Managing Stress, High BP & Aneurysms: What can we do & not do?

@suz1950

I understand what you are saying about the "watchful waiting" process. It can be unnerving, but so many health issues need to take this approach. Most medical professionals (and patients) want to hold off on surgery until it is absolutely necessary and yet the prospect of when it will become necessary is stressful at best.

You are doing all of the right things, in that you are working on stress control, keeping an eye out for your blood pressure, taking the appropriate meds, and following up with your doctor.

The echocardiogram is a very good diagnostic tool used by cardiologists to determine heart/valve functioning and is not invasive. As you may know, it is a doppler test. As I've had heart valve problems since childhood, I've had more than I can count and they are not problematic at all.

Keep working on stress control and doing your best to avoid negative thinking. Continue posting here on Connect as you need support and keep in contact with your physician if you have any change in symptoms.

I was diagnosed with a TAA in June 2020, two weeks after my mother died with the identical dissection completed into the carotids. I had an aunt (mom's older sister) who had passed from an aneurysm in her brain in 1989 and I had just happened to have a stress echo scheduled several months prior for two weeks after mom passed. Initially at 38mm, it is now at 45mm according to the echocardiogram performed while I was in the hospital this past June from complications from a stroke.

I have learned more information (I feel is useful and pertinent to me) from your posts than I have anywhere else, and this includes from my own doctors. To be fair, I'm not sure I know the right questions to ask. In my defense, I have asked many other questions that have been met with subtle answers given more to dismiss me rather than to inform me; or I've been met with indifference or there has been no concern expressed, not that I can see or tell. The journaling mentioned, the attention given to what and how much is lifted, and stress control - these are factors I consider important that not one person has discussed.

I have always prided myself on being able to handle my stresses and stressors well; I don't believe that's true anymore. I'm not very good at all, but I don't know what to do to get better. I just came out of a bitter divorce and the only thing that mattered to me was that my kids came with me and are still with me. I worry now about being taken out of the picture and leaving them completely alone. My oldest ones will take care of my youngest ones in school, but I worry constantly and don't know how to keep from it.

I hate waiting for results when I have tests like the echo or the nuclear stress test, but I hate even worse feeling like my life, as the patient (whoever the doctor may be) is not worth the effort needed to explain the findings or does not need calm explanation about what can and cannot be done with an Ascending Aortic Aneurysm. I am in the process now of gathering records together to submit to Mayo in Rochester for a second opinion on my situation, but in the meantime, is there any advice for someone in my situation? I feel lost, and aside from what I've found reassuring here, I don't know where to turn.

I am so sorry you are going through this I am in the same boat. I recently had a report that the aortic aneurysm is 4.5 MM. so much stress in my life that it makes me angry to not know what all my limitations are. I currently have a upcoming appointment with my cardiologist on the 10th of November . And I have 1 million questions to ask her and I’m praying that I get honest realistic answers. However in the meantime although I’m still so anxious and constantly thinking about the unknown inevitable I have to pray and just keep praying to keep some type of sanity going on in my life because if not I will be such a ball of mess. Even as I’m posting these comments the condition is constantly on my mind and I get it right about the children I have five adult children and 13 grandchildren and I still worry about them because they rely on me. I hope the both of us can find solace and get the peace that we need and the guidance that we need in order to have some type of quality in life.

