Aortic Aneurysms – Introduce yourself & meet others

Hi, I have AAA Aneurysm at 4.7 cm, it has quickly grown since Dec scan from 4.2. I am very worried and have appointment at Baylor on March 17th 2020...because its growing quick do you think Dr will do surgery?

Good Morning, as a new participant I wanted to share one experience I had with my AAA. I was scheduled for surgery this coming Thursday based upon a CT from a few months ago showing I was at a 5.0. I decided to have an MRI performed as I was told it was a little more accurate. The results were a 4.9 and while not much different, it did provide support from my cardiologist and surgeon to delay the surgery and instead set me for another MRI in 6 months. So, I went from surgery this week to a much more desirable ski trip and ability to not only ski this year, but hopefully a few more enjoyable events over the next year+

Take it from the worst at staying calm...but try and stay calm. I’m sure they will do another echo, CT scan or MRI and measure it again. I’ve had 2 echos and an MRI since November because of different measurements. Hopefully, they will find it hasn’t grown that much and is more stable. I know the worry that you are feeling very well and I deal with it every day. I just try and remember how blessed I am that I know about it and I’m able to see a doctor and do something about it one day. My prayers and best wishes for you with your upcoming appointment.

Hello,
They operated on mine and it was about the same size and growing like yours. I don't know your age and any risk factors you may have that would create complications or delays in getting the surgery done. If they want to operate, do it. Make sure you are healthy for the surgery. Take care of yourself.

Bruce
Texas

Hi Sonya. I don't see where it says that you have seen a cardiologist, but you should.

Everyone has different symptoms, but you certainly can have horrific pain between the shoulder blades if you have a sudden bulge in the wall instead of just a progressive slow growth of the aorta. I did and I had sudden visual brown out. I use this term because I didn't pass out.

Hi Lynette,

Firstly, let me say that I am not a doctor or work in the medical field in any way. Due to an uderlying medical condition, I do have a lot of personal experience. That is a fairly quick progression, but as for size, you still have some room.

Do you have a job that requires lifting, do you work out rigorously? Those are things that you should not do. I always tell people with an active aneurysm not to lift anything that weighs more than a gallon of milk.

One other question. Did these measurements both come from CT or MRI scan? If so, what prompted the second scan so quickly?

Mine is the same size and in the same place, and I was asymptomatic (found it during a normal chest ultrasound with a cardiologist - heart disease is in my family). How's your blood pressure? At least the dizziness could be attributable to that. Mine was somewhat high (around 140-150/85-90),but I started on olmesartan and it's regular now, and the dizziness seems to have gone away (and my 6-month MRA showed no growth over the initial CT scan last year)

Hi, I have a 4.5 AAA and am 75 years old. I've been researching doctors at the Cleveland Clinic as well as Mayo in Scottsdale. I live in Phoenix as well. My cardiologist is with HonorHealth but if and when I need some attention other than watch and see, I will be going to Mayo. June

Please state what doctor you recommend as Mayo Phoenix is my first choice. I live in Tucson.

I can't honestly recommend any person I haven't met and discussed my situation with. What I've done thus far was Google thoracic aortic aneurysm surgeons at the Mayo clinic in Scottsdale. The search results indicated a number of them. As I said in my earlier post, that if and when the time appears that I need to be more proactive about this, then I will ask my cardiologist for a referral and, at the same time show him my compiled list of Mayo surgeons and ask if he knows any of them. Based on personal reviews of the doctor's by other patients, I will make my choice, if my cardiologist is not familiar with anyone on the list. I hope this helps and know that this message board has some really good advice and encouragement.