Ascending Aortic Dilation - Ascending Aortic Aneurysm

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Hello, @lisalucier Here we are in April. Not sure how this post works yet. I am new. Reading some posted here. Interesting. They found a 4.8 Ascending aneurysm with bicuspid valve last August. I have never had and issue and in pretty good shape at 57. I was working out everyday. Hikingquite a bit and other activities. Now down to zero and depressed. The echo test should 5cm, the CT scan showed up at 4.8 and the latest CT scan showed up at 4.95. Am I coming or going? Can this grow that fast? Another scan is set up for August or September. I have no idea what to think of this. I am told operation with be needed before 5.5cm. Is this factual? They can't even tell me the exact size. How does this work? And quite frankly, Anyway, to say this is a nightmare is an understatement. Any feedback out there?

Hello,
Once you get the Bicuspid Valve(I'm assuming the Aortic Position) replaced you will have so much more energy. At 50 mine was all stiffened and not opening or closing completely. They called this condition Stenosis. Ask your Doctors about the condition status of the valve. I had and Aneurysm too but when that happened and needed surgery there was no time to do the valve. They did the valve 10 years later. I bet with you they will probably do both at the same time.

Stay well.

Bruce S.
Texas

Indeed aortic valve bicuspid. They will do both at the same time. I have no issue with the valve, it is in good working condition. But they will try to repair it. At this time I have no lack of energy. I am a fitness buff. Its like i have no issues. Its more in the mental aspect. I just question how they are getting so different measurements. I live in Canada, operation options are limited. I am hoping to find a mini sternotomy operation vs, full sternotmy. I will be asking Cleveland Clinic for their opinion and see if they are my choice. Happy you are well and energenic.

Hi. Don't panic about the slightly different measurements of the aneurysm. CT scans and Echos measure differently and the technician doing the scan can read it differently. My cardio tells me that such a small difference is actually insignificant.

I can understand your shock and dismay at this diagnosis. I remember when I was told I had one which was about 13 years ago. It is easy to feel depressed and very vulnerable. Not sure why you stopped exercising -- was this your Cardio's recommendation? For me, I was told to not lift more than 25 lbs., not to shovel snow (see, there is a good side to everything!) and to assure I can carry on a conversation when doing aerobic exercising. So, in 13 years, my aneurysm has gone from 3.8 to 4.1. It is slow growing and I am hopeful that I will die from old age rather than from the aneurysm. I'm 75 now so that is a distinct possibility.

So, try to see this as a health issue that needs to be managed, not a death sentence or even a cause for surgery. I suggest you talk to your cardio to determine if you can continue exercising as that might help lift your depression.

I wish you good health.

Donna

I feel your pain! I have AAA that has been measured from 3.7 to 4.9.....just got a scan this Am will get report around 3 pm. Up and down depressed and afraid to pick up anything, someone here told me not to pickup more than a jug of milk, been being careful. I wish they could just do damn surgery and get it over with!!!

welcome to the club. It was said to keep stress down and after the shock of this and being in good health i lightened up on weights to nothing over 50 pounds, biking and gardening and golf etc, and then this virus which goes after older people. So stress is tough to keep under control. Find its better to not watch the hateful news. My scan is 4.8 last summer . Had it done locally in Toledo and then visited Cleveland Clinic. Not sure i will return to Cleveland which seems to be a hot bed for the virus. Good luck

problem is what happens during surgery which is no sure thing. Stroke etc. Relax, turn off the news, bike, walk, garden, hell i am 79 and feel like 50. Only problem is what we all have that are sharing this communication.

Some club eh. Sounds like you have the right plan to stay healthy as one would say. Cheers and keep it up.

@cass57, there are certainly good cardiologists in the major urban centers in Canada. However, if you're considering out of country options, you may wish to inquire at Mayo Clinic as well as Cleveland Clinic. Here's the link to Information for Canadian Patients https://www.mayoclinic.org/canada

@degarden_girl is quite right that measurements can vary slightly depending on the imaging type i.e., echo vs CT scan.

@cobweb is on to something about relax, turn off the news and do moderate physical activity. According to this article https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/abdominal-aortic-aneurysm/symptoms-causes/syc-20350688 regular exercise is good:
"Get regular exercise. Try to get at least 150 minutes a week of moderate aerobic activity. If you haven't been active, start slowly and build up. Talk to your doctor about what kinds of activities are right for you."

When it is time for surgery depends on multiple factors, not just size. "Repair is generally recommended if your aneurysm is 1.9 to 2.2 inches (4.8 to 5.6 centimeters) or larger or if it's growing quickly. Also, your doctor might recommend surgery if you have symptoms such as stomach pain or you have a leaking, tender or painful aneurysm."

It surely is a club you never hoped to join. But here you are and I'm glad you found the Connect community. Keep asking questions. You can see people are quick to respond. 🙂