Hi Pattie. Suggestions from Pamela78 and rlhix are good ones. Its possible that you need further work up vs a second opinion. While this sounds like semantics, it also would mean a referral into an aortic specialist, which you do actually need. Your history of giant cell arteritis alone should require a deeper dive into further workup. In addition, your family history and body type indicates a need for genetic testing. These all factor into the prep and timing of potential surgery, and need to be discussed with an experienced aortic surgeon. As the others suggested, you should get a referral, vs a second opinion, into a high volume aortic center, especially with your co-morbidities. I know this is a very scary thing. Informed preparation improves outcomes. Good luck and best wishes going forward!