Thoracic aortic aneurysm: Anyone had surgery?

If you have to undergo surgery, read my success story. I'm more than greatful, how I recovered. Being back to normal 100%.

My Ascending Thoracic Aneurysm was 5,3 cm. I got surgery 4 month ago at Mount Sinai Hospital Miami Beach.
My excellent surgeon was Dr. Xydas.
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 to help you, getting more inside, God bless you.
See my scar, almost invisible 4 weeks post surgery.

Well Doctor maybe you are Super-man

Thanks again!

I’m so happy to hear your success story! I have an Ascending Thoracic Aneurysm also. About 6 months ago it was 5.0cm. I have been thinking because I am 77 years old that I will not have surgery.

Thank you for that encouraging story! I am 72 and recently found out I have a 4.7 AAA.
We are "watching" it and Im supposed to have regular screenings. I hope it stays the same and I never have to have the surgery, but if not I plan to fix it right away.
Blessings to you as you recover! ❤️

I'm 79 and in good shape.
When I heard I'm having an 5,2 cm AAA in September 2024, I decided " oh no, I never will undergo such a major surgery".
But 6 month later the CD showed, it was 5,3 cm.
I had a consultation with my surgeon again. He explained everything to my husband and me so understandable, that I trusted him, EVERYTHING IS GOING TO BE OK.

Dr. XYDAS and his team are geniuses. If you see me now, 4 month later, I'm totally back to normal as before. I'm doing my exercises and daily work, like nothing has happened.

Wishing you the same.

How do they determine the cause ? I had GCA (diagnosed via ultrasound) put on 60 mg pred (7 years ago) they have rechecked the ultrasound and found it had resolved. However, PMR has come visiting, and I've been on and off pred ever since. Previously, I had been fighting high blood pressure (trying natural suppliments ) finally put on a couple meds that made me cough like my lungs were comming out. Finally on verapamil that has me me pretty stable around normal pressure. The GCA was diagnosed just after that. My Rheumatologist wants to put me on kevzara as I can't seem to get off pred, so she did a ct and found my 4.6 assending aorta "dilation" along with 3.5 pulmonary trunk "dilation" no mention of the valves just this "Heart is normal in size. No coronary artery calcifications. No pericardial effusion." So would that hi res ct show valve trouble ? Or, how do they tell if you have those other syndromes?
I have other questions on hospitals / drs... that will be next.

I have been diagnosed with a Thoracoabdominal Aortic Aneurysm 5.4 .
I have seen my GP, referred to a specialist , then to a top guy in Milwaukee Froedert / Medical College of Wi. - referred back to local guy who does not actually carry out surgeries !
So went for a second opinion in Thedacare , expert surgeon who doesn’t actually do surgeries - but scared the life out of me - I requested hard facts , odds, likely outcomes and I got them!!!
Poor odds, distant locations suggested making a surgery over 100 miles from home a real challenge for spouse re commuting to , say Madison or Milwaukee to support me during and hopefully after surgery . Details of challenges including possibility of dangerous spinal issues , paralysis , complications etc . No action ? Likelihood of short future survival .
Going the surgical route if an option ? Likelihood of poor outcome and even if successful perhaps buying only two years of extra life . I feel that my jovial personality , perhaps an apparently casual approach has triggered a perhaps a Sienfeldian “ Doctor black bean file” ! I am 72 , survived a complicated open heart surgery ten years ago , replacement aortic valve ( mechanical Boston Sci) ten years ago .
Feeling fair and no serious pain or discomfort , just a “Halo of uncertainty” , big time fear, challenged by surgeons who don’t do surgeries , maybe my
Medicare cover is an unattractive cloud ? ( I can find my copays / out of pocket costs from funds on hand so removing geographical distance and happy jovial approach to life and considering Mayo to have a peep if my insurance will permit !!!
I’m 72 with a lot to do in life , married 50 years . Inspiring comments appreciated , facing maybe a bit of real life wake up call stuff . Pensive and unusually scared .

@rl1 oops,- I omitted- non smoker past ten years. On warfarin past ten years . Non drinker . Weight a little heavy but not obese . Long time cholesterol issues under control with low dose statins.

@rl1
Those are tremendously overly pessimistic views of your situation! Your Medicare is not a problem, particularly if it’s Classic. By all means consider distant surgery options. These are procedures that require experience above all. Mayo, Madison, Cleveland Clinic all well worth having to recover with less support than if local. But ‘recover’ is the operative word! By all means get the second ( and third) opinion. Many good articles emphasizing the completely normal lifespan after successful surgery, so go for that 13 rather than 2. And all those risks of stroke, MI etc are real, but typically quite manageable. Mortality is down to 1% or less at major centers and morbidity ~ 6 %, so think 94% positive outcome.
Keep us filled in and best wishes for a speedy recovery.

Wow! ppiper, if your comments are based on a professionally based knowledge and experience of the topic , it certainly makes a continued search worthwhile .
Maybe I have encountered surgeons who enjoy the rural lifestyle in Wisconsin and stay out of the competitive fray of more competitive metropolitan places .
Interestingly , I was on a session overnight from Sydney , Oz , where the surgery that I appear to need is considered routine and typically 95% successful rates . Maybe they just have more time to study challenges with less intrusion from their healthcare system .
Thanks for bringing optimism back to the table !