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Ascending Aortic Aneurysm & Bicuspid Aortic Heart Valve
Aortic Aneurysms | Last Active: 4 days ago | Replies (45)Comment receiving replies
I also have a progressive AAA which grew from 4.3 cm to 4.7 in my last CT Scan and a bicuspid Aorta. Thursday I am scheduled for my next CT. I am 58 and have had 2 heart attacks. I'm 5'8' weigh 105 lbs, not diabetic, my cholesterol only 5 over and only started bp meds after my last heart attack but I keep it under 120/80, I do have a family history with severe heart issues. My uncle who is 63 is the oldest for 3 generations. I also have PAD from another congenital issue and my last scan showed my circulation was cut off in both legs.
I am now to the point getting up out of my chair is extreme and my max hours on my feet is only maybe 3 hrs a day. I've always been very active and the "Do It All'er" in my house, cooking, cleaning, laundry and worked, I'm a paralegal. My daughter has moved back home with me and her daddy to help, and that breaks my heart, although spending all my time with my kids and grandkids is the best way to spend my days I hate them taking care of me . Getting just days away from my scan has got me on edge. I don't want to discuss my worries with my fam but I've been kinda short fused. I live 50 miles from my Dr and hosp and to be honest I am VERY uncomfortable with my surgeon. He is who I will be putting my life in his hands and I don't feel good about him. I've found one I think I might feel better with if I can get an appt considering most drs in my area are not accepting new pts and I'm worried with my progression I may not have the time to find a different surgeon.
Replies to "@sherrylou51b I also have a progressive AAA which grew from 4.3 cm to 4.7 in my..."
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@tabby67 surgeons normally don’t close for new patients as normally their patients are temporary, they see you before the surgery, during of course, and maybe 2 follow ups after and then unless there are other issues you don’t see them again. It is very important that you feel comfortable with your surgeon especially in something as critical as this, don’t be afraid of being accepted as a patient by one, that should never be an issue. Cardiologists are different, because they should follow you up for life but still should be able to see more patients.
Before surgery if you ever need it, they will do an angiogram to see if there’s anything else that will need repair while they have you open, in your case maybe fix blockages if you have any. The bicuspid valve will be replaced during surgery if it has deteriorated to the point it no longer functions properly, if it is still fairly healthy they sometimes prefer leaving it in place as functional bicuspid valve is better than any artificial valve. It all depends on many factors that are unique to each individual, your general health, family history, size, body size, etc all will determine if you are a candidate for surgery and when it would be recommended to be done.
As mentioned before mine was 5.2 when I had it repaired, I also have a bicuspid valve but it was left in place as it was highly functional. Now that the aneurysm is repaired, the valve can be replaced endovascularly (they won’t do that with an aneurysm due to the risk of rupture).
My advice is not to be afraid of finding the right surgeon (and cardiologist if you don’t have one that you trust) it is your right to get the best care possible.
All the best