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Newly Diagnosed: 4.9 cm ascending aortic looking for support
Aortic Aneurysms | Last Active: 3 hours ago | Replies (65)Comment receiving replies
@lmcfarland my heart and prayers are with you I’m going through one myself I have a 3.8 ascending thoracic abdominal aortic aneurysm it was found in 2019 and my life has not been the same I anxiety and panic disorder after finding this diagnosis out I feel like I’m spiraling out of control all I think about is what if it ruptures and living out here in the country would there be enough time to make it to the hospital? I wake up sweating and having that feeling of doom it is on my mind day and night and affects my sleep and they say try to keep stress down which is hard when you have anxiety and panic disorder. They will not touch mine till it is over 5 cm waiting that long makes it worse I’m scared to death I hope you get the answers I’m still looking for answers also. I came here for support I have a lot with family but they have no idea what we are going through and how it effects us each day the constant fear of rupture and trying to not do anything that would help,it to grow faster but that is very hard I wish you the best of luck and if you would like to talk I’m here always up to meeting new friends that are going through the same thing. Ann
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@midnightwolf
I used to have more anxiety and was afraid to travel after I found out. I have since calmed down. I haven't got the answers regarding how my Sjogrens enters in since it can cause inflammation to blood vessels. I see a different thoracic surgeon in January at University of Washington. There isn't any Mayo clinic in my state. I also live in a rural community a few hours from Seattle. I have my faith and have to trust God with my health and my life.
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@midnightwolf hi we understand the anxiety that those news can create, we have all gone through something similar.
At 3.8 your aneurysm is small, the chances of it dissecting are close to 0, the best advice I can give you is to fill your life with activities that bring you joy and keep your mind and attention occupied, whatever makes you happy. In my case spending time with family and friends, yoga, exercise intensely, biking, do the trick. Also consider professional help, a good counselor can help you manage the anxiety.
You’re far away from maybe needing surgery, and it may never grow to that (I imagine your Drs are monitoring growth rate which is important in your case), stay active, treat your body and mind well, overall watch your BP, high BP is the main enemy of aneurysms.
BTW you mention ascending thoracic and abdominal, those are two different things, depending on where it is it can be ascending (which are always thoracic) or descending which can be either thoracic or abdominal, that’s important as the surgeries to repair are different.
All the best to you!!!