Aortic Aneurysm and concerned about surgery for hip replacement

Posted by knip @knip, Jan 31, 2022

Question; I desperately need a hip replacement and the surgeon is ready to do it. My primary care doctor is concerned about it affecting my aneurism. If she doesn’t approve the surgery I don’t know what I’ll do. Living with this hip pain will be hell and I don’t know how I’ll tolerate it. I don’t want to live like this. I’d rather take the risk of dying in surgery.
My aneurism measured 5 cm about a month ago in some imaging done for broken ribs.

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

Hi @knip and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. I am sorry you are having a time with your aneurism and trying to schedule a hip replacement. I know that with an aneurism they don't even want you lifting over 30 pounds, much less have a major procedure.
https://healthblog.uofmhealth.org/heart-health/dos-and-donts-for-thoracic-aortic-aneurysm-patients

When do you hear from your physician on whether or not you are approved?

REPLY
@amandaa

Hi @knip and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. I am sorry you are having a time with your aneurism and trying to schedule a hip replacement. I know that with an aneurism they don't even want you lifting over 30 pounds, much less have a major procedure.
https://healthblog.uofmhealth.org/heart-health/dos-and-donts-for-thoracic-aortic-aneurysm-patients

When do you hear from your physician on whether or not you are approved?

Jump to this post

Good news. My cardiologist said the aneurism was not a concern for hip replacement surgery as long as my blood pressure was being monitored. It always is no matter what surgery you have. I am waiting for my Primary Care Provider to evaluate the findings of my bone density scan since I have pretty severe osteoarthritis. This wasn’t a concern 5 years ago when I had my other hip replaced but who knows about now? I hope she contacts me soon.

REPLY

I also need a hip replacement. My aneurysm is 6.5 cm and very close to the aorta. My Thoracic surgeon thinks as long as my blood pressure is kept low during surgery, I should be ok. Because it has been replaced before and is worn, there is metal on metal and the blood test shows chromium and cobalt. The orthopedic surgeon wanted to do it two years ago. I am still hesitant, but the hip pain is getting worse. Any good advice?

REPLY

5 cm is pretty close to needing surgery for your aneurysm. I understand about hip pain - it can be the worst ever.
Hip replacement surgery if done by the right physician in the right place can be very easy. I had mine done at Mayo under regional anesthesia with sedation. It was outpatient and I was fine immediately after. Never needed pain pills, etc.. Threw away my walker after three days.
Find the right surgeon at an academic center - not an affiliate.
Good luck!

REPLY

Hello Kip,
I’ve had an aneurysm 4.4cm for what i learned is about 4yrs plus old. Just had my right hip done with only slow recovery from anesthesia. You have to see if the 5cms is stable or growing.
I know pain makes you think drastically but I was told unless you’re 6cms no surgery needed for the aneurysm. Maybe you can have the surgery if it remains stable.
No matter what happens I wish the best for you. Not all think 5cms is a problem unless rapidly growing.
God bless. Hip still hurts but not as bad.

REPLY

I have a question..my aortic aneurysm is 3.7 …Has anyone gotten the Covid vaccines and had any problems? I’ve had the first two and the booster before I knew about the aneurysm now I’m scared to get the next booster?

REPLY
@azvm

I have a question..my aortic aneurysm is 3.7 …Has anyone gotten the Covid vaccines and had any problems? I’ve had the first two and the booster before I knew about the aneurysm now I’m scared to get the next booster?

Jump to this post

had three shots, not sure about the others. I am 4.7 and no problems from shots. My Dr said i really don't want the operation if i can do without it. That is at Cleveland Clinic.

REPLY
@azvm

I have a question..my aortic aneurysm is 3.7 …Has anyone gotten the Covid vaccines and had any problems? I’ve had the first two and the booster before I knew about the aneurysm now I’m scared to get the next booster?

Jump to this post

I've had 3 Covid shots and 3 boosters and nothing more than a sore arm. I check my blood pressure and it had no effect on it.

REPLY

I was given a stent for my aneurysm when measured 6cm. It was very successful.

REPLY
Please sign in or register to post a reply.