1. < Aortic Aneurysms

Thoracic aortic aneurysm: Anyone had surgery?

Posted by jbsb93 @jbsb93, Jul 28, 2011

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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twocents | @twocents | Apr 29, 2019

when I click on the link it just brings me to a page that says video Q & A about Thoracic..... is that the correct page and will the webinar come up on that? will there actually be a video or is it just written questions and answers that will be on there? Thanks

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1 reply
Kanaaz Pereira, Connect Moderator | @kanaazpereira | Apr 29, 2019
In reply to @twocents "when I click on the link it just brings me to a page that says video..." + (show)
@twocents

when I click on the link it just brings me to a page that says video Q & A about Thoracic..... is that the correct page and will the webinar come up on that? will there actually be a video or is it just written questions and answers that will be on there? Thanks

Jump to this post

Hi @twocents,

The video will appear on that page https://connect.mayoclinic.org/webinar/video-qa-about-thoracic-aortic-aneurysms/ as soon as it goes live – 12pm, CT.

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Drew944 | @Drew944 | Jun 11, 2019
In reply to @degarden_girl "@Drew944 I think you are trying to find a way to blame something you did for..." + (show)
@degarden_girl

@Drew944 I think you are trying to find a way to blame something you did for this aneurysm but it may not be anything you did but just a genetic weakness in the aorta. In any case, don't spend time trying to find an answer to a question that doesn't need to be asked. You have an aneurysm, you can't change that and all you can do is assure your cardio is monitoring it and that you are following the cardio's direction about what you should and should not do. It is important to keep your blood pressure under control as elevated blood pressure can put pressure on that weak spot in the aorta. If you smoke, stop right now. I believe that an aneurysm can remain stable and not in need of surgical repair for years and years and years. Not sure about "forever".

The longer we can remain stable, the more likely there will be a different and less invasive repair available. And the more likely that something else will "get us" before we need a repair. Our bodies age and we won't live forever; our best bet is to follow the cardio's direction and enjoy our lives. We don't "win" by worrying.

And if down the road I do need surgical repair, I will have it done and be grateful that medical science has advanced to the point that such repair can be done with a positive outcome. And if I get really, really old and perhaps not likely to survive such a surgical procedure, there is another procedure already available for placing a stent in the aorta to add strength.

I will not let this diagnosis steal my joy in life and you shouldn't either. You have children who need you to be joyful and not consumed with (unnecessarily) worrying about this. Place your trust in your cardiologist and he will alert you if you need to do anything further.

I wish you well.

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Hi just had year appointment and found out stable and mild and that it’s a bicuspid valve. I’m surprised Kaiser didn’t catch it. Hope your well.

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degarden_girl | @degarden_girl | Jun 12, 2019

Hi Drew, I am so happy that the aneurysm is stable. This can continue as just a stable abnormality for the rest of your life. I am sure your cardio is continuing to monitor the situation and will advise you as to what changes in lifestyle might be advisable. The cardio might also suggest medications; last year my cardio placed me on metoprolol, half tablet, to reduce any pressure on the aneurysm to help keep it stable.

Continue to enjoy your life; don't worry about something you can't change. The bicuspid valve might have been a contributing factor to your situation and that formed early in vitro. Nothing you could have done to change that so don't blame yourself for anything.

I wish you continued good health.

Donna

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1 reply
Drew944 | @Drew944 | Jun 18, 2019
In reply to @degarden_girl "Hi Drew, I am so happy that the aneurysm is stable. This can continue as just..." + (show)
@degarden_girl

Hi Drew, I am so happy that the aneurysm is stable. This can continue as just a stable abnormality for the rest of your life. I am sure your cardio is continuing to monitor the situation and will advise you as to what changes in lifestyle might be advisable. The cardio might also suggest medications; last year my cardio placed me on metoprolol, half tablet, to reduce any pressure on the aneurysm to help keep it stable.

Continue to enjoy your life; don't worry about something you can't change. The bicuspid valve might have been a contributing factor to your situation and that formed early in vitro. Nothing you could have done to change that so don't blame yourself for anything.

I wish you continued good health.

Donna

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Just wanted to say thank you so much for your support inspiration and kindness . He told me could be decades if ever since small and stable. No treatment given yet and tbd in another year when I see him. Hope I have the strength to wait that long even though I feel good. Hope your doing well too.

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Drew944 | @Drew944 | Jun 26, 2019
In reply to @twocents "I didn't know that an aortic aneurysm could be caused by low blood pressure? Mine is..." + (show)
@twocents

I didn't know that an aortic aneurysm could be caused by low blood pressure? Mine is most likely caused because of an bicuspid valve.

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Recently found out mine was caused by bicuspid too , what symptoms did you have - mine has been life long on and off palpitations- random

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BruceS | @ch246cf10 | Jun 26, 2019
In reply to @anniejam "what is bicuspid?" + (show)
@anniejam

what is bicuspid?

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Hello,
The typical Heart Valve has 3 (Tri) Leaflets to the Valve. Bicuspid, has 2 (Bi) Leaflets to the Valve. The Leaflets flap open and closed with the pulsing for the heart. The Heart is a Pump. When it contracts, it forces blood to move thru the body. The Valves keep the blood from rushing backwards into the Heart in the case of an Aortic Valve. One in a 100 people have the condition of Bicuspid Aortic Heart Valve, so just 1% of the population which seems small, but that a lot of people when your population is 300 million. Still an exclusive club!

The Bicuspid Valve having just 2 Leaflets wears out much sooner than the Tricuspid Valve. The two leaflets become calcified and stiff and will fail to open and close all the way. They call this Aortic Stenosis. I had all this. Lost energy, couldn't hike on the trails. Had the Valve replaced with a Man Made On-X valve and all is better for the rest of my life.

Hope this helps!
All the best to you!

Bruce
Texas

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anniejam | @anniejam | Jun 26, 2019

I am glad you regained your energy and it was successful! Great explanation!

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