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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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Kanaaz Pereira, Connect Moderator | @kanaazpereira | Jan 24, 2020
In reply to @hslusher "I'm from Beaufort SC as well! Did you ever take Levaquin or Cipro (fluoroquinolone antibiotics)?" + (show)
Profile picture for hslusher @hslusher

I'm from Beaufort SC as well! Did you ever take Levaquin or Cipro (fluoroquinolone antibiotics)?

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Welcome @hslusher. May I ask what brings you to Mayo Clinic Connect? Have you been diagnosed with an aortic aneurysm?

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hslusher | @hslusher | Jan 24, 2020
In reply to @laverne ""Incidentental finding " of a 4.2 CM ascending aorta aneurysm on a CT. I am 66..." + (show)
Profile picture for laverne @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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I'm from Beaufort SC as well! Did you ever take Levaquin or Cipro (fluoroquinolone antibiotics)?

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2 replies
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Drew944 | @Drew944 | Jan 24, 2020
In reply to @hslusher "I'm from Beaufort SC as well! Did you ever take Levaquin or Cipro (fluoroquinolone antibiotics)?" + (show)
Profile picture for hslusher @hslusher

I'm from Beaufort SC as well! Did you ever take Levaquin or Cipro (fluoroquinolone antibiotics)?

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No, just on and over the years : Prostate and varility
Arginmax
Nugenix multivitamin
Saw palmetto
Vitamin D
Fish oil
Citruline

Excedrin
Aspirin
Melatonin

Then stopping after palpitations

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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)
Profile picture for Teresa, Volunteer Mentor @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

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

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kdh1 | @kdh1 | Jan 24, 2020
In reply to @kanaazpereira "I'd also like to invite @ginko @kdh1 @jpmerk @dixitworld @amiscott32 @lynnw @grandmajan to join in –..." + (show)
Profile picture for Kanaaz Pereira, Connect Moderator @kanaazpereira

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.

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I am wondering about after surgery follow up. I think I asked this once before. After my AAA surgery I had one following up with my vascular surgeon. He said everything was great and he would see me in five (5) years. Is that normal? Please reply. Thank you kdh1

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anniejam | @anniejam | Jan 24, 2020
In reply to @laverne ""Incidentental finding " of a 4.2 CM ascending aorta aneurysm on a CT. I am 66..." + (show)
Profile picture for laverne @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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I too am concerned because I have a measurement of 4.1 on my ascending aortic aneurysms . Why do we get these? What is the treatment? and when? anniejam

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degarden_girl | @degarden_girl | Jan 24, 2020
In reply to @anniejam "I too am concerned because I have a measurement of 4.1 on my ascending aortic aneurysms..." + (show)
Profile picture for anniejam @anniejam

I too am concerned because I have a measurement of 4.1 on my ascending aortic aneurysms . Why do we get these? What is the treatment? and when? anniejam

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Some aortic aneurysms are genetic issues and others I believe can be from lifestyle issues (smoking) or high blood pressure. From my understanding, the 4.1 cm measurement is not terribly large. I think the important thing right now is to monitor how fast it is growing, if at all. Mine has been about that size for a number of years and appears to be growing very, very slowly. I believe surgical intervention is considered when the aneurysm grows somewhere in the 5 cm range. In the meantime, I am sure your cardiologist has recommended not lifting over a certain weight -- for me, no lifting over 25 lbs. Also, absolutely no snow shoveling no matter how light the snow.

At this point, I don't think you should be losing sleep over this issue but rather, assure you are being monitored, that you are following your cardio's lifestyle advice and hold off the worrying until you see how fast the aneurysm is growing. In my case, I hope to die of old age before needing surgery to repair the aneurysm.

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anniejam | @anniejam | Jan 24, 2020
In reply to @laverne ""Incidentental finding " of a 4.2 CM ascending aorta aneurysm on a CT. I am 66..." + (show)
Profile picture for laverne @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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I am 71 and have a 4.1 ascending aortic aneurysms and I am very concerned about it and what is the treatment for it? This is a repeat. Sorry. I just joined.

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Drew944 | @Drew944 | Jan 24, 2020
In reply to @laverne ""Incidentental finding " of a 4.2 CM ascending aorta aneurysm on a CT. I am 66..." + (show)
Profile picture for laverne @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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All not alone - in my case I’m 47 with a 3 and 5 year old . I have a 4.4 TAA with no reasonable cause that 3 dr’s can find . I fear self inflicted with blood flow supplements though told unrelated. I am devastated and petrified. All tell me monitoring and will only repair if 5-5.5 and to carry on but struggle especially when looking into my beautiful families eye’s.

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anniejam | @anniejam | Jan 24, 2020
In reply to @degarden_girl "@Drew944 I think you need to just take a deep breath and not be so scared...." + (show)
Profile picture for degarden_girl @degarden_girl

@Drew944 I think you need to just take a deep breath and not be so scared. I am sure your cardio has you monitored for the rate the aneurysm is growing and that is the critical issue. If your aneurysm is as slow growing as mine is, it may be 20 + years or more before you need surgical repair. And by then, they may have an entirely different way of repairing it.

I suggest you talk to your cardio about how fast this is growing and knowing it is not growing at a fast rate might give you some peace of mind. I am sure your cardio has suggested limiting how much you lift and that must be tough when you have such little children. But you can sit and they can crawl into your lap and you can have the same cuddling without the lifting. When necessary, I do lift things that perhaps I shouldn't but so far, the aneurysm is hardly growing at all. I have been warned to NEVER shovel snow so I don't and I don't do any work/exercise outside in the cold of winter.

Think positively. Knowing you have this is better than having it and not knowing it is there. I understand your fear and how devastated you must feel but don't let your fear steal your enjoyment of life. I wish you well.

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Thank you!

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