Experience with aortic aneurysm treatment at Duke University?

@angiecabinfever1
Based on your previous comments, I see that your current provider is retiring and you're looking for a new one. I have not personally been treated at Duke, but I have two friends who live in Wilmington, NC, and when they need to see a specialist or have surgery, they go to Duke. Their experience has been excellent. It is a hassle to drive to Duke for appointments, especially when they need to return often. Duke will ask you to provide any tests previously done so they can review. Your local clinics should be able to send information to Duke once you make an appointment.

How far from Duke do you live? Have you requested an appointment?

@roch I have an Abdominal Aorta Aneurysm at 3.5 and have been researching potential places as my vascular surgeon is not a AAA specialist. I have set up an account at Johns Hopkins in Baltimore, MD. The gal I talk to was very nice and helpful and suggested the account setup. I live in SEVA and also have been considering Duke for my AAA. I want a hospital that has a center specialized in Aotic Aneurysms. I get my 1 year ultrasound on the 8th of October and that will determine need. I don't think Duke would be a bad choice.

@jjs2955 I so understand that feeling !! It definitely helps when someone can recommend a dr and hospital for care.

@lauriewelsh7 I would love to know how your appointment goes!! I wish you all the best !! Lots of prayers!!

@angiecabinfever1

Hello, I hope you are doing well! I had my appointment at Duke with Dr Hughes NP, Melissa. She said total there are 4 doctors who do this surgery at Duke but this is Dr Hughes main specialty. She stated he does about 2 a week which is around a 100 a year. She also assured me that the ICU care after surgery is well trained in this area. I did notice on google that a gentleman gave him a good review for this particular surgery along with some other good reviews. Melissa seemed to be very knowledgeable & answered so many questions that I had. A lot of information that I did not get from my Cardiologist in my home town but I guess it's not their specialty. Let me know your thoughts at Duke & when you go to Cleveland. Right now I go back in June to check on mine.

Sending prayers!

@lauriewelsh7
Good evening! Thank for the update. My appointment is November 16th. With Dr Hughes or NP. I’m so glad you got to go and have someone that knows exactly about our situation. Someone experienced for sure. Did you say they will see you back in 6 months? And did they tell you about any limitations? Like lifting?
I live 3 in half hrs away from Duke so it’s not close .
How far do you live ?
What is your dilation ?
Did she say what stage will they recommend surgery?
Thank you again for telling me . It means a lot to hear from others .
Much love and prayers to all !
Angie

@angiecabinfever1
Hey Angie, you are very welcome. She did say no heavy lifting, control blood pressure & cholesterol. I had two test back in June & one showed a dilation of 4.1 & the other is 4.2. They are having me do an MRI or CT next June so basically at 12 months from the last one, then I will have another appointment with Melissa, Dr Hughes NP. She said normal readings for an assending aorata is 3.0 to 3.8 & for my size they would recommend surgery at 5.0. I’m 5 ft 4 inches & 140 lbs. I didn’t know the location of my aneurism but she said mine is in an area that doesn’t typically grow fast so hopefully I won’t need surgery for a long time. I live about 50 minutes from Duke. She also gave me a paper to share with my kids & siblings recommending they get checked since it could be hereditary. I don’t know of anybody in my family with it but my father walked away when I was 3 & that whole side of the family is basically absent. It’s definitely helpful to be able to talk with others experiencing the same issue.
Sending prayers for everyone!
Laurie

@lauriewelsh7
Good afternoon! I’m sorry I have a lot of questions. Did you know right off you were seeing the Nurse Practitioner or you didn’t know until you went ?
Did she ever say you shouldn’t have made the appointment with them ? My cardiologist acts like I shouldn’t be seen by an aorta specialist or surgeon? My aorta root is 4.3 and aorta is 4.0. I have said I want as much information from anyone that can help me be more informed of everything concerning potential complications or surgery. I live 3 and half hrs away from Duke. I just don’t want drs to understand the concern and not be so passive about it. Like if it was them or one of their family members going through it. I don’t have high blood pressure but take medication metoprolol for heart palpation's. I was borderline for high cholesterol but no one put me on anything.. but recently had a blood test taken called Lipoprotein and dr called said mine was very high! 198 he wants to start me on statins even though 2 yrs ago I had a 0 Calcium score. He knows I want to live as long as I possible can. This lipoprotein test is hereditary and researching it says no diet and exercise will help bring the number down . It says our parents determine our number. Which is terrible. I’m definitely more aware of so much more now and still nervous about having heart problems and living so far away from a good hospital. I’m about 30 min from Bristol Tn/va
Thank you for listening !!
Much Appreciated sending Prayers to you !!
Angie

@angiecabinfever1
Hey Angie, I don’t mind the questions. Yes, when I made the appointment, they told me it would be with the NP. She didn’t seem to be surprised at all that I made the appointment with them and I found out way more information than I did with my cardiologist. In fact, the NP has ordered my follow up scan in June. I feel like I now have the right person handling this issue since this is what they specialize in.
And you are very welcome! 🙏
Laurie