Aortic Aneurysms – Introduce yourself & meet others

As I said before, the science has increased greatly. I wouldn't say it is as simple as doing an apendectomy, but it is my understanding that there is now a procedure that does not require the big abdominal incision. I know your doctor will discuss the differences with you. Please don't sit around and be depressed. I know you are scared, but just thing of me when you get nervous. I don't remember what I said to you in my first post, but I have had two aneurysms, a complete aortic dissection down to the bottom of my diaphragm, and a complete aortic replacement in a 2 part surgery. My only point in telling you this is that these things are VERY survivable. The best thing you can do for yourself is to stay relaxed as possible. I know you are thinking easier said than done, but it really is crucial. You need to put a meditation app on your phone. It can help you when your anxiety starts to build. So...

1) Lower your stress. Do not try to do everything everyday. If it doesn't get done. TOUGH! It'll be there tomorrow. lol
2) Do not push, pull or lift. Even a heavy load of laundry. If you have to hold your breath to do it, then you shouldn't be doing it.

P.S. My aorta is at a 5.0. It has been this size since last October and I don't see my Cardio-Thoracic until April. He has already told my local cardiologist that he doesn't see the need to operate right now.

Hello @lynetteirizarry,

I hope you can post an update after your appointment with the vascular surgeon on the 17th.

Hello @twojunes2, I appreciate the good work you have done in advocating for yourself with your doctor and seeking regular follow-ups. It is so important for us all to be our own patient advocates! I appreciate your philosophy of embracing life and surrendering to what is inevitable. You make some very good suggestions.

Well, the virus put a hold on my March 17th app.,Dr should be back in office Monday, they told me WED at lastest they would let me know a plan.....

I appreciate the update @lynetteirizarry. I'm sure you will be glad to see the doctor and find out the plan for dealing with this.

Now its April 16th, but may change...My lower back and lower tummy feel funny, I think they said symtomes were hard pain across tummy or back. Anyone guess??? My kitty is here trying to help me type, sorry...

At 70 years old I had an operation for an aortic aneurysm and a quadruple bypass. The bypass was not critical but done while my chest was opened. I have exercised my whole life and they let me out of the hospital two days early. They said it was a first for that hospital let along for a 70 year old. Less than two weeks later I was in rehab and after 10 days they said that I had exceeded the exist metrics the day I entered and didn't think they cold help me any further. Since then it has been down hill with the medication. I have had three cardiologists, one a consultant who said he had no clue what was going on. Between the cardiologist and my GP I have been over dosed at least 4 times. One requiring an ambulance ride to the hospital and after three days in the hospital they said I could go home and didn't really talk about what happened. My cardiologist at the time didn't have the gusts to show up. Oh, while in the hospital the internal medicine doctor gave me a pill that damn near killed me. The next day her response was, "That's why we like to do these things in a controlled environment." *&^%$# If you new me you would know I not making this stuff up. Over five years later while on atenolol and many ups and downs I am having all kinds of side effects from the medication. I go to the gym at least 3 days a week with the exception of this virus. The dizzy spells, balance problems, tinnitus and what I call brain fog are aging me before my time.

What I would like to know is there top rated cardiologist in the South Carolina area that I can consult with and possible get some answers? I am not getting any answers currently.

I was moved by your story and I sincerely hope the medication issues are resolved soon. If I were you I would contact a cardiologist at Mayo or contact a cardiologist at the Cleveland Clinic. These are the best in the country and I'm fairly confident you will be able to get help. You will need to Google the numbers.

Hi @hollywoodal, Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. I am sorry to hear that you have been going down hill with the maintenance medications. My mother had very similar symptoms after her physician started her on new medications for her AA. I'd like to invite a few of our members to share their experience and see if they are aware of any specialist in that area. @lynetteirizarry @mustangsally67 @maryswims @jojo1970 @hopeful33250 and @ken82
I would also like to share the list of Cardiology Specialists here in Florida. I know Jacksonville is about 5 hours away from South Carolina, but Mayo does have an outstanding team. https://www.mayoclinic.org/appointments/find-a-doctor/search-results?searchterm=cardiologist&locations=Jacksonville%2C%20FL#edd114075cc94f35b9bccc081668c123

What medications do they currently have you taking?

Great post, Amanda, he's on his way now ....