Finding out you have two thoracic aortic aneurysms is a lot to process—especially when it comes out of the blue during a scan you weren’t expecting much from. That kind of news can shake your whole sense of direction. It’s no surprise it’s made you think about retiring or reevaluating what matters most. Stress really does feel different after something like this, doesn’t it?

You’re absolutely right to be thinking about how your job and lifestyle fit into this new reality. Even if your aneurysms aren’t at surgical size yet, stress and blood pressure still matter. And just having the knowledge puts you in a position to make smarter, more protective choices. That’s a big deal. That said, I am a trial lawyer in federal court. I have managed a good life for the past 10 years after dissection. It can be done but you have to take your meds, listen to your docs, and deliberately relax.

As for your question about surgery being riskier for women—I’ve read the same, and from what I understand, it can be due to a mix of things: women sometimes get diagnosed later, or have smaller vessels, or different symptoms that don’t always get recognized quickly. But that doesn’t mean the outcome has to be worse—it just means you need good doctors who really understand aortic disease and who’ll take your concerns seriously. If your doctor hasn’t given you that kind of confidence yet, it might be worth talking to someone who specializes in this stuff. THINK THORACIC SURGEON.

This group is a lifeline and I’ve learned so much here too. And you’re definitely not alone. I barely survived a fully dissected ascending aorta as a man at 50 in 2015—and looking back, I wish I’d had this kind of support earlier. Peace.