Aortic Aneurysms – Introduce yourself & meet others

Hi everyone. I am 70 years old and was diagnosed in 2021 with a 4.0 cm thoracic ascending aortic aneurysm. Been being monitored ever since. Do I like it? NO! I wished they'd repair it and be done with it! I guess it doesn't work that way! My cardiologist responds like its nothing. Life is so precious and every day is a gift. I'm scared...with every tweak and twinge of pain in my heart, I'm grateful and relieved I found this group! Thank YOU each for sharing. It gives me comfort and hope! 😇🫶 Sheryl

@mitchs
My first thought was to keep searching for an in-person dr. That is soooo critical I believe. Good luck!

@mitchs Hi I had both a 5.2 cm aneurysm (repaired in 2020) and a bicuspid aortic valve, which was left in place during surgery as it was still highly functional. Bicuspid valves are a factor in the appearance of aneurysms. My bicuspid valve will have to be replaced at some point but now that the aneurysm is not there the replacement can be done via catheter.

My advice is to find a cardiologist who specializes in aortic diseases, not all of them do and it makes a huge difference. An aortic disease specialist will answer all your questions, give you guidance as to what to monitor and adjust (BP, exercise, etc) and will give you the best follow up protocol. Search in this forum for Dr Prakash's videos, he is anwell known and respected aortic disease specialist and that will give you an idea on what your are looking for. The best way to deal with this condition is to have answers and to have the right support.

If you have any specific questions feel free to ask!!

All the best

Hi Garry 70 I had my ascending Aortic aneurysm taken care of yesterday and on my road to recovery. They went thru both femoral arteries.

@benjones I’m currently waiting also. I have an mri to verify my 4.3 ARA… any update on yours?

@ericagerdes23 I have my scans starting in July. I'll update then. thanks for asking!

Good Day: I am a 67-year-old female just diagnosed with a 29mm Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm. Quite surprised as I have always been an active, healthy person with a good lifestyle. Looking forward to hearing from other women who may have this condition, as I hear more males than females get this type of aneurysm. My doctor has said he will monitor it in another year for growth.

@houston13 if you want the best aortic surgeon in the world,go with Pedro Catorini,he is English and works at the Mayo Clinic

@langford41 Thanks, I already had my surgery 6 years ago in Houston by Dr Estrera who I think is the best surgeon in Houston (I'm not sure the world ;)), he is just an amazing surgeon and person.

But what I recommended was an aortic disease specialist which is a cardiologist not a surgeon, a surgeon will see you a couple of times before and after surgery and then never again (hopefully), the cardiologist will follow you up for life. It makes a huge difference when he/she is an aortic specialist. I am being seen by Dr Prakash in Houston, who appears in many of the videos posted in this forum. Being followed up by someone who is dedicated to understanding aortic diseases, the genetics behind it and everything that may affect it (exercise, BP, etc) makes this whole process so much easier. Dr Prakash checks the evolution of my bicuspid valve every year and every 4-5 years orders full aortic, neck and brain MRIs to make sure no other aneurysms are appearing (I also had a brain aneurysm, also repaired)

Greetings. First time posting. I am a 73 yr old male. Diagnosed unexpectedly like many, as a consequence of a calcium test 2 yrs ago. Also like many, the initial test was followed by a CT, then a CT w/contrast, a TTE and CTA at 6 month intervals for a more accurate measurement and to check growth. Stable currently at 4.9. A genetic test was done due to father dying suddenly at an early age from what was most likely a dissection or rupture. Statin and beta-blocker prescribed. Now on annual watch and wait. Some activity restrictions, some low energy, some shortness of breath. Been following this group since diagnosis and appreciate all contributors. Good shared information, experiences and encouragement for others. Thanks