@patti14
I understand completely
First of all not to see a Doctor for 3 years is a sign to find. New one
Keep your BP down and change your diet
Get yearly scans to see if it has grown
It’s a scary diagnosis but we all have similar stories
Good luck

@patti14 hi, with an aortic dilation (Aneurysm) and a bicuspid valve you should be seeing a cardiologist who specializes in both an aortic disease specialist), not all of them do and it makes a big difference.
I had a 5.2 aneurysm and a bicuspid aortic valve, my aneurysm was repaired 6 years ago as it was large, the surgeon told me he would look at the valve and if it was still functional and in good shape he would leave it as my natural functioning BV would be better than any artificial valve., that was the case. However, my cardiologist sees me every year and monitors the deterioration and at some point will determine when the valve needs replacement, probably another 4-5 years, now that the aneurysm is gone the valve can be replaced endovascularly . He also monitors my aorta to ensure no other aneurysms are appearing,

Although your aneurysm is small a cardiologist should be evaluating you periodically to determine growth rate and in your case as mine evaluating your valve through an echocardiogram, he/she will also evaluate your BP and recommend medications and other guidance to keep it under control. BP is the worts enemy of an aneurysm.

BTW the bicuspid valve highly likely contributed to the appearance of the aneurysm, there is a known correlation. One thing my cardiologist told me is that I should take antibiotics every time I see my dentist, BAVs are very vulnerable to infections, I talked to my dentist and she knew about it and prescribed the antibiotics.

Again, seeing a cardiologist who is an aortic disease specialist (in my case BAVs also) has made such a difference.

Try to stay calm, your aneurysm is small and you know you have it so you can do something about it, not everyone has that opportunity, same with your valve. As it has been said many times in this forum, stay active and keep in good shape but avoid any exercise that may lead you to hold your breath while exerting, like heavy weight lifting, some abs exercises, etc it is known BP spikes significantly during those intervals.

All the best !!

@patti14 I have 2 cardiologists. One of them is very familiar with aorta issues but does not do thoracic surgery. The other is a specialist working in a team that has deep experience in thoracic surgery. I have had 3 disections and still get CTs every 10 months. Look for thoracic specialists and get second opinions. Get your BP down.