I was diagnosed with a 4.5 cm TAA in August '21. I decided to schedule a CT scan after loosing 2 of my neighbors suddenly, both around 50 years old. I am currently 56. I had no symptoms, plenty of energy, but I as concerned about my lifelong eating habits and stressful jobs over the years. Instead of reviewing my entire journey so far, let me just touch on 2 points. My impression of my medical team's response to my condition and how I'm coping with trying to control my hypertension.
From day #1, I was not impressed with the "sense of urgency" of my primary, nor my Cardiologist. I was looking for direction, expertise, and support in the form of an aggressive plan to prevent having to have open heart surgery within the next 2 years. My primary prescribed me 25mg of Losartan(lowest possible dose) and a cholesterol med. While it helped my BP a little, I wasn't satisfied. So, I did some reading and then requested an increase to 50mg about 3 months after my CT scan. My goal was an average reading of 115/75, but I couldn't get it down below 120/85. So, I requested an increase to 100mg. That did the trick! Generally though, early on, I was not impressed with this blase' attitude from everyone in handling what I deemed needed a major response. Ofcourse, I began eating better and tried to exercise more too. At that point, my primary hadn't even suggested meeting a cardiologist! But, I did it anyway because I needed to know someone was taking this seriously. 6 months in, I met a very good Cardiologist and he immediately scheduled an echocardiogram and an ultrasound. This gave us a better look at my entire chest cavity, something I'd learned from reading. Decisions on surgery take many things into account. But, ultimately, even he took a wait and see position on my TAA.
Fast forward to this past Sep, '22. My follow up CT scan. I was prepared for the worst, yet somehow my TAA was stable at 4.5cm, no growth. While thrilled, I knew from reading that these sometimes go a few years without growth, then get larger. The opposite happens too. In your case, you may go the next few years and it stays at 4.3cm.
Up until that follow up CT scan , I was only convinced of 1 thing. I felt the entire medical field was so confident in the abilities of Cardiac Surgeons, that the whole process just prepared us for entering a que for the procedure.
Secondly. My condition is probably due to hypertension. As you have indicated, I also was always able to handle stress. I was a problem solver, a program manager. Took pride in it! Little did I know that my "tough guy" attitude and willingness to carry all the burden to solve a problem, many which were out of my control, is what most likely caused the enlargement of my Thoratic Aorta. I sat thinking to myself, a day before Hurricane Ian hit us head on in Cape Coral Florida, "how can I let go of things I cannot control?" For me, the answer was something I'd questioned most of my life. GOD. I've always been a deductive reasoner. I believed what I can prove I guess you could say. But, there it was, right in front of me all along. The only way I was going to "let go" of some of the things out of my control is if I finally allowed myself to unconditionally believe that GOD was real. It's hard to explain, but almost instantly I felt relief, calmness. 24 hours before a near Cat 5 hurricane hit us head on, I was calm. It didn't change the hurricane's path, didn't keep us from having challenges because of the hurricane. But, my unconditional belief that I wasn't alone allowed my not to worry. Since I made that commitment to not walk alone, my BP is lower and I feel much less tension.
Sorry for the long response. I've only shared this with my wife prior to writing this. I'm not trying to suggest my path for you, just letting you know what worked for me when nothing else would. I wish you well my friend!

When my mother passed years ago I made the decision to seek help from a Licensed Medical Therapist through my health care provider. When I had a health issue I felt more comfortable seeking out this same person to help me "get my ducks in line" so to speak and work towards solutions. I decided if I could not come up with solutions for my mental care when I was recently diagnosed with TAA I would go again. You have so much going on and having someone to talk with and help with solutions can hopefully be a part of your future whole health care. I hope all will be well with you.

Thank you for this - don't mind the length, it is a good message. And I commend you for being able to let go when you did, that took a lot of courage and inner strength, and the willingness to concede a way of life. It hits home with me because I have also been a deductive reasoner, always justifying the events I observed (to be able to believe what I could therefore prove); this seems ironic for a Christian, but I know it's possible.
My next scan is scheduled for next June, and it gives me time to do some soul-searching and time to devise ways of letting go. It is so hard to let go - for me when I have had to let go of anything, I consider it akin to having the front and back doors taken off my house and trying to make the best of it until they're replaced or until I adjust. But it helped you, and my blood pressure, like yours, is a significant contributor to my issue, so I ought to expect comparable results. Thanks for sharing this.

I was not aware that there was even such an option as this, but I like the idea of being able to have access to the same person in this capacity. I, like the rest of you, have a lot going on, but much of the stresses I have beyond divorce and the stress it brings about I feel could be mitigated if there were someone to talk to who didn't think I was the spawn of Satan, filled with sinister suspicions that my actions had only the most deplorable motives at best. I desperately needed then and now to talk to someone about my mental health as I think about this. You mentioned going through your provider - do I ask my PCP? I worry about that because I know the reaction that will bring, but is it what I need to do? I do feel like this will be an immense help for me if I can get it lined up. Thanks for sharing this

Yes, your primary care or your health care provider can assist you with names. I pray all will go well for you.

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?

Hi @lisabis68 ,
I am so sorry that you’re having this stress and diagnosis. I was diagnosed with mid-descending aortic aneurysm and left subclavian artery aneurysm when I was 42, I was a nervous wreck! My subclavian aneurysm complicated the matter so I was sent to Mayo by my cardiologist. I know speaking with my doctors seemed to help me a lot, and just having a plan in place. I immediately ordered a medical alert bracelet also- just helped give me a little extra security. I did all kinds of research, but really it never left the back of my mind. I did have to have my surgery, they were too concerned about my subclavian rupturing- that was 3 years ago- long recovery but doing better now- I am up to running 2 miles per day. You’re already at an advantage knowing your diagnosis- many people including that reporter did not have that opportunity. I recommend keeping open communications with doctors- monitor bp, and stay active. I kept walking everyday before surgery- nothing too strenuous but something to keep my body and mind going- I know it’s hard to focus on anything else, but I felt a little in control just knowing the diagnosis. The journey is not easy- but knowing is the first step. I wish you good health and hope for better days in the new year!