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Thoracic aortic aneurysm: Anyone had surgery?
I was born with a hole in my heart and have had 2 surgeries. One to fix hole and the other a valve replacement. I've been recently told the I have a thoracic aneurysm and possibly will need more surgery.. Anyone gone th ru this before??
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@smithjss It natural to be scared. I was diagnosed with enlarged aneurysm I was dilated to 5.5 cm I had valve sparing aortic root replacement done in September 2012 at Mayo Clinic Rochester . There always risk with surgery but I wouldn't be to scared about. surgery just go some were Like Mayo Clinic that well knowing for it. The worse for me was the first 24 hours after surgery the only thing that happened to me was that about two weeks out from surgery I went in to a-fib ended haven ablation for atrial fibrillation other than that it just time only other thing would say is if can wait would wait until fall when the weather is cooler so more comfortable for recovery anything want to know just ask will answer if I can
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1 Reaction@colleenyoung my biggest fear is the unknown. Having to deal with the VA for referals seems to be taking to long, even though there has only been 2 business days since my diagnosis. How long will i expect to be out of work? How likely is it that the aortic valve will need to be replaced? What side effects will there be after the surgery? I know these are some questions ill need to ask my surgeon. There is so much going through my head its hard to relax enough to sleep.
You can expect to be out of work safe to say about 90 Days, You wont be able to drive for about Eight weeks. You will have lifting restrictions for a few months The aortic valve being replaced depends if already leaking. but would say that should probably be able to replace you natural valve. You can look up what they call a valve sparing aortic root replacement it might give you some info also Some of the side effects I had after surgery was body temperature changes would have night sweats etc. for couple weeks after surgery,fluid retention. sometimes I became really emotional after surgery . Don't let you self get so worried about it will be all good
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1 ReactionHad a large thoracic aorta aneurysm (6+) repaired at Mayo in May 2016 plus a total arch replacement plus one bypass by Dr Pochettino. Wonderful Doctor and by my result, a real expert. I am 72, had no complications and felt like the old me after 6 weeks. I cannot recommend Dr Pochettino enough and thankful to him for saving my life. At home in an area of about 100,000 population, there wasn't a doctor who could do an arch replacement. Mayo and its doctors are the best.
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3 ReactionsGood to hear. When my aneurysm was discovered there weren't any local Doctors experienced with my unique condition, and I had to travel to where the experience practiced. All we can do as patients is our homework. You did yours and it paid off. All the best to you.
Bruce
Texas
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1 ReactionWelcome to Connect @crhp194. Thanks for the ringing endorsement of Mayo and its professional care team. As Bruce said, we have to our homework and find the experienced and the best.
How is your recovery going? You said you felt like the old you after 6 weeks, but are there changes that you've introduced to the old you, like diet or activity, perhaps attitude?
THank you, Bruce! Mayo did their part bu seeing the need for almost immediate surgery and scheduled it quickly.
I have dealt with some depression but my solution toward depression which I have had for a good share of my life is to keep busy. I have had some trouble sleeping and that's where depression crops up for me. As for positive things, I am working very hard to walk every day at least 30 minutes.
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1 ReactionMy Aneurysm surgery was in 2005. It was very invasive at that time (lots of cutting), and my first operation was in 1978, so my 2005 recovery was slow due to the scar tissue removal of ~24 years delta between the procedures. You feel kind of helpless and out of control the way your body failed, and now depend on others who a few days before were total strangers. I worked on my hobbies for a few months while on the mend. There has to be something you enjoy where you can focus on it while you heal. That will give you something positive to look forward too. Maybe this will help with your depression . Old coins, stamps, etc. Go to a show related to your hobby, like a Coin or Stamp show. Mingle a bit. Keep your chin up!
Bruce
Texas
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1 Reaction@smithjss we haven't heard from you in a while. How are you doing? Any updates on getting surgery?