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Two opposing recommendations on surgery

Posted by mleiva1234 @mleiva1234, May 8 11:52am

I am 57 and my aneurysm was discovered four years ago. My aneurysm grew this past year 0.4cm to 5.0cm and is 11cm in length. My heart surgeon is still in the wait it out mode but I went for a second opinion and this new doctor is telling me my risk of dissection with these measurements is 12-15% versus the risk of death from the surgery < 1%. He recommends I have the surgery and would not wait. So I have to decide whether to have the surgery sooner rather than later. I know I am delaying the inevitable but I am going for a third opinion on May 29. Not sure that changes the fact that I still need to make a decision. Like others have said the waiting is tough and puts your life on hold. That’s it just sharing. Thanks

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jrandyw1 | @jrandyw1 | May 14 8:02am

hi
I was diagnosed with Ascending Aortic Anneurism 5 years ago and checked or scanned annually. It is now 5.3cm. I go Monday to see surgeon and schedule surgery. The same time I was diagnosed i had a tumor on the pituitary gland and had brain surgery for that, but I also have rheumatory Arthritis, Adrenal Insufficiency, and Cirrhosis of the liver. It's not 5.5 yet but because of shortness of breath and chest pains they are going to do surgery anyway. I would take the surgery if you can while your healthy .

REPLY
celaud | @celaud | May 14 9:09am
In reply to @pattiej "Hi there, I have 5.0-5.3cm (depends who's measuring!) ascending aortic aneurysm diagnosed this past January 2025...." + (show)
@pattiej

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).

Jump to this post

Oh no, I feel nothing. The wires are not to see, nor to feel.
The skin have been closed with clue -RUNNING MONOCRYL suture. Therefore this invisible scar.

REPLY
1 reply
pattiej | @pattiej | May 14 10:39am
In reply to @celaud "Oh no, I feel nothing. The wires are not to see, nor to feel. The skin..." + (show)
@celaud

Oh no, I feel nothing. The wires are not to see, nor to feel.
The skin have been closed with clue -RUNNING MONOCRYL suture. Therefore this invisible scar.

Jump to this post

Oh thank you! Good to know. That’s wonderful news. I’m so nervous about the operation. Very comforting to know you don’t see or feel the wires!

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mleiva1234 | @mleiva1234 | May 29 2:45pm

An update. I saw my third cardiothoracic surgeon today. He measured my aortic aneurysm at 4.8cm and said to wait for surgery. He knows the surgeon I have been seeing for four years in Houston. He said the risk of surgery was greater than waiting. He recommended a CT with contrast first week of August. Two out of three surgeons have said to wait. I am still seeing the one surgeon who is recommending surgery next week. Why not. I am leaning toward waiting and having the CT in August. The one positive is if the images reveal growth come August every doctor is in agreement that it’s go time. Part of me wants that outcome so I can feel relief knowing it’s time to have the surgery and that everyone is in agreement.

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