Connect
← Return to Managing Stress, High BP & Aneurysms: What can we do & not do?
Discussion
Managing Stress, High BP & Aneurysms: What can we do & not do?
Aortic Aneurysms | Last Active: Dec 19, 2022 | Replies (27)Comment receiving replies
Hello- I am wondering how your appointment went? I too am an emotional mess over my diagnosis, AAA about a year ago of 4.8- discovered accidentally on a breast MRI. It has grown twice in one year, is now 5.17 and I essentially had to tell my cardiothoracic surgeon I cannot live every day as I have been, in constant panic and anxiety that I have a ticking time bomb in my chest. I am 54, in good shape, used to work out 3-4 times a week, plus do a lot physically around the house. Now I an petrified to do anything, especially learning of the recent loss of the soccer reporter to AAA. I am having a hard time staying functional while waiting for surgery. I'm actually waiting on a surgery date, but it will be open chest. I'm reading on here how much riskier they are, I don't feel like there is a choice, I need it done and I cant live like this in a constant state of panic and worry over it. Anyone else out there feeling like this and if so what is helping?
Replies to "Hello- I am wondering how your appointment went? I too am an emotional mess over my..."
I agree, this is a stressful diagnosis. Hang on. The fact that you have a surgery planned has to be reassuring. You say you are reading on how much riskier the open chest is? That is confusing. Riskier than what? In order to repair the aneurysm, they use the heart/lung machine so your chest has to be open. The minimally invasive procedures are still open.
I just had mine repaired in August-- along with a new bovine valve. It was a much more complex procedure than I expected , since my aorta was in bad shape. I am 77 yrs old. The sternal wound is not as sore as I thought it would be. Getting used to the change in the cardiac output as it heals is the recovery issue. Weakness surprised me. I'm feeling better all the time.
I wish you the best. You will survive. There are always war stories about every diagnosis. The soccer player was that exception. Many people survive-- even with a dissection. Live your life, being grateful for each breath and that you live in the USA where surgery can be an option.
Connect
So sorry your diagnosis is creating so much havoc in your life. There is a new set of recommendations for aortic aneurysms from the AHA. You might find something helpful there or at least information you can take to a cardiologist or cardiac surgeon. The more information I've gathered over the past year since my diagnosis, the better my questions for my Dr. and the more specific, and helpful, the responses.
I also purchased a medical alert bracelet that specifies ascending aortic aneurysm, which makes me feel like there's a better chance of getting me into surgery should it ever dissect. I think about that pilot in FL that passed out and his passenger had to land the plane. They were able to get the pilot to a hospital and repair his AA so that he survived.
I know it is difficult, but I have made it a point of not focusing on my AA, but instead think about what I am doing to take care of my health. Maybe meditation or yoga would help you refocus so that you are 't thinking about it all the time.