Descending aortic aneurysm repair

Hello, @axels. Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect.

Thought you might like to meet some members here who have talked about aortic aneurysm repair, like @morninglory, @grandmajan, @jimmorris900, @janean, @ch246cf10, @crhp194 and @ch246cf10. @kanaazpereira, @cynaburst, @hopeful33250 and @predictable may also have some insights for you.

If you feel comfortable, will you tell us more about your story with the aneurysm?

I had an ascending aortic aneurysm so the treatment may be different. From my limited knowledge of aneurysms, doctors like to repair them after about 5plus. You should consult a cardiologist if you have not done so. If you can get to Mayo, I highly recommend having the surgery there. Best of luck to you. If I can answer anything else, please ask.

I would consider getting repaired as soon as possible. I was at 4.5 when they repaired mine but I have Marfans syndrome. Would recommend going to Mayo Clinic Rochester. Any other questions please feel to ask

I am 80 in a couple of days. It was a disecting aneurysm all the way from the aorta to the abdomen in Oct. 1996. I was lucky, it did not leak past the inner layer, but I lost the right kidney. The large part of the aneurysm is close to the aorta, descending. It has grown to 6.1 cm, from about 5.4 cm. My local Cardiologist, Eisenhower hospital said not to worry about it. It may be ok till the end. The thoracic surgeon thinks I should go to Cedars Sinai or UCLA for the procedure. It cannot be done locally. That would be my next step. The next Mayo Clinic is in Scottsdale, 4 hrs driving, or L.A. 3 hrs .

I think you need a vascular surgeon. That is who is watching my descending aneurysm at Mayo. Can you fly to Rochester to Mayo. They have wonderful heart and vascular surgeons. Once at Mayo you would not need a care. There are tunnels and shuttles just about everywhere around the campus. Don’t understand your doctor saying it would be okay until the end. 80 is the new 60. I can’t tell you how much you would gain from going to Rochester. Again, good luck!

Hello @axels,

Thank you for sharing your history; we're so glad you've joined the Connect community.

Mayo Clinic cardiovascular specialists and surgeons have more than 50 years of experience evaluating and treating children and adults with thoracic aortic aneurysms. Each year, more than 2,900 patients with this condition choose the whole-person care provided by Mayo Clinic. Here's some more information about the Clinic's approach in treating thoracic aortic aneurysms:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/thoracic-aortic-aneurysm/symptoms-causes/syc-20350188
If you would like to make an appointment at Mayo Clinic, please call one of our appointment offices. You can also request an appointment online. The contact information for Minnesota, Arizona and Florida can be found here: http://www.mayoclinic.org/appointments
When you call, our representatives will ask questions to help direct you to the best specialist.

We also have an active discussion about aortic aneurysms on Connect which you may wish to view; feel free to read through the posts and tag fellow members:
– https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/thorcic-aneurysm/

@axels, as @crhp194 and @jimmorris900 mentioned, I would sincerely encourage you to seek an opinion from a specialist to avoid any further risk or complications. Please do keep us updated and let us know if you have any questions.

This past September I dissected my celiac artery. I've just been on metropolol, baby aspirin, and clopidogrel. Surgery has not been recommended at this point. I go in for my 6 month follow up CT in late February. In the meantime I've put on weight as I've seriously curtailed my physical activity. I'm pursuing a WFPB (Whole Foods Plant Based) diet (though I do cheat). Does anyone have any tips and tricks for not gaining weight while they are curtailing physical activity?

Hi @benneaf,

You might wish to view these discussions and Video Q&A on Connect:
– You Can Have Both: Enjoy life and Eat Healthy https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/you-can-have-both-enjoy-life-and-eat-healthy/, where you can meet @katem8 and @jenniene.
– Why is it so difficult to lose weight? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/webinar/video-qa-why-is-it-so-difficult-to-lose-weight/
– Weight Loss: 5 Behavioral Strategies for Success https://connect.mayoclinic.org/webinar/interactive-webinar-weight-loss-5-behavioral-strategies-for-success/

Have you had the follow up CT, @benneaf? How are you doing?