Second opinion for Ascending Aortic Surgery

Posted by jbh456 @jbh456, Jul 24, 2023

I am so glad I found this group! I no longer feel alone with my aorta problem.

In late 2019 I was diagnosed with an ascending aortic aneurysm. Like most of us it was discovered by some other problem. The initial MRI measured the aorta at 4.2cm. I have had scans (echo or CTA) annually.
My May 2023 scan measured at 4.5 cm. My cardiologist referred me to a surgeon for a consult since a surgeon makes the call on when to have the surgery. The surgeon confirmed to me that it would be a full open chest procedure and we had a discussion on how they make the call on when to have surgery. I have a follow up with him next year.

I live in the Raleigh/Durham area in North Carolina close to Duke University Medical Center and UNC Chapel Hill Medical Center. All good medical centers. For those who sought out the Mayo Clinic or the Cleveland Clinic, what made you do that? What makes these clinics be so sought out? I don’t feel like a need a second opinion. It’s pretty clear a repair will be needed. I want to make sure I have the procedure at the best place.

By the way, I am a 64 year old female in good health and good fitness. I have been cycling and lap swimming for many, many years. I have only had minor surgeries.

Thank you!

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Aortic Aneurysms Support Group.

eunice18 | @eunice18 | Oct 31 9:44am

Usually “cheaper” than up front than Medicare plus supplement, but they determine what your care is and have to “approve” procedures, doctors, and locations. They also have copays and restrictions… just be careful what you choose as typically heart surgeries can rack up in costs!!

triciaw | @triciaw | Oct 31 10:43am

In reply to @pamela78 "Advantage plans are cheaper than what? I have Medicare Advantage because I assumed it was better...." + (show)

Advantage Plans are not better or cheaper if you really get sick. So many of my friends are stuck with them because once you have a serious health issue, you have to go through underwriting to switch to a supplement plan and the costs skyrocket. Be aware.

hsminc | @hsminc | Oct 31 11:40am

In reply to @triciaw "Advantage Plans are not better or cheaper if you really get sick. So many of my..." + (show)

Unless you have a "guarantee" from "on high" that you will never be seriously ill and need surgery or treatment for cancer, a neuro degenerative condition, etc., do not choose a Medicare Advantage plan.
While there may be a few here and there that are okay, my email is filled with information about hospital systems and medical clinic systems pulling out of Medicare Advantage networks. (MD Anderson, for example, just jettisoned BCBS of Texas (this is huge) as of Nov 1; Mayo in Jacksonville does not participate with Medicare Advantage plans; this is probably true for Mayo in Phoenix also.) It is difficult for doctors to get procedures approved for patients and networks are slim. It may be impossible to see a subspecialist for your condition, which may be what you need.
There are also lawsuits/complaints because promised "extra" benefits are not as described or are difficult to access.
Just my two cents but we work with patients every day who have enrolled in these Medicare Advantage plans and now are seriously ill. They regret their decisions.

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