1. < Aortic Aneurysms

How do you address the uncertainty?

Posted by malcorozan @malcorozan, Nov 9, 2023

Hello, so glad to find this group! I am a 45yo male, just diagnosed with an ascending aortic aneurysm at 45mm. I also have a bicuspod aortic valve. I am struggling with how to cope with the uncertainty of this diagnosis. I have always been a planner and I have lots of irons in the fire usually. I guess I'm wondering how you decided what to start or continue doing and what to stop or put off? I get a very frustrating response of wait and see from my doctors about when to expect surgery or a rupture. I don't know how to plan my future if I have a big surgery and recovery coming at basically any time?

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

moonboy | @moonboy | 22 hours ago

I had a Type A aortic dissection in 2015, and I’ve spent nearly a decade learning everything I can about aortic disease. While I’m not a doctor, I can share what I’ve learned from my own experience and from others in the community.

A 5.1 cm root aneurysm and a 4.4 cm ascending aneurysm are significant, but whether surgery is recommended depends on multiple factors—your body size, rate of growth, connective tissue status, and overall risk profile. Many surgeons consider intervention at 5.0 cm for certain patients, especially if you are otherwise in good health and proactive about surgery. Since you’re 84 and feeling well, a high-volume aortic surgeon would need to weigh the risks and benefits carefully. Some centers operate at lower thresholds if symptoms are present, and shortness of breath and dizziness could be related if the aneurysm is affecting blood flow or valve function.

Have you had an evaluation with a specialized aortic surgeon? This isn’t something a general cardiologist or even a standard heart surgeon should assess alone. Aortic surgery is highly specialized, and you’ll want a surgeon with extensive experience in root and ascending aneurysm repair.

If surgery is an option, it’s good that you aren’t afraid of the risks, but a detailed conversation with an expert can help clarify your best path forward. If you haven’t already, consider getting a second opinion at a major aortic center. Peace.

REPLY
kfmgm | @kfmgm | 7 hours ago
In reply to @seasidesandy1 "Your comments helped me immensely. My descending AAA is unique due to a curved aorta caused..." + (show)
@seasidesandy1

Your comments helped me immensely. My descending AAA is unique due to a curved aorta caused by scoliosis. I was diagnosed with a small AAA about twenty years ago that now measures 5.9 mm, so this is no surprise. Am being followed every 6 months at Mayo Clinic.

Two surgeries are recommended, one extremely lengthy and complex (See previous comment under “Anyone else not having surgery?”). I’m on a fine line deciding whether to go forward with these surgeries at 80 years old with numerous health issues or live my life positively and “let go” of stress this decision is causing me. I do appreciate every day given
to me.

I am active, independent, and have a great support group of
family, friends, and physicians. Am enjoying my retirement living alone and quality of life is very important to me. Unknown outcome for number of quality life years remaining after two surgeries is unknown.

Huge decision….

Thank you so much!

Jump to this post

My husband had the surgery 5 years ago. He was 79.
It took a lot out of him. I’m just happy to have him here with us. He slowed down a lot.
But he was at the point that he would have had to quit driving to keep us all safe.

REPLY
View MoreView Less
Please sign in or register to post a reply.