1. < Aortic Aneurysms

Aortic Aneurysms – Introduce yourself & meet others

Posted by Kanaaz Pereira, Connect Moderator @kanaazpereira, Feb 16, 2018

Welcome to the Aortic Aneurysms group on Mayo Clinic Connect.

An aortic aneurysm is a bulge in the wall of the aorta. The aorta begins deep in the heart as it emerges from the powerful left ventricle, gently arching over the heart, descending into the chest, and finally into the abdomen. Some aortic aneurysms can be harmless; others can lead to catastrophic problems. I invite you to follow this group and connect with others, share experiences, exchange useful information, and learn about aortic aneurysms.

Get started rby clicking the +FOLLOW icon on the group page here: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/aneurysms/

There are some great conversations going on right now that I think you’ll like. Grab a cup of tea, or beverage of your choice, and lets chat. Why not start by introducing yourself?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Aortic Aneurysms Support Group.

lynnw | @lynnw | Jun 29, 2018
In reply to @amybeth7367 "My husband has his aortic aneurysm repaired and aortic valve replaced last summer after 2 years..." + (show)
@amybeth7367

My husband has his aortic aneurysm repaired and aortic valve replaced last summer after 2 years of watch and wait. When he was diagnosed, neither of us had ever heard or, or knew anything about aortic aneurysms.
We've since started Rock From The Heart to raise awareness of aortic disease and are planning an event in Minnesota - Feb 9 2019!
Our goal is to connect with others around the country, sharing experiences and hopefully saving lives along the way.

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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.

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amybeth7367 | @amybeth7367 | Jun 29, 2018
In reply to @amybeth7367 "My husband has his aortic aneurysm repaired and aortic valve replaced last summer after 2 years..." + (show)
@amybeth7367

My husband has his aortic aneurysm repaired and aortic valve replaced last summer after 2 years of watch and wait. When he was diagnosed, neither of us had ever heard or, or knew anything about aortic aneurysms.
We've since started Rock From The Heart to raise awareness of aortic disease and are planning an event in Minnesota - Feb 9 2019!
Our goal is to connect with others around the country, sharing experiences and hopefully saving lives along the way.

Jump to this post

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 🙂

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amybeth7367 | @amybeth7367 | Jun 29, 2018
In reply to @kdh1 "Where in Minnesota would you have it? Winter is not a good time to get around..." + (show)
@kdh1

Where in Minnesota would you have it? Winter is not a good time to get around in Mn.

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At the Pantages Theater - downtown Minneapolis --with a VIP reception at SEVEN. We also have a guest rate at the Loews hotel... all 3 venues are on the same block.
Are you in MN? We get around ok here in the winter 🙂
love your last name.... my maiden name is Perreira--Portuguese 🙂

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rory | @rory | Jun 29, 2018
In reply to @amybeth7367 "My husband has his aortic aneurysm repaired and aortic valve replaced last summer after 2 years..." + (show)
@amybeth7367

My husband has his aortic aneurysm repaired and aortic valve replaced last summer after 2 years of watch and wait. When he was diagnosed, neither of us had ever heard or, or knew anything about aortic aneurysms.
We've since started Rock From The Heart to raise awareness of aortic disease and are planning an event in Minnesota - Feb 9 2019!
Our goal is to connect with others around the country, sharing experiences and hopefully saving lives along the way.

Jump to this post

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?

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ginko | @ginko | Jun 29, 2018
In reply to @amybeth7367 "My husband has his aortic aneurysm repaired and aortic valve replaced last summer after 2 years..." + (show)
@amybeth7367

My husband has his aortic aneurysm repaired and aortic valve replaced last summer after 2 years of watch and wait. When he was diagnosed, neither of us had ever heard or, or knew anything about aortic aneurysms.
We've since started Rock From The Heart to raise awareness of aortic disease and are planning an event in Minnesota - Feb 9 2019!
Our goal is to connect with others around the country, sharing experiences and hopefully saving lives along the way.

Jump to this post

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

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amybeth7367 | @amybeth7367 | Jun 29, 2018
In reply to @amybeth7367 "My husband has his aortic aneurysm repaired and aortic valve replaced last summer after 2 years..." + (show)
@amybeth7367

My husband has his aortic aneurysm repaired and aortic valve replaced last summer after 2 years of watch and wait. When he was diagnosed, neither of us had ever heard or, or knew anything about aortic aneurysms.
We've since started Rock From The Heart to raise awareness of aortic disease and are planning an event in Minnesota - Feb 9 2019!
Our goal is to connect with others around the country, sharing experiences and hopefully saving lives along the way.

Jump to this post

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.

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rory | @rory | Jun 29, 2018
In reply to @amybeth7367 "My husband has his aortic aneurysm repaired and aortic valve replaced last summer after 2 years..." + (show)
@amybeth7367

My husband has his aortic aneurysm repaired and aortic valve replaced last summer after 2 years of watch and wait. When he was diagnosed, neither of us had ever heard or, or knew anything about aortic aneurysms.
We've since started Rock From The Heart to raise awareness of aortic disease and are planning an event in Minnesota - Feb 9 2019!
Our goal is to connect with others around the country, sharing experiences and hopefully saving lives along the way.

Jump to this post

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

REPLY
amybeth7367 | @amybeth7367 | Jun 29, 2018
In reply to @amybeth7367 "My husband has his aortic aneurysm repaired and aortic valve replaced last summer after 2 years..." + (show)
@amybeth7367

My husband has his aortic aneurysm repaired and aortic valve replaced last summer after 2 years of watch and wait. When he was diagnosed, neither of us had ever heard or, or knew anything about aortic aneurysms.
We've since started Rock From The Heart to raise awareness of aortic disease and are planning an event in Minnesota - Feb 9 2019!
Our goal is to connect with others around the country, sharing experiences and hopefully saving lives along the way.

Jump to this post

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) .

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ginko | @ginko | Jun 29, 2018
In reply to @amybeth7367 "My husband has his aortic aneurysm repaired and aortic valve replaced last summer after 2 years..." + (show)
@amybeth7367

My husband has his aortic aneurysm repaired and aortic valve replaced last summer after 2 years of watch and wait. When he was diagnosed, neither of us had ever heard or, or knew anything about aortic aneurysms.
We've since started Rock From The Heart to raise awareness of aortic disease and are planning an event in Minnesota - Feb 9 2019!
Our goal is to connect with others around the country, sharing experiences and hopefully saving lives along the way.

Jump to this post

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.

REPLY
ginko | @ginko | Jun 29, 2018
In reply to @amybeth7367 "My husband has his aortic aneurysm repaired and aortic valve replaced last summer after 2 years..." + (show)
@amybeth7367

My husband has his aortic aneurysm repaired and aortic valve replaced last summer after 2 years of watch and wait. When he was diagnosed, neither of us had ever heard or, or knew anything about aortic aneurysms.
We've since started Rock From The Heart to raise awareness of aortic disease and are planning an event in Minnesota - Feb 9 2019!
Our goal is to connect with others around the country, sharing experiences and hopefully saving lives along the way.

Jump to this post

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

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