1. < Aortic Aneurysms

Ascending Aortic Dilation - Ascending Aortic Aneurysm

Posted by rory @rory, Apr 2, 2018

I was diagnosed in 2012 with ascending aorta dialation of 4.1 cm. In 2013 no change. Finally went back to dr in 2017 and echo showed 4.3 cm. 2 months later dr made me have a chest scan which read 4.5 cm. which is correct? Echo or scan? Dr wants me to have another in 6 months. Very stressful.

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debbydiane | @debbydiane | Jan 24, 2020
In reply to @debbydiane "Diagnosed with BAV and a 5.4cm aortic aneurysm. It was found during treatment for something else...." + (show)
@debbydiane

Diagnosed with BAV and a 5.4cm aortic aneurysm. It was found during treatment for something else. I decided I wanted a second opinion and was referred to Mayo Clinic. In 9 days I will be having a CT Scan, Echo and labs done. Consult with the surgeon will follow. I am very anxious. I've never even had a broken bone or anything serious happen to me.

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I have a great support system. My husband is with me at all times and I have a grown daughter and parents who are going to hold things down here at home while I am in the hospital. I am glad I got the second opinion. I never would have known about the CoA. Thank you for responding.

REPLY
debbydiane | @debbydiane | Jan 24, 2020
In reply to @debbydiane "Diagnosed with BAV and a 5.4cm aortic aneurysm. It was found during treatment for something else...." + (show)
@debbydiane

Diagnosed with BAV and a 5.4cm aortic aneurysm. It was found during treatment for something else. I decided I wanted a second opinion and was referred to Mayo Clinic. In 9 days I will be having a CT Scan, Echo and labs done. Consult with the surgeon will follow. I am very anxious. I've never even had a broken bone or anything serious happen to me.

Jump to this post

Thank you!

REPLY
Mentor
Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | Jan 24, 2020
In reply to @debbydiane "Diagnosed with BAV and a 5.4cm aortic aneurysm. It was found during treatment for something else...." + (show)
@debbydiane

Diagnosed with BAV and a 5.4cm aortic aneurysm. It was found during treatment for something else. I decided I wanted a second opinion and was referred to Mayo Clinic. In 9 days I will be having a CT Scan, Echo and labs done. Consult with the surgeon will follow. I am very anxious. I've never even had a broken bone or anything serious happen to me.

Jump to this post

Hello @debbydiane and thank you so much for letting me know how your appointment went. I know you were shocked by the unexpected DX of CoA, but isn't good to know about it rather than having it as an uncertainty?

I am so glad that you liked the cardiologist and the surgeon. A comfort level with your medical professionals tends to give you more confidence and less anxiety about a procedure. Will you let me know the date that your first surgery will be scheduled?

You mentioned that the bowel obstruction and the heart problem were connected, I'm not sure I understand. Can you tell me more about that?

Teresa

REPLY
nancykare | @nancykare | Jan 24, 2020
In reply to @laverne ""Incidentental finding " of a 4.2 CM ascending aorta aneurysm on a CT. I am 66..." + (show)
@laverne

"Incidentental finding " of a 4.2 CM ascending aorta aneurysm on a CT. I am 66 . My Doctor plans f/u CT in March, started me on a 3rd blood pressure pill and cholesterol med to gain better control, told to continue treadmill and free weights at the gym I joined before the diagnosis and said life as usual. Why am I still panicky?? Can this be right?

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Hi! I just found out a month ago that I have a 4.0 ascending aortic aneurysm. My calcium score was 116. I saw my cardiologist and have another appointment in 2 months. I am very nervous about this. I am 67. My sister who is 60 has the same thing. She has know about it for 5 or 6 years with no change. I would love a second opinion -- I live in Florida.

REPLY
1 reply
nancykare | @nancykare | Jan 24, 2020
In reply to @debbydiane "Diagnosed with BAV and a 5.4cm aortic aneurysm. It was found during treatment for something else...." + (show)
@debbydiane

Diagnosed with BAV and a 5.4cm aortic aneurysm. It was found during treatment for something else. I decided I wanted a second opinion and was referred to Mayo Clinic. In 9 days I will be having a CT Scan, Echo and labs done. Consult with the surgeon will follow. I am very anxious. I've never even had a broken bone or anything serious happen to me.

Jump to this post

I would also like to know about the bowel and heart issue too please. I'm afraid I might have the same problem

REPLY
Mentor
Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | Jan 24, 2020
In reply to @laverne ""Incidentental finding " of a 4.2 CM ascending aorta aneurysm on a CT. I am 66..." + (show)
@laverne

"Incidentental finding " of a 4.2 CM ascending aorta aneurysm on a CT. I am 66 . My Doctor plans f/u CT in March, started me on a 3rd blood pressure pill and cholesterol med to gain better control, told to continue treadmill and free weights at the gym I joined before the diagnosis and said life as usual. Why am I still panicky?? Can this be right?

