Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

Hi @ssams, welcome to Connect.
I moved your message to this discussion thread to help you connect with other members talking about abdominal aortic aneurysms. I'm also tagging @mimieleven @jessicalatessa @themadyank @lynnkay1956 and @HeartPatches.

According to this article http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/abdominal-aortic-aneurysm/basics/lifestyle-home-remedies/con-20023784 the best ways to prevent a rupture is
- Quit smoking or chewing tobacco.
- Keep your blood pressure under control.
- Get regular exercise.
- Reduce cholesterol and fat in your diet.

Is there anything in this list that you can do?

Colleen
Connect Community Director

Hello....I'm a male 67....been a trumpet player all my life....VA doctors say I have 2 abdominal aneurysms 3-4 cm......they say playing the trumpet would be bad and could cause a rupture..later had another doctor say it would be alright....would like a definitive opion....sold my horns, quit playing but decided to risk it and am now playing again anyway....dangerous?????

Hi @playsdixie, Welcome to Connect.
I like your nickname! Speaking as a fellow horn player (French horn), believe me, I understand how hard it is to give up your "axe". That instrument becomes an extension of you. I would question whether the doctors know the abdominal pressure required to play the trumpet, especially if you're playing lead.

Have you ever brought in your trumpet and played for the doctor? That way they could see the exertion and make a qualified judgement. Do you think your cardiologist would be open to getting a live performance at a patient appointment. Tell him/her you won't charge 🙂

Originally when diagnosed, the VA told me to quit....I kept asking dr's until I found one who said it's ok...now not really sure....I do play lead, the one dr told me playing wouldn't increase pressure on the anuerysm if playing didn't increase blood pressure, which it doesn't......

Tough call having to choose between what makes you happy to live and what might be living dangerously. If possible, I'd ask to play for your doctor so she/he could see what goes on when you play. Did several doctors tell you it wasn't a good idea and only one said it was okay?

I had the open surgery and wan ted to know is it safe to have sex and how long to wait

I am 53 and have just been diagnosed with a mildly enlarged ascending aorta in the chest, 4.5 cms. I am not a lead trumpet (3rd) but have the same question about whether it is safe to play the trumpet?

Kanaaz, is there a cardiologist who might offer some wisdom?

Welcome to Connect, @acara. Thank you for joining and reinvigorating this discussion; I hope @playsdixie will return to share his insights. You may also wish to view this incredibly informative conversation about thoracic aortic aneurysm:
– https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/thorcic-aneurysm/
Feel free to post your question in that group as well. In the meantime, I'd like to introduce you to @crhp194 @grandmajan @ch246cf10 @michellr @HeartPatches @jimmorris900 @shakuni11 @redskin39 as they've also shared their experiences with aortic aneurysms.

From the little I know about trumpet (I play the piano), 3rd trumpet takes care of the "low" harmony, and basically fills out the sound? Do you play in a orchestra or a band, @acara? Have you consulted with your doctor about your concerns.

Hi, mine is 3.6cm I think yours is also small, and you are lucky that they found it.