1. < Aortic Aneurysms

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

Posted by pee wee @peewee, May 15, 2012

could anyone tell me their experiences with an aneurysm i am scared, mine is a 4.4cm.is that very serious? dr. is checking it yearly.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Aortic Aneurysms Support Group.

lynetteirizarry | @lynetteirizarry | Feb 8, 2019
In reply to @colleenyoung "Hi @ssams, welcome to Connect. I moved your message to this discussion thread to help you..." + (show)
@colleenyoung

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

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Hi Coleen, Im new here and cant find replies to ppls posts....I have a 4cm abdominal aortic aneurysm. Just found.

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lynetteirizarry | @lynetteirizarry | Feb 15, 2019
In reply to @tgp4545 "I sympathize as it is scary to be told, but I'd rather know about the aneurysm..." + (show)
@tgp4545

I sympathize as it is scary to be told, but I'd rather know about the aneurysm than not know. I also have AAA measured at 4.1cm which was discovered in 2006 while having a CT scan for another matter. The good news is that for the past six years, the aneurysm has been stable at the 4.1cm size. The vascular folks at Mayo tell me that 5.5cm is the benchmark size where the benefits of surgery outweigh the risk of rupture. So, watchful waiting continues. After years of reading, I believe that many people have aneurysms that remain relatively stable for life. Blood pressure and cholesterol management are important as is the opinion of a major medical organization such as Mayo who deal with AAA on a regular basis.

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I also have AAA at 4 cm, just found it a month ago. Im worried and Dr said I could do whatever Ive been doing, is that what drs told you?

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1 reply
acara | @acara | Feb 15, 2019
In reply to @lynetteirizarry "I also have AAA at 4 cm, just found it a month ago. Im worried and..." + (show)
@lynetteirizarry

I also have AAA at 4 cm, just found it a month ago. Im worried and Dr said I could do whatever Ive been doing, is that what drs told you?

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I think that with the exception of heavy lifting or weight lifting, you could lead your normal life. Your doctor will monitor it every 6 to 12 months, to see if it has grown
. Mine was measured at 4.1 and my next review will be in june

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lynetteirizarry | @lynetteirizarry | Mar 3, 2020

Yes, my Dr told me carry on and try not to worry....crazy I know.

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lynetteirizarry | @lynetteirizarry | Mar 27, 2020
In reply to @acara "Thank you Just an update for the discussion group When I was first diagnosed with the..." + (show)
@acara

Thank you
Just an update for the discussion group
When I was first diagnosed with the ascending aortic aneurysm in Dec.2017, I thoufht that my life changed. I had lots of questions, and many were answered in this discussion group. But more questions arose as well. Then I recall that I had an echocardiogram 1 year ago, when I had some pain that was diagnosed as a muscle event only. When I asked my cardiologist what the measurement was then, he said it was the same. Yet, he didn’t tell me,...said it was an incidental finding.
I got a second opinion recently, and was told that it is a borderline diagnosis, and that I shouldn’t worry very much, that my hypertension should be monitored and controlled, and if my repeat echo in July is unchanged, I could thereafter be monitored every 3-5 years. I feel now like I need a 3rd opinion.
He explained that the measurements tools are not accurate, so not reliable. That’s disconcerting.
While it made me feel better, I feel like I am under as fake sense of security.
Why is this area of medicine so lacking in reliable literature and in reliable tools to measure the aneurysm?
I worry less, plan on eating better and e revising more, hoping to address my blood pressure issues, while I await my next echocardiogram.
Stay tuned.
Hope all of you who are going through this uncertainty are ensuring that you get 2nd and 3rd opinions.

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Yes different measures for different tools. So why cant they do same each time on us? Seems sensible to me....instead of worring about it all the time and not knowing for real its size!

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Fran | @jocrane | Jun 11, 2020

My husband has a 5.7 cm AAA and cannot have stent surgery, would need regular surgery.
He decided chances are better not to have surgery than to risk surgery with risk of infection/bleed/recovery issues.

Risk of rupture is about 15-20 percent chance each year. He is 79. His BP is under control and eats very healthy. Normal cholesterol. No smoking or alcohol.

