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Ascending Aortic Dilation - Ascending Aortic Aneurysm
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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Has anyone discovered effective techniques or treatments to keep the size of the aneurism stable?
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1 Reactioni 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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1 ReactionHello @staystable
As you undoubtedly know, at Mayo Connect we cannot answer medical questions, we can just share our experiences, patient-to-patient.
You've asked an interesting question. In your first post, you mentioned that maintaining a healthy blood pressure is important. Lifestyle changes and blood pressure meds are very helpful in controlling blood pressure. How are you doing with that? Do you exercise and follow a dietary plan that promotes healthy blood pressure?
If you care to share more, what is the size of your aneurysm? Have you asked your doctor this question, about how to keep the size of the aneurysm stable? If not, this might be a good first step.
I look forward to hearing how you are doing. Will you post again?
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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1 ReactionHello @cobweb,
I hope that @staystable reads your post. It sounds like you are doing wonderful and taking good care of yourself. You have made a good case for living a healthy lifestyle! What type of scan do they use to check the aneurysm, is a CT scan or something else?
I look forward to hearing from you again. Will you post again after your scan in May and provide an update?
CT scan with contrast/ Found out in October and was stressed out, but now accepting it. What elese can i do? Hah
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1 ReactionI’m accepting it too. We all got k’od, but then, the acceptance. More people through the years of incidental findings will give a baseline for medical tracking. Many people may have this, die of something else. It is not a death sentence. Look on it as lucky to track it, maybe never need an operation. It’s not to be overlooked either, keep blood pressure reigned in, don’t lift crazy. Excercise, eat veggies. Drink water, don’t drink, cause it raises havoc on all systems. Yoga and mindfulness, meditation. Well do great!
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1 Reaction@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.
It is all good, my friend. We are never alone in the big picture. Keep reaching out to others!
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1 ReactionI also want to know how your scan goes in May. I’ll have an echo cardio gram soon .
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