Please let me know when you do this. So many people die without knowing they have it. I have an ascending thoracic 4.8 and my son a 4.2. I feel blessed to have found out about mine instead of being one of the latter ones. Knowledge is power. Mayo Clinic is trying to keep mine from growing so hopefully I never have to have the surgery.

February 9th at the Pantages theater. Details will be posted on the Rock from the Heart website. I've reached out to Mayo, hoping they will get involved in some way 🙂

Hi. I am 66 and I was told six years ago that I had an ascending aorta dilation. At that time it was 4.1. My last chest CAT scan was 4.5 but my echo was 4.3. I go back in a few more months for another check to see how it's doing. But as long as you keep an eye on it and watch it and listen to your doctor then you shouldn't be worried. It's those that don't know they have it is concerning. My doctor says I could go on the treadmill but just be careful not lifting anything over 20 to 25 pounds. How old are you and how long have you had yours?

Hi Amy Beth. So good to see your post this morning. I also have an ascending aortic aneurysm at 4.6 and that is getting up there as I am a small person. I currently live out of state, but have chosen Mayo for the surgery and we are considering a move also to be close to follow up care and care as we age. It is so nice to know that your husband is doing well. Please give him our very best wishes. Would it be possible to email a bit to get to know each other and learn from our shared experiences? My husband’s sister-in-law is from MN and talks very highly about her home state. Thank you so very much and take care
Sincerely,
Deby

My husband's aneurysm was 5.0cm. He also needed his aortic valve replaced. We are very thankful in was found in time! His surgery was last July.

Hi Deby. Are they recommending that you have the surgery now when it is 4.6? My doctor told me they usually wait until it gets up to 5.0. Was just wondering. How long have you had yours? I was diagnosed six years ago. Love to hear back.
Denise

this is Pete - 1st photo taken about about 7 weeks after surgery; 2nd photo taken 4 months after surgery - his 2nd post op drumming gig (his first was 8 weeks post op) .

Hi Denise...
Had a full day today and sorry not to have been able to get back to you sooner. My doc said that surgery is indicated at a five also, but a recent echo shows that it grew from a 4.5 to a 4.6 over the last year. So, I keep “watch and waiting” as they say and hoping it will slow down. I have had it for several years and a bicuspid aortic valve from birth. Docs here didn’t tell me I had it until l asked them meanings of certain numbers on my echo printout a couple of years ago. Needless to say, I was very surprised and concerned, so I researched my surgery location options. I feel that Mayo is the best even though we would have to travel unless we relocate first.
Deby
PS
Hope this helps Denise. Do you live near Mayo or would you also have to travel for surgery?I am very close to your age. Please feel free to write anytime.

Very inspiring Pictures Amy Beth!!! I need that hopefulness. Deby

Hi Deby. Thanks for getting back to me. I have a bicuspid aortic valve also since birth. And heart mummer. I have my sixth month chest cat scan end of September. They say that is more accurate. My echo showed 4.3 cm and chest scan showed 4.5. So I will see what it is in September. I don't worry about this any more. Was diagnosed in 2012. I exercise on treadmill and don't do any heavy lifting over 20 pounds. I live in ct. Heard about mayo clinic. Where is that? Sounds like ours is pretty similar. Try not to worry.
Denise