my late 80s early 90s. Now I’m afraid I won’t make it till the end of the year which is probably ridiculous but this aneurysm has me totally freaked out. How do you all cope? And how do you get the fear so you can just enjoy life?

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mjm3 | @mjm3 | Sep 30 7:45pm

In reply to @mikeneverwired "If it's any help, I had an ascending aneurysm of 5.4cm and the decision was easy...." + (show)

I would like to have it fixed now. However they said 4.1 is just not eligible for surgery. I hate the waiting… I can’t think about anything else. I feel like I’m mentally ill from this diagnosis.

mikeneverwired | @mikeneverwired | Oct 1 10:06am

Well, think of it this way. I had a 5.4 cm ascending aneurysm and it required surgery. When mine was at 4.1cm, I was out exercising, running, climbing mountains with no worries whatsoever! I'd go on with your life and just monitor the rate of growth so you can anticipate when it gets into the danger zone. Until then, go on with your life.... you have a lot more of it to live!

1sam42053 | @1sam42053 | Oct 2 8:54am

I understand completely. I was diagnosed last year with a 3.2 AAA and it weighs on my mind all the time. I did have another scan at 6 months in August and there was no growth so that helped ease my mind somewhat. I try not to think about it and enjoy life but it’s hard. Just knowing it’s there weighs heavy some days. I pray, I love, and just take one day at a time. So, I’ll pray for you and know you’re not alone. Sending hugs and blessings to you.
Surgery is very successful when or if it even grows to a 5 or 5.5. I’m reassured by others that most are very slow growing so we have time.

pamela78 | @pamela78 | Oct 2 9:33am

In reply to @mjm3 "I would like to have it fixed now. However they said 4.1 is just not eligible..." + (show)

I went a bit crazy myself and bombarded my cardiologist with frantic messages. He could see I was freaking out and had me come in for a visit that hadn't been planned. He was very reassuring. I asked lots of questions and got more infomation, which helped a lot. I'm 4.2 and have a leaky valve, but my doctor says I may never get to the point of needing surgery. I sort of take that with a grain of salt, but at least I can live day to day without hysteria. Once things settle down, you'll feel lots better I'm sure.

eunice18 | @eunice18 | Oct 2 10:44am

Diagnosed with BAV when about 10, have AAA for decades, currently 66, at 4.7 for years and monitored yearly with echo! Only restriction is no lifting over 40 pounds. It hasn’t kept me from doing anything yet!

glendamn | @glendamn | Oct 2 6:29pm

In reply to @mjm3 "I would like to have it fixed now. However they said 4.1 is just not eligible..." + (show)

I completely understand how you feel, I started a low dose antidepressant to help me cope with this diagnosis. I’m at 4.4 🙁

mjm3 | @mjm3 | Oct 2 6:37pm

In reply to @glendamn "I completely understand how you feel, I started a low dose antidepressant to help me cope..." + (show)

I understand. I feel like I’m alone in the woods. I get so nervous my bp goes really high and then I get more scared about that. It’s a viscous cycle. My brain can’t shake the fear. It’s irrational how much this is affecting me. I don’t know what to do.

glendamn | @glendamn | Oct 2 7:29pm

In reply to @mjm3 "I understand. I feel like I’m alone in the woods. I get so nervous my bp..." + (show)

I try and stay busy , exercise , eat healthier. And I’m thankful I know about it . It’s stressful but I cannot let it define me . I do understand . Talk to your doctor about how this is affecting you ! Maybe some counselling ?? Or support groups 🙂

tripleaaa | @tripleaaa | Oct 3 8:15am

In reply to @mjm3 "I understand. I feel like I’m alone in the woods. I get so nervous my bp..." + (show)

7.9 emergency AAA surgery 2/5/24. Scheduled to have 6.0 Ascending Aorta and leaky valve repaired in 2 weeks 10/16 at Emory. It’s been a hell of a year.

I still have a 4.0 left after all this. Was diagnosed with 3. To me, after the 6.0 is repaired, I’m repaired. I’ll monitor the 4.0 as recommended but I’m not going to worry about it rupturing knowing how big my others were. I also got on anxiety meds while recovering/waiting between surgeries. It has helped. We’re all miracles here. Enjoy your life best you can.

mjm3 | @mjm3 | Oct 3 3:53pm

In reply to @tripleaaa "7.9 emergency AAA surgery 2/5/24. Scheduled to have 6.0 Ascending Aorta and leaky valve repaired in..." + (show)

Thank you so much for sharing your story. Praying for success and quick recovery with your upcoming surgery. I agree I think anxiety meds are helpful and my doctor just prescribed some so hopefully I’ll be getting some relief from this constant worry. Thank you once again.🙏🏻

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