Aortic Aneurysms – Introduce yourself & meet others

Hello,

I've only had two scans so far, Sept '24 and Oct '24. 1st scan was a CT Calcium Score (29 on the LAD, 0 elsewhere) showed 3.9 cm on the ascending aorta. Oct follow-up was a Echocardiogram which showed 4.3 cm. Now I am scheduled for a full CT Angio of my chest for early June '25. I'm on a statin ever since the CT Calcium score, but no pressure meds yet since I do not normally run high. I exercise nearly every day (modified to low weights after cardiologist scolding) and I play competitive volleyball, although not as often or as serious currently as I am now 53 and can't keep up with the younger crowd anymore.

Considering my numbers, I am in the watchful waiting period and I think I have started to come to grips with that. Reading everyone's stories on this board have certainly helped by answering many of my questions and giving me a better perspective - A big "Thank you" to the group in general for that support.

I'm 60 years old now. I suffered a complete aortic dissection in 2015 at at 50. I would tell you that I would not be doing anything which involves HIIT, impact (kickboxing, judo, etc.), valsalva maneuvers, grunting, deadlifts, heavy weights, planking, or the like. Get a good thoracic surgeon and put them in your Iphone's favorites. LISTEN TO YOUR SURGICAL TEAM. They know. If the person giving you advice is not either an aortic dissection survivor or a thoracic aortic specialist, they are guesstimating. You've come to the right place. Peace.

I am a lady, 5'3" tall. I am 77 years old, and my descending aortic aneurysm is 6.3. I also have an ascending aortic aneurysm that is 5.3 and abdominal aneurysm that is 3.6. I have chosen to not have surgery because I was advised that the outcome of surgery at my age is not good. So, I was told I have 3 to 6 months or maybe 12 months, but probably not. So, as weeks go by, I am past the 3 months prediction, so now I am going for 6. I am having all the symptoms that go with large aneurysms, cough, pain in chest, back pain, fatigue, and lump in my throat, Does anyone know anything else about living this out. I get another scan at the end of March, which will give me an idea of how long I have. I am at peace with this, because I know where I am going and who I will be with, but I would like to know how close I am to leaving this earth. I love my husband and family. They are supportive and I have 4 children and 11 grand children and one great grandson, being born as I am typing.

Kaket, I relate to your post. I am a retired jock, played many sports at high levels. So, my descending thoric aortic aneurysm was 5.5, and my surgeon felt I should have surgery. But I chose not to because of the possible side effects, and my age. I am 77. But I decided I wanted to field grounders while my grandson worked on his tennis serve. I got my softball glove out and had the most fun ever. I was much better than I thought I could be at this age. It all came back to me. adrenaline rush and pure joy. Well I knew something was different after three months. I went back for a scan and my aneurysm had grown from 5.5 to 6.3. I will tell you it was worth it but I have stopped being so active, and I guess I may have used up one year or so from my fun experience. So, choose carefully. I would do it again, it was that fun. Once a jock always a jock.

Hi there.
I am a 56 year old woman, mother, wife, business woman informed by email following a CT scan to investigate potential Hernia in January of my condition, 'chronic dissection of the infrarenal aorta' and will see consultant in May 2025 (first available appointment).
Am on a last minute availability list too. Very very frightened as I have really had no-one to speak to about this and still have no specifics on my situation or proposal as to what to do next. Did try Dr Google in the absence of any other medical aid but will leave that one alone to avoid generating more stress.

You'll find lots of support and some answers here. I hear a lot about long wait times for appointments. I thought perhaps it was just in my part of the country, but it seems to be the case all over. I know it's worse in other countries, but surely this is an issue that needs to be addressed. Truth is, I get most of my medical information from the internet, then I know what questions to ask my doctors. We're on our own here, folks.

Bless you sweet lady, Donna White! I too am a 77 years old lady and only 5 ft. tall. My ascending aortic aneurysm measurers 5.5. I have mixed connective tissue disorder and bilateral Pulmonary fibrosis with early honeycombing courtesy of Severe Covid Pneumonia, hospitalized 2 weeks in Dec 2020. I have never smoked in my life, maybe have one serving of a social drink ever 24 months. I have gained weight since the hospitalization because of ongoing weakness (long COVID). I do not have a problem with high BP or high Cholesterol. I am not a good candidate for open heart surgery because of lung damage, high risk for Post Op Pneumonia, inability to get off the Vent after surgery, etc per my cardiothoracic surgeon and my Pulmonoloigst. I am grateful to be alive but I can't help but think that I am living to die. I know that we all are and perhaps I am lucky to KNOW that my time is limited. Most likely, there are other people out there who have never had a reason to have a CT scan and therefore possibly unaware they even have an aneurysm. Guess I am the lucky one who is preparing now to take care of those who I will leave behind. I prefer to think of this aneurysm as an unexpected blessing. My soul is at piece but my mind wants to stay around to watch my dear sweet Family grow in the coming years. I try not to be in my own "pity party".

I just found out after a CT scan I have a AAA. 5.2.
Going to wait 6 months and get scanned again. If the same?
I don’t know.
My vascular surgeon says if it grows to 5.5 cm I must have surgery to repair it!

What you say here touches my heart, no pun intended. I've always said my goal is to be a great-grandmother. My older grandson is 20 and nowhere near having a family. It's very sad to think of our loved ones going on through life without us. You are very brave.

I am going thru almost the same thing with an AAA plus an ascending anyuresm . I believe in GOD but struggle everyday with the fear , I could get an operation but I do not want to go thru all that at my age. I catch myself saying when I get a pain “ let’s burst and get it over with” but I don’t really want that. Very stressful. May GOD help thru this 🙏🏻