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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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44mm | @44mm | 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 was being treated for PAC and they found my 4.4 cm dilated ascending aorta in August 2016. Just had another CT scan and it is stable.

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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'm glad it is stable!

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maryswims | @maryswims | Jan 24, 2020
In reply to @morninglory "I am checked once a year and so far so good. Am in 4 exercise classes..." + (show)
Profile picture for morninglory @morninglory

I am checked once a year and so far so good. Am in 4 exercise classes per week and plan on staying in them for good. Good luck on your scan reports.

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I just returned from my first visit with the cardio/thoracic surgeon. He gave me good news that my ascending aortic aneurysm is 3.9 and technically not at the 4.0 stage for a true aneurysm. But I will get the echo cardio gram and another CAT scan in a year to see if it is stable. He assured me that there really is only a 3% chance of it rupturing at this level. And of course as the centimeters increase so does the chances. But they still do not do surgery until 6 cm because there is a greater risk of rupture than the surgery. So I am content to just get my yearly screenings and he said there is a great chance that I will never be operated on but you have to be vigilant with your check ups. And not lift over 30 pounds, but continue to do aerobic exercise !

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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)
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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That's wonderful, @maryswims, I'm so pleased for you!

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morninglory | @morninglory | Jan 24, 2020
In reply to @hopeful33250 "That's wonderful, @maryswims, I'm so pleased for you!" + (show)
Profile picture for Teresa, Volunteer Mentor @hopeful33250

That's wonderful, @maryswims, I'm so pleased for you!

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Sounds like very good news for you. Just always follow up with the screenings and stay active. Stay positive too, I really believe that helps.

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staystable | @staystable | 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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Has anyone discovered effective techniques or treatments to keep the size of the aneurism stable?

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win sturgeon | @cobweb | 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 discovered have a large one and the stress was ding me no good. I am now working out a lot, cutting my lifting of objects to under 25 pounds and watching my BP. As i say don't turn around as something may be following me with a black robe . I know its hard but try and alleviate your stress.

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Drew944 | @Drew944 | Jan 24, 2020
In reply to @maryswims "I also want to know how your scan goes in May. I’ll have an echo cardio..." + (show)
Profile picture for maryswims @maryswims

I also want to know how your scan goes in May. I’ll have an echo cardio gram soon .

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Thank you all a struggle for me too. 48 with 2 babies. 4.4 - can’t think of black robe.

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maryswims | @maryswims | Jan 24, 2020
In reply to @hopeful33250 "@cobweb and @maryswims I agree! Acceptance is a good way to journey through the bumps in..." + (show)
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@cobweb and @maryswims

I agree! Acceptance is a good way to journey through the bumps in life. Thank you for contributing to Connect in such a meaningful way.

I appreciate the attitudes you both reflect in your posts.

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It is all good, my friend. We are never alone in the big picture. Keep reaching out to others!

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maryswims | @maryswims | Jan 24, 2020
In reply to @cobweb "size is 4.8, aorta, i exercise a lot, do lite lifting in my exercise, monitor my..." + (show)
Profile picture for win sturgeon @cobweb

size is 4.8, aorta, i exercise a lot, do lite lifting in my exercise, monitor my BP, drink very little alcohol, and continue what i have always down , only in moderation, i am 78, feel like 50, and try and watch my weight. Now that spring is here , looking forward to gardening, biking, golf etc. L have talked with 3 Drs and they all say the same. When i first found it i said lets do the operation, but was advised that operations have consequences and just watch it. Having my next scan in may, so hopefully i can continue my summer golf etc.

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I also want to know how your scan goes in May. I’ll have an echo cardio gram soon .

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