Thoracic aortic aneurysm: Anyone had surgery?

Thank you so much - its the hardest thing to deal with. I keep looking for answers and wanting to do something more about it and have to keep telling my self I will be ok and it is being monitored and will be fixed if needed. Back in 2 months then 4 months later. Never went to the Dr so much. Never had this before. I have felt symptoms for 40 years on and off - was always told it was nothing, now this.

Thank you for your kind words of advice Lynn. May I ask the name of your cardiologist at Mayo?

Dr. Bonnichen is my cardiologist and Dr Pochettino is my surgeon. Dr Bonnichen gets referrals from Dr Pochettino for people that are on our journey. A kind of "hand holder" for when you start getting worried or have a question. After the diagnosis you are kind of left hanging since the surgeon isn't there until needed. She keeps an eye on my blood pressure and schedules me for my screenings to check for growth. She is awesome to have on my side. She is also a very kind person.

Thank you Lynn for your prompt reply. You are so very kind! These are the two docs that I have chosen through my research, but have not had an appointment yet. I have sent records to Dr. Pochettino and will contact Dr. Bonnichen soon. My current echo by the doc here reads 4.6. I am waiting to visit Mayo next spring for my CT unless the next echo shows growth sooner. This is a very difficult diagnosis to live with.

Have a pleasant day.

Deby

I just found out I have a AAA. It is 4.0 right now. It is very scary . I will be flowing you to see how you are doing. Good luck at your appointment

Good luck to you. Mayo will take good care of you. They make it less scary as they are so very good at what they do. Let me know if you have any questions.

Thank you! I hope my insurance will let me go there. I will be checking today of tomorrow.

Thank you so very much. It is so comforting to know that you are out there. Please contact me any time also Lynn.

Deby

Hi: I usually only read and follow everyone here. But now have some questions. Along with A-fib I have a mild leak in my left Ventricle, and a thoracic aortic aneurysm of 4.3. It has been stable at that size for 7 or so years. I can feel myself going down hill and keep asking my Drs about exercise with these conditions. I get winded quickly and fatigued. Both my primary and Cardiologist have said that it doesn't matter if I do or don't. So, I don't want to allow my heart to get flabby and soft. Can I do something to at least keep my heart as strong as it is, or do I risk making it worse, or will it get worse in spite of what I do. Any one out there that has any advise. I take 3. Warferin, 12.5 Metoprolol and 120 NP thyroid.
Your expertise and experience would be very helpful. Thank you

With your MD's approval, walking is a very significant exercise. To start, find a walking area that is on the flat and without distractions. Just walk for 15 or 20 minutes at the fastest speed you can without becoming winded. Gradually increase your time/distance. Good luck!