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Aortic Aneurysms – Introduce yourself & meet others
Aortic Aneurysms | Last Active: 13 hours ago | Replies (976)Comment receiving replies
@daisydays Thanks for your positivity, hugs. prayers and well wishes. Also thanks for your kind words in regards to my mom's passing . It has been 41 years, but seems like yesterday.
My acceptance of my aneurysm, wasn't overnight. Initially, I was shocked, overwhelmed and terrified. I had worked as a nurse for over 30 years, so my mind was reeling. I try to go to the positive, but it was very hard.
After a few years of monitoring, I am blessed that it hasn't changed. I started wondering just how long I've had it. I'm healthy. I never had any type of scans it may have shown up on. Maybe I've had it for many years. I wasn't worried about it then. I know now. I know about lifting restrictions, drugs I have to avoid, don't do anything straining. I'm active, have a healthy weight, eat well, good blood pressure. I get my follow ups and scans.
Other then the Cardiologist and scans, my life is no different than before the diagnosis, except I have the diagnosis. I didn't worry about it then, I don't worry about it now. I live in the moment. Life is too short for me to worry about something that may or may not grow. I don't worry about driving. Someone could run a stop sign and kill me before my aneurysm does.
You have survived cancer, only to hear you also have an aneurysm. Double Whammy!!! You are much stronger than you feel right now. My advice is to take it one minute at a time. Don't focus on it. You may have had it for years. Go to your follow ups, get your scans, follow your cardiologist instructions and live your life. You didn't lose your life when you were diagnosed with cancer. Don't lose it to this diagnosis. Those are my recommendations!! Along with the occasional ice cream. 😄 Take care!!!♥️🙏
Replies to "@daisydays Thanks for your positivity, hugs. prayers and well wishes. Also thanks for your kind words..."
@pegsterb - wonderful information. You are so right. There is a process of learning, accepting and then making choices. Just what do I want my life to look like? If anything, I find I am more grateful than ever. Each beautiful sunrise, a delicious meal, precious moments with loved ones are more appreciated than ever.
This is one of those things where we do whatever we can to monitor and maintain healthy habits and then let go, let God.
My Mom used to say that worrying was like rocking in a rocking chair. It won’t get you anywhere.
Worrying is also physiologically costly. It’s not healthy and can raise your bloom pressure.
One more tip- Americans are bad breathers. When in danger or in doubt, step back. Take some nice deep breaths. In through your nose and out through your mouth. I promise - it works!
:~)
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Hi @pegsterb
You are most welcome. Thank you for taking the time to share this with me and for all the heartfelt recommendations.
I have felt the same way, my Mom passed 27 years ago this winter and it feels like yesterday, still.
Yes, shock and scared… those were my very first feelings too, I cant imagine being a nurse with all you know ! You’ve done well coping despite that extra knowledge.
I’m glad for you that you haven’t had changes after years of scans ! That is just so wonderful ! Yay you !
I said that to my husband, it felt like a double whammy.
I do believe that having faced lung cancer, it gave me lots of practice processing the emotions that come with health challenges. It has no doubt helped me with this aorta diagnosis.
I believe worry is a waste of precious energy and doesn’t help our health certainly.
It’s great how you look at all this, and yes, we know what we can and shouldn’t do…. see our cardiologist, have scans.
As well we know to have a little ice cream once in a blue moon too 🍨
I’m glad you are here at Mayo, you have been a great comfort to me and I bet many others.
Positive thoughts and prayers continue coming your way.
Hugs 🤗 Daisy