Connect
← Return to Renal - Infrarenal Aortic Aneurysm
Discussion
Renal - Infrarenal Aortic Aneurysm
Aortic Aneurysms | Last Active: Oct 8, 2018 | Replies (22)Comment receiving replies
<p>My 68 year old very energetic "on the go" mom got sick in Feb. of this year with a cold that progressed to the point of an ER visit at the end of March. A CT scan revealed an abdominal aortic aneurysm and the endovascular repair was done at the end of April. As soon as she exited the recovery room she became sick vomiting and diarrhea and after being released made 6 more trips back to the hospital where some led to admittance for more than 7 days.</p><p>Between the end of April post repair and now, she was back 6 times, lost weight due to the vomiting and diarrhea, had no appetite and simply couldn't keep anything down and had low right abdominal pain her and there that radiated to her back. The longest stay was due to C diff. infection. The doctor said he really wasn't sure that was her problem but he was out of options to diagnose her with. She was finally able to eat a little and begin to recover.</p><p>June 14 she called the ambulance due to a sharp pain in her right lower quadrant of her abdomen radiating to her back and was released on June 22. The reason was for a right kidney infarction that was later denied by another doctor. There were so many doctors and each said something contrary to the other. I decided the best route was to get a copy of the doctors notes from the visit. In these notes I found the tests revealed 2 heart valve regurgitation, kidney infarction, kidney injury, bibasilar atelectasis which is a partial collapse of a lung a breathing complication after surgery and another even bigger renal aortic aneurysm among other things.</p><p>I don't mean to scare anybody but I wonder a few things. Why were we not informed of some of the findings? How did they miss another aneurysm or did they indeed cause it? Why does the vascular surgeon not cooperate with the diagnosis and treatment of her problem and just keep giving her the "everything is fine" spill? When I called for the follow up appointment the hospital recommended the doctor had told them to tell us that the only thing needed was the 3 month visit, nothing quicker. I'm not trying to point a finger just trying to find someone to help my mom. It's hard to see her weak and sick and worry about whether or not today is the last day with her. Before the surgery she was so vibrant, even having the great grandkids over for the summer. Something happened to my mom in that operating room and I really need to find out what it's going to take to get her back to where she was.</p><p>There's so much that could have happened including aortic infection and I don't want anyone in trouble just help for her. In addition, she's diabetic, anemic and has COPD. One of her plaque meds valsartan is suspected to worsen the kidney infarction.</p>
Replies to "My 68 year old very energetic "on the go" mom got sick in Feb. of this..."
That's what I'm in the process of. I considered the Mayo Clinic and have an appointment request form that I am filling out. However, if I could stay closer to home which is North Georgia it would be better. I need opinions on places like Emory or St. Josephs which is in Atlanta unless the Mayo has a more advanced testing, etc. option. No drive is too far to help mom. Anybody know of any places to start since I want to be sure I choose the best facility for her conditions. Since there are multiple conditions one may fit better than another would.
Consumer Reports has some information on choosing a top hospital that might be helpful in your research:
- http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/news/2014/08/six-tips-for-choosing-the-right-hospital-for-surgery/index.htm
- http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/2013/01/how-to-choose-a-hospital/index.htm
There's also sites like HealthGrades or ZocDoc for physician reviews or even Castle Connolly's Top Doctors. They are all free and reading reviews from others may help.
Hi @mlan68,
I wanted to add my welcome to you as well. When caring for my father, I recommended my mother always ask to copies of tests and reports. During his journey with cancer, I was surprised how often her trusty binder became the source that team members turned to to verify things (medications, test results, etc.) especially when transitioning from one point of care to another. You were wise to have gathered this information. I'm sorry that you discovered things you wish you had been told. You mother has a multiple complex issues and seeking out the best is very wise.
@caretothepeople offered some great resources for finding care facilities. I will also point out that several hospitals, including some in Georgia and nearby, are part of the Mayo Clinic Care Network. See the listing here http://www.mayoclinic.org/about-mayo-clinic/care-network/members Mayo Clinic Care Network members share Mayo Clinic's patient-centered culture and commitment to improving the delivery of health care. Potential members go through a thorough evaluation, including a review process that includes overview and site visits.
You may also wish to read this thread https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/abdominal-aortic-aneurysm-2b62d0/ and connect with @janetpomponio and @elsinann.
How is your mom doing today?
I am praying for you and your mom! I cannot even imagine this!
I'm so happy you updated - please know you are both in my prayers!!!
Hi @mlan68. Just checking in. How are you and your mom doing? How did the meeting with the vascular surgeon go earlier this month?
Thanks for asking @colleenyoung it went great. It turns out the dr. at the emergency room read the films incorrectly. The second opinion surgeon says that it's just swelling that will take approximately a year to completely go back to normal. He says it's a process and everything looks great.
She is however, still experiencing nausea and vomiting so the gastro doc is the next stop.
I want to know if anyone else is dealing with these two life threatening conditions at the same time, and how are you coping with it physically and mentally?
Connect
Hi @mlan68, and welcome to Connect. Thanks for sharing your mom's journey with the group, as I feel other members might be able to relate. I can only imagine how frightening and frustrating all of this must be. I'm including some information from Mayo Clinic on aortic aneurysms: http://mayocl.in/28UWOka. I'm also tagging a few Connect members who have discussed this condition, @plj44 and @jessicalatessa.
@mlan68, have you considered getting a second opinion with the latest notes? Please keep the group posted on how she's doing.