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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maryswims | @maryswims | Jan 24, 2020
In reply to @cobweb "welcome to the club. I have the same, 77 years, good shape, my no is 4.8...." + (show)
@cobweb

welcome to the club. I have the same, 77 years, good shape, my no is 4.8. The Drs are still doing watchful waiting. I ask why not surgery now. They said many bad things like stroke etc can happen. My friend has his operation in October and he is still in a nursing home. So, i cut my lifting of weights in half and try to relax. Tough to do i know. Luck to us all.

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I went to a vascular surgeon on recommendation, but it turns out he said I need a cardiologist after all; that since ascending root aorta aneurysms would call for open heart surgery (perhaps, someday), that is not the purview of a vascular specialist. So, onward to a cardiologist!

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1 reply
Drew944 | @Drew944 | Jan 24, 2020
In reply to @maryswims "I went to a vascular surgeon on recommendation, but it turns out he said I need..." + (show)
@maryswims

I went to a vascular surgeon on recommendation, but it turns out he said I need a cardiologist after all; that since ascending root aorta aneurysms would call for open heart surgery (perhaps, someday), that is not the purview of a vascular specialist. So, onward to a cardiologist!

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Out of curiosity was it helpful to meet with the surgeon even though not needed now or possibly ever. Thought it may be to gain confidence in the fix if needed. Thanks

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maryswims | @maryswims | 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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There was an error in the referral; I was sent to a vascular surgeon instead of a cardiologist thoracic surgeon . But at least the ultrasound was done there. Now on March 20, I will go to the correct one! He has done quite a few aorta fixes even though he is 41yrs old. I will post you about that experience. I’m having trouble with blood pressure ever since my unrelated colectomy in January. Some people say it takes a while for your post op body to rebalance itself especially after there was removal of tissue or organ’s. I had 6 inches of my beginning ascending colon removed for a polyp that turned out to be benign.

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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)
@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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Thanks! Please keep posting! I am following you!

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morninglory | @morninglory | Jan 24, 2020
In reply to @Drew944 "Also heard very important to find best surgeons who do repairs routinely - my research shows..." + (show)
@Drew944

Also heard very important to find best surgeons who do repairs routinely - my research shows Mayo Clinic , cleaveland clinic and cedars Sinai - see others too - local to me but will have to decide when and if the tine comes. Was told may never have to. Hope your friend ends up fully recovering

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I had surgery for ascending aorta aneurysm July 2016 at 78 years old, surgery went fine, recovery went very well and it was done at Mayo in Rochester by Dr. Pochettino. Cannot praise he and his staff enough, competent, caring, the BEST!!. The size was over 5 had been followed for about 3 years.

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3 replies
BruceS | @ch246cf10 | Jan 24, 2020
In reply to @morninglory "I had surgery for ascending aorta aneurysm July 2016 at 78 years old, surgery went fine,..." + (show)
@morninglory

I had surgery for ascending aorta aneurysm July 2016 at 78 years old, surgery went fine, recovery went very well and it was done at Mayo in Rochester by Dr. Pochettino. Cannot praise he and his staff enough, competent, caring, the BEST!!. The size was over 5 had been followed for about 3 years.

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Hello Morninglory,
Is your incision around the side of your body following your rib line or at the front thru the sternum. Mine was around the side, and they took out 1 rib.

Bruce
Texas

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2 replies
anniejam | @anniejam | Jan 24, 2020
In reply to @ch246cf10 "Hello Morninglory, Is your incision around the side of your body following your rib line or..." + (show)
@ch246cf10

Hello Morninglory,
Is your incision around the side of your body following your rib line or at the front thru the sternum. Mine was around the side, and they took out 1 rib.

Bruce
Texas

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Thanks! That is what I want to hear.

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Mentor
Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | Jan 24, 2020
In reply to @morninglory "I had surgery for ascending aorta aneurysm July 2016 at 78 years old, surgery went fine,..." + (show)
@morninglory

I had surgery for ascending aorta aneurysm July 2016 at 78 years old, surgery went fine, recovery went very well and it was done at Mayo in Rochester by Dr. Pochettino. Cannot praise he and his staff enough, competent, caring, the BEST!!. The size was over 5 had been followed for about 3 years.

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What a wonderful report, @morninglory! I am glad to hear that you were so pleased with your experience at Mayo and that you are doing well.

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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)
@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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Yes, i was found to have one last october and had lots of anxiety. They told me the symptoms and i had none, but after hering them i had them all. Time to relax and monitor it. Mine in 4.8 with open heart at 5.0 so i try to not think about it. Spring will be here and much to take my mind off of it.

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win sturgeon | @cobweb | Jan 24, 2020
In reply to @morninglory "I had surgery for ascending aorta aneurysm July 2016 at 78 years old, surgery went fine,..." + (show)
@morninglory

I had surgery for ascending aorta aneurysm July 2016 at 78 years old, surgery went fine, recovery went very well and it was done at Mayo in Rochester by Dr. Pochettino. Cannot praise he and his staff enough, competent, caring, the BEST!!. The size was over 5 had been followed for about 3 years.

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i am also 78 and a 4.8 aorta aneurysm was found in october , size 4.8 . Was told 5.0 is the number to consider surgery. May i ask how long your recovery was so you can get back to normal? I am in good shape and continue to work out so i have finally stopped fretting, controlling the stress and do periodic testing.

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