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 .