Abdominal aortic aneurysm: How did you do with AAA surgery?

@worry

I can understand your concern about the growth of your AAA in one year. One thing to consider is what test(s) were used to measure the AAA? For example, was an ultrasound used one year and a CT scan the second year? Different tests can produce different measurements.

We have some discussions on Connect that you might find helpful. Here is the link, https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/aaa-surgery/ and
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/abdominal-aortic-aneurysm/
I would also like to invite some other members of Connect, who have discussed AAA to this conversation. Meet, @acara, @cheryl66 and @kdh1.

Here is some information from Mayo Clinic's website, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/abdominal-aortic-aneurysm/symptoms-causes/syc-20350688

As you have a concern about the growth, I would encourage you to phone your doctor's office and ask about it and if there is a need to be concerned. Also, remember that it is always your right to get a second opinion. Have you considered getting a second opinion to put your mind at ease?

<p>Does anybody have an idea why an AAA would grow in 1yr from 3.9cm to 4.5cm?</p>

Hi, @worry - I wanted to let you know I moved your post here to this discussion where you posted previously on abdominal aortic aneurysm to get you in contact with others already talking about that type of aneurysm. If you click on VIEW & REPLY in this email notification, it will take you to the whole discussion on the Connect site.

Are you feeling concerned about the amount of growth your aneurysm has had this year? What did you doctor say about the growth?

He did not say anything except will check it again in 6months

Hello @worry

As you know, on Connect we are not medical professionals and therefore cannot make diagnoses or answer your question as to why your AAA has grown in one year. However, if your doctor is checking again in 6 months that sounds like he is being diligent and taking this seriously.

Is there something you can do for yourself in the meantime? Perhaps take walks (when the weather permits) or go to a movie or talk to a friend? It would be a good thing if you could build up some social support for yourself.

Also, you could keep a list of one thing that you are grateful for each day. Could you try and do that?

Hello @miracle1 and welcome to Mayo Connect

When you post "AAA sugery" I'm assuming that you are referring to surgery for an abdominal aortic aneurysm, is that correct? Have you been told that you need this type of surgery? If you are comfortable sharing a bit more about yourself, what size is the aneurysm; how long have you known about it; is your doctor planning on doing the open surgery or the type of surgery where a catheter is used?

While we wait for other Members of Connect to respond to your inquiry, I thought you might find this Mayo Clinic video helpful in understanding more about this procedure, Here is the link:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/medical-professionals/cardiovascular-diseases/videos/abdominal-aortic-aneurysms-update-on-surveillance-and-repair/vid-20432848

67 former smoker 6' 4" 220 lb good condition walk 5 miles a day, was going about my normal life, and had just finished hauling 5 tons of sand and block for a patio project up 3 flights of stairs (disadvantage of a house on the side of a hill). I went in for an abdominal ultrasound, just routine screening for AAA per my doctor. Imagine my surprise when I received a rather excited phone call from my doctor telling me I had a 7.1X6.1 cm aneurysm, and was given a schedule with a vascular surgeon for THE NEXT DAY! Had CT scan with contrast,a week later, aneurysm was determined to be 7.3X7.1 cm. Enlarging? More accurate technique?. Had stress test that day, cleared for surgery (endoscopic) , now scheduled for 2 weeks from now. Don't know that I have any questions, though I do have worries, mostly about disabilities. Have been assured that if all goes well within a few days I can go back to splitting firewood and shoveling manure. Crikey!.

He did not say anything except will check it again in 6months

Hello @davidfs and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. I can certainly imagine your concern as you most likely felt well and didn't have any idea that this aneurysm existed before the ultrasound.

Here is an article from Mayo Clinic's website about AAA, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/abdominal-aortic-aneurysm/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20350693. This explains the different types of surgeries. Will you be having endovascular surgery rather than open surgery?

Well, thank you for the reply. I'm sorry I erred. I am having endovascular repair. I mistakenly called in endoscopic. Some good news. I'm Covid negative Thank God for small blessings. Also had a blood typing. (O Positive). That's because the surgical team will have blood on hand, so I was told. I reckon that's so if the whole thing goes south and endovascular suddenly turns into open repair. Reckon that also explains why the ventilator that I'm told will be used. That's a bit more involved than the cardiac angiogram I once had. (Long and troubling story involving broken rib and chest pain). That was with a local and I got to watch dye diffuse through my arteries. Whee!!!!

Surgery is Thursday. One day in hospital if all goes well. Anyone have experience getting back to a vigorous normal after endovascular AAA repair?