Thoracic aortic aneurysm 5.2 Advice-please

Thanks. Recovery has been going well. I am feeling a little better each day.

Dear Houston13,
Thank you for sharing your physicians names. Their expertise and knowledge shine through. I live near Ft Worh/Dallas but just haven’t found a physician I am comfortable with. I have family in Waco and, thus, am considering your recommendations. Thank you again.

You’re welcome, I hope everything works out for you, when (if) you meet Estrera you will like him immediately, same with Prakash

All the best to you!!!!!

Hi Jenali,

Like you, I am following a similar path. I was recently diagnosed with 4.9 cm ascending aortic aneurysm. It grew 4 mm in the last two years after my first diagnosis of 4.5 cm. In the interim, I and my cardiologist have been monitoring it. My latest initial talk with a thoracic surgeon concludes that while below 5 cm, it is dangerously close to 5.5. On Oct 16th, 2024, I had a treadmill stress test from which I am awaiting analysis from my cardiologist. Back to my thoracic surgeon; if any additional problems show up like coronary or valve issues from the stress test, then it's surgery ASAP and fix everything at once. If not, then another CT-scan in January 2025 for growth check.

I too, am frightened. I thought there was a less intrusive way but sadly the only way is what you mentioned. I think I'm too calm about it now...maybe apprehensive is a better term. I'm allowed to continue hiking 4 to 5 miles a day with my dog but no "power-lifting" as my thoracic surgeon said. I am overweight by 50 lbs (obese, I guess) and have just dropped under 7.0 for my A1C, so pre-diabetic I guess as well. I will be 72 in two months, don't smoke or drink, and try and eat healthy. It's a struggle to remain cool under these circumstances, since my sister has the same condition at 4.4 cm. We're both scared because my brother (10 years younger than me) died from an aortic dissection (probably caused by an aneurysm he never knew about since he never went to doctors). Finally our father died of similar conditions after 3 heart attacks after a life of military stress, alcoholism, and smoking. There is a genetic component to this we have discovered. My DNA shows none of the known genetic markers for this condition but there are more unknown markers out there to be discovered according to my thoracic surgeon and cardiologist.

I'm sorry I can't be more positive and I empathize with you. It is a ticking time-bomb and there's only one path out. My neighbor Ellen, has had two open heart surgeries for other issues and she's in her mid-80s. She gets around pretty well and I hope I'm as lively as she is, even without these health issues. Hugs and best of luck to you!

Update: Met my second opinion surgeon yesterday. Seems like a nice guy. Loved his PA, they both answered my husband and mine questions and made me feel like this is where I need to be. My surgery is scheduled for November 6th, so this week I have a heart catheter scheduled, carotid artery ultrasound scheduled, both legs ultrasound, PFT, chest x-ray and bloodwork. I think I’m doing ok. My parents of course are worried, my kids are worried, my husband is being a rock. Today I broke down cause I’m terrified to die. Guess this is normal. Soon this will be done…my doctor gave me a prescription for some Ativan and that is definitely helping.

All the best to you, it will be fine and this will all be an anecdote in no time, 5 years almost since my surgery and I feel great, you will too

This is very scary but I'm sure you'll come through with flying colors. Modern medicine is a miracle. I think we're all terrified. You're not alone. Heck, you have everyone on this site rooting for you.

Jenali, I know exactly how you feel. I just had my open heart surgery for my ascending aneurysm March 6. I was scared just as you are but was relieved to finally had made a decision. My surgeon was amazing and made me feel at ease. I am doing well and I am so glad to have this behind me. the recovery is a little rough but not nearly as bad as I thought it was going to be very little pain. I did cardiac rehab afterwards for three months and I continue to exercise several times a week. You will be relieved to have this behind you, you won’t have to worry about anymore. , my family and friends were very supportive. My husband passed 2 1/2 years ago and I was very scared to go through this without him but my children and friends were there for me. You will do fine as sounds like you have a very good support system , trust your doctors. And you know everyone on this site is rooting for you. You are not alone.

I had my aortic aneurysm surgery on September 10th. I was basically in the same situation you are in. About 8 years ago they started watching the aneurysm and 6 months ago they said it was at 5.1 and we needed to move forward with surgery. It has been 7 weeks and the surgery and recovery has been much better than I anticipated. I am a 57 year old male and I highly recommend doing the cardiac rehab offered. I feel lucky to be on this side of the surgery. I had my surgery at Mayo in Phoenix. I have been coming here for my aneurysm for the past 7 years. My surgeon was great, she was about 40 years old with great confidence and bedside manner. I know it is scary thinking about it, but listen to the surgeons. We are lucky to have the option when to schedule the surgery! Best of luck!

Question: Who did you get established with first - Prakesh?