Thoracic aortic aneurysm: Anyone had surgery?

Welcome to Connect, @joanstewart and @1sassydame,

You may notice that I moved your messages and combined it with this existing discussion on thoracic aortic aneurysms. I did this as I thought it would be beneficial for you to be introduced to the many members who have discussed much of what you are experiencing.
If you click on VIEW & REPLY in your email notification, you will see the whole discussion and can join in, meet, and participate with other members talking about their or their loved ones' experiences.

Thoracic aortic aneurysms often grow slowly and usually without symptoms, making them difficult to detect. Some aneurysms will never rupture. Many start small and stay small, and how quickly an aortic aneurysm may grow is difficult to predict.
Here is some information from Mayo Clinic, which I hope you will find helpful: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/thoracic-aortic-aneurysm/symptoms-causes/syc-20350188

@joanstewart, may I ask if you have a family history of aortic aneurysm?
@1sassydame, this discussion on pulmonary hypertension might interest you: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/pulmonary-hypertension/
I’m tagging @bjanderson @windwalker @estrada53 and @thankful to see if they might have some thoughts to share. Do you know the measurements for the aneurysm? How is it being managed at present?

My brother had an aneurysm in his brain. He had surgery at Mayo in Jacksonville. He passed away about 2years later. Other than that no other family history of aneurysm

Has surgery been suggested?

I have 4.8 and the surgeon said 5 is the number. Handling stress is the problem. Told not to lift anything over 50. I do a lot of reps at lower weights. Still hard to deal with a time bomb in the chest. I do tell people i know what may get me, but do they know what is after them? Oh well, try to keep stress down which is hard.

I had an open repair for a thoracoabdominal aneurysm that produced a 5.7cm tear. I received a branched graft that included a bypass to the celiac artery, the superior mesenteric artery and to the right and left renal arteries. My aneurysm was found by chance--I had not had any previous heart problems or cholesterol problems and was not on any medication. I went to my primary care to get a flu shot and to say that I would finally have the colonoscopy that he had begged me to have for the past 3 years. When I finally agreed to the colonoscopy after turning 60, my primary questioned the change of heart. I explained that I had been experiencing sharp pains that radiated from just below my left breast down to my hip that lasted for about 30 seconds. The pain was not unbearable--but enough to make me take notice. He wisely stated that this did not sound like a colon problem and did an immediate ultrasound in the office. The ultrasound showed an aneurysm in the aortic root. I'm not sure who was more shocked--my doctor or myself. I had walked into the office feeling fine--and ended up taking my first ambulance ride to a Trauma 1 hospital and being placed in the STIC-U. All pre-op tests were performed -- but I needed to wait for 2 weeks until the team of 12 could perform the surgery. I can honestly say that those were some of the most worrisome days I have ever experienced waiting for my surgical call at home. I was afraid to do anything except sit and wait. My surgery was performed on Dec.18th--and I was able to go home a week after surgery. I spent 3 months recuperating and have just returned to work. There are angels that watch over us--you are quite lucky to have the option of waiting for surgery, for most who have this disease dissect and need emergency surgery. God bless you! I hope you can continue to be monitored and medically managed.

You really were blessed and guided. I pray if anything changes I would get that same care. In the mean time I pray for my body to heal itself.

Wow, you are truly blessed, with an amazing primary care doc and someone up above was watching over you. Bless you and enjoy life. Meanwhile, I will continue to be monitored and pray that nothing changes for both my son and I. We both have the aneursym on our aortic bridge.

Wow is right , gives me hope , speaking of I wonder if from time to time it may help when feeling down which is daily for me if a voice on the other side may help. Hard to cope - will I be there for my babies or die before they grow up. What will my story be and how do I prepare them. I frequently go through these blogs looking at all the wonderful posts. If so let me know and can give phone number.

I’m sorry that was negative - I have my moments - trying to be positive

Hi everyone,

I'd like to invite you to join us today, Monday, April 29th at 12 p.m. CT for a video Q&A with Dr. Hector Michelena, cardiologist, Dr. Gabor Bagameri, cardiovascular surgeon, and Dr. Alberto Pochettino, cardiovascular surgeon, about watchful waiting for thoracic aortic aneurysms.

Simply click on the link below, for details and to take part in the video Q&A live.
– https://connect.mayoclinic.org/webinar/video-qa-about-thoracic-aortic-aneurysms/

Drs. Michelena, Bagameri, and Pochettino will answer questions live. Post your questions before and during the broadcast.