Chances of death probably about the same for having a car accident today.
We all must weigh the chances and risks and quality of life.

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2 replies
degarden_girl | @degarden_girl | Jun 11, 2020
In reply to @jocrane "My husband has a 5.7 cm AAA and cannot have stent surgery, would need regular surgery...." + (show)
@jocrane

My husband has a 5.7 cm AAA and cannot have stent surgery, would need regular surgery.
He decided chances are better not to have surgery than to risk surgery with risk of infection/bleed/recovery issues.

Risk of rupture is about 15-20 percent chance each year. He is 79. His BP is under control and eats very healthy. Normal cholesterol. No smoking or alcohol.

Chances of death probably about the same for having a car accident today.
We all must weigh the chances and risks and quality of life.

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@jocrane I am so sorry your husband is going through such a tough decision. It sounds like your husband is in good health other than this AAA. I think, when I reach the same point as your husband that I will seek multiple medical opinions and go from there. If the MDs tell me I can handle the surgery, I will likely have it but if they say it isn't recommended, I'll just live carefully. As you note, the quality of life is most important. I wish you and your husband well.

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twojunes2 | @twojunes2 | Jun 11, 2020
In reply to @jocrane "My husband has a 5.7 cm AAA and cannot have stent surgery, would need regular surgery...." + (show)
@jocrane

My husband has a 5.7 cm AAA and cannot have stent surgery, would need regular surgery.
He decided chances are better not to have surgery than to risk surgery with risk of infection/bleed/recovery issues.

Risk of rupture is about 15-20 percent chance each year. He is 79. His BP is under control and eats very healthy. Normal cholesterol. No smoking or alcohol.

Chances of death probably about the same for having a car accident today.
We all must weigh the chances and risks and quality of life.

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I just read your post and wanted to say how much I admire you and your husband's courage. I, personally, have a similar point of view. We're all going to leave this planet eventually. I'm 75 with a 4.5taa, and am not going to go through open heart surgery when and if it grows to a life threatening level. I'm enjoying the time on earth allotted me and I'm grateful for each day. I also have a very strong belief that we live on, after we shed this body, and experience life on a higher vibratory level.

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1 reply
Fran | @jocrane | Jun 11, 2020
In reply to @twojunes2 "I just read your post and wanted to say how much I admire you and your..." + (show)
@twojunes2

I just read your post and wanted to say how much I admire you and your husband's courage. I, personally, have a similar point of view. We're all going to leave this planet eventually. I'm 75 with a 4.5taa, and am not going to go through open heart surgery when and if it grows to a life threatening level. I'm enjoying the time on earth allotted me and I'm grateful for each day. I also have a very strong belief that we live on, after we shed this body, and experience life on a higher vibratory level.

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My husband is a sincere man of faith and GOd is in control, not us. My hubby is a born again Christian who knows Christ and is a peace with leaving this world for a better home. Blessings to you!

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expat69 | @expat69 | Jan 3, 2023

A 4 year old topic, but for others who read this, here's my personal experience.
When in doubt, go to your doctor and take a CT Scan. This with contrast will clearly show any abdominal aorta aneurysm, called AAA.
IF less than 5 centimeter, instant life changes required: no smoking, no acid soft drinks, healthy food and exercise.

If when larger than 5 centimeter, ct-scan more often, and patient and doctor must talk how much longer before surgery is needed, and life saving.
I had 2 evar surgery, a minimal aaa surgery if location of the aaa is near the groin area. Both my surgery had complications, less flood of blood to feet, and 1 foot become numb. Also Staph infection in surgery area. Recovery after this surgery is much faster than a traditional open aaa surgery, but only a option in limited cases.
Open AAA surgery, hospitalization 14 days, recovery will be long (months) took 4 months before I was pain free. Scars are horrible after surgery, but 4-6 months later my chest stomach scar had faded well.
Scar on upper thigh took longer to heal.

Don't be afraid, don't wait!
Go to your hospital once you feel something is wrong internally. CT-Scan will tell if anything is going on.

In my case, my pulse was visible on my stomach when lay down on the bed.

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