Hi, I am Tess55. At the recommendation of a Texas status-post aneurysm patient from this site, I now have an appointment in January with Dr. Anthony Estrera in Houston, TX. I am also from Texas. I was diagnosed with a 4.5 TAA during a stroke workup in 07/23. My TAA has been monitored by my PCP and is deemed stable for now.

I started my search for a cardiologist last August. I asked my PCP if I should have a cardiologist and was told, "I think you and I can handle this for the time being." I respect my physician and I know what he meant - that I was basically stable for the time and he will refer me should my aneurysm start growing. HOWEVER, he also told me that I could lift up to 50 lb. and no where have I seen anyone else with an aneurysm be told that. In reading what others are allowed to do, I see numbers like 25-30 lbs. With all of this in mind, I would just be more comfortable seeing a cardiologist.

Sorry, I digress. I initially considered going to Cleveland Clinic but I don't have the support group that can go all the way to Cleveland, OH with me. Traveling to and from just seems overwhelming to me.

After much reading and research, I was very happy with the recommendation I received on here. I now have appointments with Dr. Anthony Estrera (cardiothoracic surgeon) and Dr. Siddharth Prakash (cardiologist) of Houston. Houston is a 5-hr drive for me. Admittedly, I feel guilty for going behind my docs back but am sure he will understand. Like me, I am sure you have lots of questions and want to be as prepared as you can be.