Jump to this post

Hello @nancykare and welcome to Mayo Connect,

Your concern about your new cardiac diagnosis is certainly understandable. Here is some information from Mayo Clinic's website with some information regarding this disorder, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/thoracic-aortic-aneurysm/symptoms-causes/syc-20350188. I would encourage you to read this information. In most cases, the more a person understands their health condition, the better prepared they can be to ask good questions of their medical team and seek out the best treatment.

You mentioned getting a second opinion. This is always a wise decision. You mention living in Florida, there is a Mayo Clinic facility in Jacksonville, FL. If you like to set up an appointment there for a second opinion, here is some information about making an appointment:

"Mayo Clinic works with hundreds of insurance companies and is an in-network provider for millions of people. In most cases, Mayo Clinic doesn't require a physician referral. Some insurers require referrals, or may have additional requirements for certain medical care. All appointments are prioritized on the basis of medical need, and the team members who will care for you or your family have the expertise and skills to provide the best care possible."

Mayo Clinic in Florida
904-339-5809
8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern time, Monday through Friday

I look forward to hearing from you again. If you are comfortable sharing more, what symptoms led you to the diagnosis?

Teresa

REPLY
1 reply
Kanaaz Pereira, Connect Moderator | @kanaazpereira | Jan 24, 2020
In reply to @laverne ""Incidentental finding " of a 4.2 CM ascending aorta aneurysm on a CT. I am 66..." + (show)
@laverne

"Incidentental finding " of a 4.2 CM ascending aorta aneurysm on a CT. I am 66 . My Doctor plans f/u CT in March, started me on a 3rd blood pressure pill and cholesterol med to gain better control, told to continue treadmill and free weights at the gym I joined before the diagnosis and said life as usual. Why am I still panicky?? Can this be right?

Jump to this post

I'd also like to invite @ginko @kdh1 @jpmerk @dixitworld @amiscott32 @lynnw @grandmajan to join in – I'm certain they will have some valuable insights and information to share intros group.

REPLY
1 reply
janet26 | @janet26 | Jan 24, 2020
In reply to @nancykare "Hi! I just found out a month ago that I have a 4.0 ascending aortic aneurysm...." + (show)
@nancykare

Hi! I just found out a month ago that I have a 4.0 ascending aortic aneurysm. My calcium score was 116. I saw my cardiologist and have another appointment in 2 months. I am very nervous about this. I am 67. My sister who is 60 has the same thing. She has know about it for 5 or 6 years with no change. I would love a second opinion -- I live in Florida.

Jump to this post

I wonder what would cause the elevated calcium. MYbe that’s worth looking into as part of the cause. Just asking only going on what I have been reading also.

REPLY
laverne | @laverne | Jan 24, 2020

"Incidentental finding " of a 4.2 CM ascending aorta aneurysm on a CT. I am 66 . My Doctor plans f/u CT in March, started me on a 3rd blood pressure pill and cholesterol med to gain better control, told to continue treadmill and free weights at the gym I joined before the diagnosis and said life as usual. Why am I still panicky?? Can this be right?

REPLY
47 replies
nancykare | @nancykare | Jan 24, 2020
In reply to @hopeful33250 "Hello @nancykare and welcome to Mayo Connect, Your concern about your new cardiac diagnosis is certainly..." + (show)
@hopeful33250

Hello @nancykare and welcome to Mayo Connect,

Your concern about your new cardiac diagnosis is certainly understandable. Here is some information from Mayo Clinic's website with some information regarding this disorder, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/thoracic-aortic-aneurysm/symptoms-causes/syc-20350188. I would encourage you to read this information. In most cases, the more a person understands their health condition, the better prepared they can be to ask good questions of their medical team and seek out the best treatment.

You mentioned getting a second opinion. This is always a wise decision. You mention living in Florida, there is a Mayo Clinic facility in Jacksonville, FL. If you like to set up an appointment there for a second opinion, here is some information about making an appointment:

"Mayo Clinic works with hundreds of insurance companies and is an in-network provider for millions of people. In most cases, Mayo Clinic doesn't require a physician referral. Some insurers require referrals, or may have additional requirements for certain medical care. All appointments are prioritized on the basis of medical need, and the team members who will care for you or your family have the expertise and skills to provide the best care possible."

Mayo Clinic in Florida
904-339-5809
8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern time, Monday through Friday

I look forward to hearing from you again. If you are comfortable sharing more, what symptoms led you to the diagnosis?

Teresa

Jump to this post

Thank you so much for the info. I will try to get an appointment in Jacksonville.

REPLY
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