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Venting
Forgive me, I am here to vent to individuals who have a similar condition as I.
Shortly after I was diagnosed with a 4.5 cm thoracic aortic aneurysm I went to see a cardiologist. The cardiologist then, appropriately, took an EKG. The result of the EKG was posted on my patient portal. The printout stated that I have a problem with my heart’s conduction system. This scared me (an understatement). I sent a message to the doctor’s office and was told that the diagnosis was due to a software glitch and that my heart is good. If only that information had been provided to begin with.
A few months later I used the portal to send another message regarding my health. The response to my message included reference to my being on a med I don’t take and have never taken.
Of course I would now like to see a different cardiologist in a different office. Which, where I live, leaves me with limited options. I am currently thinking that I may have to move to get an area where I can get better care (and to where my wife can actually get an appointment with a rheumatologist).
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Your father is fortunate to have you as his advocate. I am frightened for those who have no such advocate.
@dm75 I am truly sorry to hear about your dad and his bad experience at the nursing home. I have a close friend who recently went through a very similar experience with her mother at a local nursing home. The disconnect between her mom’s outpatient medical team and the nursing care home medical staff was alarming and scary for the mom (and family). It was the family’s decision to take mom out as well. I pray for better days for all our hard working medical staff and for the patients who need skilled care and medical support.
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1 Reaction@asphalt123 As someone who survived an acute aortic dissection and emergency open-heart surgery, I understand your concerns. Surgery is a major decision, but it can also be lifesaving. Not every aneurysm requires surgery, and regular CT or MRI surveillance is extremely important.
As for exercise, walking is generally a good starting point. Avoid heavy lifting, straining, and activities that cause sudden spikes in blood pressure. The appropriate level of exercise depends on the size and location of your aneurysm and your blood pressure control. I would discuss specific restrictions with an aortic specialist and consider getting a second opinion at a high-volume aortic center before making any surgical decisions.
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1 ReactionThank you so much for providing me information on looking at an aortic specialist since I had no idea there is this classification. I have been struggling with accepting my cardiologist answers since he has been extremely vague on exercise, lifting etc….