Aortic Aneurysms – Introduce yourself & meet others

Hi, call me sid. I have been diagnosed with a n abdominal aortic aneurysm 3yrs ago, Initially at 3.8cm, as of today 4.5cm, it is really scary.

Please keep us posted. I’m at 4.5 & nervous. Get checked often.

I’m also at 4.5

Yes, getting checked is a good idea for sure. I have a 4.5 ascending thoracic aneurysm and my cardiologist didn't ring any alarm bells. I had an ECHO in May and he said come back in a year for another one. Having done a lot of research on the topic, I responded with the fact that other individuals in the 4.5 range were having their aneurysms monitored every six months. He said we'd discuss it when I came back in six months. I see him in May 2020. Worrying about it will only stress you out and prevent you from enjoying life. When I don't dwell on it and imagine how much time I have left to live and will I be in pain if it ruptures and for how long and will I be going to heaven or hell (I don't really believe in a "hell"), then I stop and say to myself there is nothing for me to do but surrender to the inevitable. That inevitable is for everyone, including me! Live your life to the fullest and cultivate a philosophy which embraces life -- not just physical existence, but spiritual existence as well. I feel fortunate that I know I have this and it could remain stable for years and years to come and so can yours. Take your blood pressure medication and do what your doctors tell you to do.

Im 62 years old, it was found doing a scan on heart and lungs Feb of last year. Since then i have been sitting on couch or in bed depressed and worried. It was 4 cm.
One ultra sound and 1 ct in dec...4.2.
On Feb 21 st this year, an exray was done on lower back, hurt myself , decided to do yard work. The aaa was measured at 4.7. Yes! Freaked me out! Going to see dr on March 17th....i want to do surgery and get it over with. I work part time, walk alot at work, no lifting tho. Thank yall...Lynette

Hello @lynetteirizarry,

I am glad that you posted your concerns on Mayo Connect. It is understandable to be worried about having surgery. I would like to direct you to a conversation on Connect where Members are discussing abdominal aortic aneurysms. Here is the link, https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/abdominal-aortic-aneurysm/?pg=1#comment-18455.

Here also is an article from Mayo's website discussing AAA, http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/abdominal-aortic-aneurysm/basics/lifestyle-home-remedies/con-20023784

The article offers the best ways to prevent a rupture is
– Quit smoking or chewing tobacco.
– Keep your blood pressure under control.
– Get regular exercise.
– Reduce cholesterol and fat in your diet.

Have you had any symptoms of the AAA or did your doctor find it on routine screening for something else?

Hello @lynetteirizarry,

From what I understand this type of surgery can be done by open, abdominal surgery or by endovascular repair. As you read the article, http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/abdominal-aortic-aneurysm/basics/lifestyle-home-remedies/con-20023784 you will see these two types of treatments described.

When you see your surgeon he/she should be able to suggest the best way for you to approach surgery.

Hi Lynette, You have had many different tests with different results and I do understand how that can be so frightening. I think you need to see a specialist -- probably a well regarded cardiologist or cardiovascular surgeon to review and sort all these reports and put things in perspective for you. Different tests show results from different angles and the numbers will therefore be different. Also, different technicians and radiologists can read tests differently. A cardiologist can assess the reports and give you the information you need.

This surgery is quite serious and I doubt a surgeon will recommend it before you actually need it and part of that determination is how big it is and how fast it is growing. I would not depend on my primary MD to assess these reports for you. Such an assessment and discussion might put your fears to rest as the aneurysm might be quite stable and down in the low 4. range which is a long way from needing surgery.

I wish you well and that you find the information which will bring you peace.

Donna

Thank you, Donna. I am seeing a Vascular dr and surgen. He is going to look at these pictures.

Thank you, Im hoping so!!