← Return to Ascending aortic aneurysm 4.8 and regurgitating bicuspid aortic valve

Discussion
Comment receiving replies
Profile picture for wtamminen @wtamminen

Age is something to consider along with any other health issues. My aneurysm was discovered in 2012 at 4.5 cm and very slowly grew to 5.2 cm in 2025. Last January my surgeon recommended that I have surgery sooner rather than later. He said I would need surgery eventually and at my age, 72, the longer I waited the more difficult the surgery and recovery would be and the chance of complications from surgery would increase as I got older. I had surgery last April. My aneurysm and aortic valve were repaired. Everything went well with no significant complications. Recovery was slow but steady. I have been back to normal for several months now.

The decision as to whether or when to have surgery is a difficult one. The good news is it is not an emergency and you have time to prepare. Talk to your family, your employer, get a second opinion if you want. Best wishes with whatever you decide.

Jump to this post


Replies to "Age is something to consider along with any other health issues. My aneurysm was discovered in..."

@wtamminen
Curious where you decided to have the surgery and why? My ascending aortic aneurism was already 5.1 cm when found incidentally and I am scheduled for repair in 3 weeks at Mayo in Phoenix with Dr. Kristina Sell-Dottin. I am 67 and there seemed no good reason to wait given very low risk of straightforward repair (no valve issues) but I still find myself questioning my decision. I feel absolutely no different than before it was found and still enjoy an active lifestyle (though with a nagging concern of possibly dissection/rupture zapping a lot of joy from it). I am very encouraged by reports like yours of full recovery within six months or less. Thank you for sharing.