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.

maryswims | @maryswims | May 8, 2020
In reply to @hollywoodal "At 70 years old I had an operation for an aortic aneurysm and a quadruple bypass...." + (show)
@hollywoodal

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.

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That must be so frustrating. I’m frustrated just reading your post! I’m not at any progression with my AA to be able to help with these post op medications.i do know all meds have side effects and some people are unfortunately those that are in the statistics for these. You are so active and that is something very positive and in your favor. Please know that we are all here with AA and will be ,hopefully , a support . Good luck to you. Never Quit, keep positive!

REPLY
hollywoodal | @hollywoodal | May 9, 2020
In reply to @twojunes2 "I was moved by your story and I sincerely hope the medication issues are resolved soon...." + (show)
@twojunes2

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.

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Thank you, I give it a try. I'm not getting much help down here. This has been going on for over five years and it is starting to age me.

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hollywoodal | @hollywoodal | May 10, 2020
In reply to @amandaa "Hi @hollywoodal, Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. I am sorry to hear that you have been..." + (show)
@amandaa

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?

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Mostly supplements, I am currently on 12.5Mg in AM and 12.5Mg in PM. I know that's not very much but I can feel the change 1-2 hours after taking the medicine. Been on it for 5 years prescribed up to 50MG crashed big time. Lots of changes in prescription over this time. Crashed (very bad response/side effects) almost every time. Had to reduce it myself after research to the 12.5Mg AM/PM while doctors watched. Key supplements, CoQ-10, Multi, D3, Stopped the Hemp oil for the last month still had dizzy spells. Had very bad reaction to Metoprolol that put me in the hospital. Key factor; I have a narrowing of an artery up the back of my neck. If I can find a doctor I have documented almost everything since the operation. One cardiologist commented, "We don't have a clue of what is going on."

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1 reply
Mentor
Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | May 11, 2020
In reply to @hollywoodal "Mostly supplements, I am currently on 12.5Mg in AM and 12.5Mg in PM. I know that's..." + (show)
@hollywoodal

Mostly supplements, I am currently on 12.5Mg in AM and 12.5Mg in PM. I know that's not very much but I can feel the change 1-2 hours after taking the medicine. Been on it for 5 years prescribed up to 50MG crashed big time. Lots of changes in prescription over this time. Crashed (very bad response/side effects) almost every time. Had to reduce it myself after research to the 12.5Mg AM/PM while doctors watched. Key supplements, CoQ-10, Multi, D3, Stopped the Hemp oil for the last month still had dizzy spells. Had very bad reaction to Metoprolol that put me in the hospital. Key factor; I have a narrowing of an artery up the back of my neck. If I can find a doctor I have documented almost everything since the operation. One cardiologist commented, "We don't have a clue of what is going on."

Jump to this post

Hello @hollywoodal, I would also like to welcome you to Mayo Connect. You have mentioned taking 12.5 mg twice a day, but I'm not sure what medication you are referring to. Can you explain more? It sounds like it is helpful to you in that you notice a feeling better after a couple of hours of taking the med. I would be interested in knowing more about this drug.

I can understand your problems with Metoprolol. My response to that was tough, to say the least. My cardiologist switched me to Atenolol, much better!

REPLY
1 reply
hollywoodal | @hollywoodal | May 11, 2020

Atenolol. Just the opposite My vision changes and balance is off. I get what I call brain fog. By hour 4 I may have a dizzy spell. Tried to make an appointment with Mayo Clinic Jacksonville they were over booked. Long history of ups and downs with a mixture of meds. This problem with Atenolol has developed over the last 6 months. Have taken it for five years. “Atenolols effect on peripheral sympathetic vasoconstrictor drive has remained controversial” (Mayo clinic).

REPLY
cheryl66 | @cheryl66 | Jun 3, 2020
In reply to @hollywoodal "At 70 years old I had an operation for an aortic aneurysm and a quadruple bypass...." + (show)
@hollywoodal

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.

Jump to this post

Hi,

My cardiologist for the past 9 years is Dr. Pablo Elizalde in Savannah. His practice is Cardiovascular Consultants. He is extremely thorough and will listen to your entire background and concerns. His demeanor is very quiet, but don't let that fool you. Also, there are many different options than atenolol. Have your doctors not tried anything else?

REPLY
1 reply
hollywoodal | @hollywoodal | Jun 4, 2020
In reply to @cheryl66 "Hi, My cardiologist for the past 9 years is Dr. Pablo Elizalde in Savannah. His practice..." + (show)
@cheryl66

Hi,

My cardiologist for the past 9 years is Dr. Pablo Elizalde in Savannah. His practice is Cardiovascular Consultants. He is extremely thorough and will listen to your entire background and concerns. His demeanor is very quiet, but don't let that fool you. Also, there are many different options than atenolol. Have your doctors not tried anything else?

Jump to this post

I just switched to another hospital. It has a five star rating for cardiology. The Dr. seemed interested in finding out what is going on, put me on a monitor for 14 days. I went off the atenolol after 7 days and have been off for 10 days now. My highest avg. BP has been 144/73, HR 73. I go back to see the doctor in a week. Do you have a contact number for Dr. Elizalde? Thanks, Al

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wittmack | @wittmack | Jun 4, 2020

Thank you for posting this conversation as I meet with my pcp on Friday to discuss options since my ascending thoracic aorta aneurysm now measures 5.0 cm. What are the questions I should be asking? Thank you

REPLY
1 reply
degarden_girl | @degarden_girl | Jun 4, 2020
In reply to @wittmack "Thank you for posting this conversation as I meet with my pcp on Friday to discuss..." + (show)
@wittmack

Thank you for posting this conversation as I meet with my pcp on Friday to discuss options since my ascending thoracic aorta aneurysm now measures 5.0 cm. What are the questions I should be asking? Thank you

Jump to this post

I think your first questions should center around how to find an outstanding cardiologist. An ascending aortic aneurysm should be evaluated and monitored by a specialist. A specialist will perhaps refer you to a vascular surgeon for evaluation. You want to do this now so you know and are feeling confident in your medical team, well in advance of your need to have surgery. I wish you good luck and good health.

REPLY
1 reply
hollywoodal | @hollywoodal | Jun 5, 2020
In reply to @hopeful33250 "Hello @hollywoodal, I would also like to welcome you to Mayo Connect. You have mentioned taking..." + (show)
@hopeful33250

Hello @hollywoodal, I would also like to welcome you to Mayo Connect. You have mentioned taking 12.5 mg twice a day, but I'm not sure what medication you are referring to. Can you explain more? It sounds like it is helpful to you in that you notice a feeling better after a couple of hours of taking the med. I would be interested in knowing more about this drug.

I can understand your problems with Metoprolol. My response to that was tough, to say the least. My cardiologist switched me to Atenolol, much better!

Jump to this post

Atenolol. It was not feeling better it was worse. Brain fog, balance problems, vision problems, dizziness. I have a new doctor and I am now off of the atenolol. I'm taking Elipulse the last 10 days. It's a product sold in Canada. It does not have all the side effects.

REPLY
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