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@bryanfox

Thanks for the reply. I don't smoke, and I'm overweight, but not by much (I'm 5'10" 195lbs, but fairly broad-shouldered, so I don't put too much stock in the BMI results the calculator gives me). I've heard the "don't exercise harder than a level which would allow you to have a conversation" suggestion, but even when I'm on the elliptical with a steep incline, I'm pretty sure I could still speak to someone without much effort! I spoke with an aortic surgeon and he recommended a CT scan again in 6 months, while the cardiologist only recommended an echo. I'm wondering if he wants a CT this time just to check growth rate, and if it isn't that high, then maybe he'll switch to recommending just echos? It's obviously a less-pressing concern right now, but I don't want to end up Chernobyling myself because of this, either.

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Replies to "Thanks for the reply. I don't smoke, and I'm overweight, but not by much (I'm 5'10"..."

@bryanfox I think your assessment is spot on. Another CT will give you two like tests to determine the rate of growth. If it is slow growing or not showing any enlargement at all, I agree, you will likely be switched to echos to reduce the amount of radiation.

I think you are on the right track for monitoring this health issue. You might want to get one of those fitness trackers to just monitor your BP when on the elliptical and talk to your cardio about what is a safe limit on the numbers while you are exercising. Also, I think part of the assessment of cardio fitness is how fast your BP and pulse return to normal when you get off the elliptical.

I wish you very good luck and as time goes by, you will recognize this is just something to be monitored, not a death sentence.

Donna