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Update on conflicting surgery recommendations

Aortic Aneurysms | Last Active: Aug 24 9:16am | Replies (43)

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My aneurysm was discovered in 2012 at 4.5 cm. It very slowly grew to 5.2 cm by last fall. I was 72 when I had surgery and the surgeon also repaired my aortic valve since he was already there. I was in the hospital for 5 days and I was never in much pain, just tired and weak. They had me sitting up in a chair most of each day and had me walk the hallways a couple times a day. For the first 4 weeks at home I walked. I started off slowly and increased my distance a little each day. I also did my breathing exercises and followed all the restrictions I was given like no driving, not lifting more than 10 pounds, no stretching. I started cardiac rehab in the 5th week. I went for about an hour three days a week for 6 weeks. It consisted of walking on a treadmill, using an exercise bike and lifting light weights. I have continued that exercise routine on my own since completing rehab. Overall the recovery went a lot better than I had feared. I am now almost 4 months post surgery and I am about 95% back to normal. I still get tired a little faster than I used to, but that may just be my age. I also feel some minor discomfort in my sternum if I do to much with my arms. My cardiologist says it can take 6 months or more for the sternum to fully heal.

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Replies to "My aneurysm was discovered in 2012 at 4.5 cm. It very slowly grew to 5.2 cm..."

That sounds like a lovely surgical And Rehab experience! Could you tell us where you went and how your cardiac thoracic surgeon was please?Kay🌺