Ascending Aortic Dilation - Ascending Aortic Aneurysm

I had an ascending aortic aneurism that had reached 5+. I don’t think Mayo operates until the aneurysm is at least 5. If I were you I would not worry until it becomes larger. I also still have an abdominal aneurysm that is 4.8 and Mayo does not want to operate on that. The reasons are many but surgeries carry a lot of risk and I think that as long as your aneurysm is small and mine too it’s better to wait. You may never need surgery. As for me, I don’t worry about it. Only time I get concerned is when I have a yearly CT scan. Please have faith that your doctors have made the correct decision but get on with your life. None of us know when we are leaving this earth but I try to live each day. I wish you the very best and hope your worry is somewhat eased.

Thanks so much for getting back to me. I do feel much better now after reading your response. But you said you’re aorta dilation is 5+. Is it still the same or did you have your valve replaced? The doctor did say they don’t like to have surgery until it gets around five or more. But I agree I will put it out of my mind and like you not worry until I have my next scan. Ive know about this since 2012 but only started to worry when it got to where it is now. Doctor says it’s a range of 4.3 - 4.5. My doctor said to continue living my life as I do I go to the gym and still work on the treadmill. Thanks again for getting back to me

I had open heart surgery at Mayo for the ascending aneurysm which was not dissected, just large, and the arch was rebuilt but no valve replacement. Actually got along quite well thanks to a wonderful doctor there, Dr Pochettino. Again, best of luck to you!

Thanks again for letting me know. Best of luck to you also.

I was diagnosed in 2005 with an ascending aneurysm after I lost my son, 5 months pregnant. Mayo drs have been wonderful watching me ever since, once a year. I couldn't ask for better care at Mayo Clinic, Rochester! I'm still at the watchful eye but also living life like everyone day by day, except my dr has limited my weight lifting to no more than 50 lbs. I am ok with that especially if it helps prevent anything from expanding. Find a dr you trust, comfortable with and are able to talk to. It makes a world of difference while we go thru this

Thanks for getting back to me. So sorry for the loss of your son. My dr is very good and explains everything to me. I like him a lot. He also told me not to lift more than 20 lbs. what is the size of your aorta dialation ? You've had this since 2005 seems like your doing great. I just found out about it in 2012. My next scan is in 6 months.

Did any of you have symptoms?

Hi this is my 1st post. I a 45 year old female. Not over weight but I smoke. After having what feels like muscle tearing and dizziness I went to the er a month ago. I was told I had a 3.2 dilation ascending aorta and to follow up with a doctor. The er called umc who said they would not even see me at that size, even with symptoms. The pain comes in goes. My primary did a new cta Friday it said it is 3.4. They gave me the number to the doctors at USA in mobile. I also am calling mayo I’m the morning.
It seems small but, I can hear my heart beat in my shoulder and I have a history of brain aneurysms. What doctors do I need to see at the mayo hospital? I’m so full of anxiety now.
What should I ask for and who should I see? I wanted to add I now have a appointment Thursday to see a surgeon at USA in mobile.
Thank you all for listening any advice would be helpful!!

Ps- this has went on for months. They have ran so many test on me and they all came back good till last month. I had a heart ultrasound 3 months ago that was fine.. I told them something was wrong.

Hello @estanley2008,

Welcome to Connect. You may notice that I moved your first message and combined it with this existing discussion on ascending aorta dilation. I did this as I thought you might like to meet the many members who have discussed much of what you are experiencing.
If you click on VIEW & REPLY in your email notification, you will see the whole discussion and can join in, meet, and participate with other members talking about their or their loved ones' experiences.

This Mayo Clinic webpage has tons of information about thoracic aortic aneurysm, diagnosis & treatment, and care at the Clinic:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/thoracic-aortic-aneurysm/symptoms-causes/syc-20350188

Here are a few conversations on Connect, which I encourage you to read:
– Large ascending aorta in young healthy 45 year old woman http://mayocl.in/2gwDknX
– New Diagnosis - ascending aorta aneurysm https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/new-diagnosis-27f493/

I’m also tagging members @laverne @jimemerson @elsinann @teatime @thegoodwife @thankful @janet26 @debbydiane @ginko Mentor @hopeful33250 who can share their experiences and provide some guidance and thoughts.

@estanley2008, I can imagine your concern when, as you said, "The er called umc who said they would not even see me at that size, even with symptoms1" Did they give you any explanation?

They told the er doctor that even with symptoms that was to small to treat. To tell me to let my primary know and keep watching it.
Crazy, I know