Two opposing recommendations on surgery

My thoughts totally!! I'm female 84yrs, I have root and ascending aorta aneurysm, and have been put on the wait and see list!!!!!! Both measuring 4.5cm. I'm pretty sure it's my age that is the problem. Kind of like I've been kicked to the curb!!!!!!!

Dear Pamela,
You didn't tell the size of your Aneurysm.
If I'm telling you, I never had pain (except if I needed to caugh. Of course, I hugged myself).
Right after surgery, I got good pain killers, understandable. But they've been taken off after a week or so. Still no pain, a miracle to me.
All my organs kicked in again, right away in ICU, From there on, all my blood values were "excellent". I started Rehab the second day, a short distance walking, all went well.
8 days at the hospital room, and 8 days in inpatient Rehab at the same Mount Sinai Hospital.
I got a chair in my shower at home. So, I could independent shower and even washing my hair - avoiding stretching over head.
All I can say, I'm more than grateful, having back my life, without fear of the Aorta bursting. I couldn't even go on an airplane anymore.
I hope, helping getting more inside, God bless you.
Photo of scar after 4 weeks, and
In Rehab, second week post surgery, practicing getting in and out of a car, not using Elbows to push up

This is wonderful and you look great! My measurement is 4.2 and I'll have an echocardiogram and a CT scan in July. It will be my second scan and I'm eager to see if there's been any change in a year. This helps.

Ok, 4.2 is acceptable to wait.
Mine changed by 1 mm in 6 month.

Isn't that sort of fast?

Hi panela78;
At 79, and not near the threshold for surgery, you are a candidate for starting to exercise. If you do you may make it to 85 and beyond without needing to concern yourself with surgery. If you do not, you may well be a candidate for surgery. I am not a doctor or a jock, but I started a lite exercise program a few years ago and I can say without hesitation that it has made all the difference in the world concerning my overall health. At 88 I am not lucky and do not have good genes. But I did make the decision to make exercise a part of my life and am eternally grateful that I did. I exercise at home while listening to classical music and you can too. Good Luck!

Hi Pamela78: The generally accepted rule is 1/3 cm growth per year on average. So, it would take 3 years to make one cm. One cm = 10 mm, so 1 mm in 6 months is not something to be concerned with if you believe in the numbers and averages.
In your case, from 4.2 to 5.2 is still not at the surgery point which is 5.5. and that's not for 3 years from now, if you were average, which your not.
Again in your case; At the rate of 1 mm in 6 months. it would take 5 years just to get to 5.2 cm and you still have 1 and 1/2 years to decide on the surgery. If you start an exercise program, I bet you will go well beyond that without needing to worry about surgery.

You've inspired me. I'm going to do what you say. What sort of exercises do you do?

Hi Pamela78;
I got on Amazon and found a simple rubber cable band system that I now use for muscle toning as opposed to building muscles as young people do. It is what we need to prevent falls and to just keep on doing the things we like without fear of getting hurt. The brand is ""Veick"" and the product is ""Exercise Bands"and instructions on how to use them. The cost is $17.99 to get more than you will need as you progress with your muscle toning program. Good decision.

Hi there,
I have 5.0-5.3cm (depends who's measuring!) ascending aortic aneurysm diagnosed this past January 2025. Surgery has been recommended but I'm holding off right now and pursuing a second opinion from a higher volume hospital/surgeon. I am so pleased to hear your surgery story and amazed at what a good experience you had overall! Very encouraging. Best wishes to you and congrats on doing so well in your recovery!

I'm most impressed with your minimal scar!! The scar is the least of my worries of course, but it's definitely a concern! Do you know what your surgeon used to close your sternum? My surgeon said she will be using wires. I'm worried I'll be able to feel them or that the "bumps" will show on my chest (I'm very thin and bony).