Hip Replacement with a 4.7 aneurysm

My sister needs knee replacements and possibly a shoulder. She has a 4.3 Ascending Aortic Aneurysm. The cardiologist says no intervention is necessary. Her rhumatologist said no surgeon would touch her. The surgery is not scheduled and as with you, its a big concern. We will see if a surgeon will even agree to do surgery. Have you talked to an orthopedic surgeon yet?

Not yet. I don't know if the orthopedic would even do my surgery unless I broke the hip and it was an emergency and they had to try to save my life one way or another. My fear is a complications whether those are from hip infection that puts too much stress on the aorta and it bursts or my own anxiety and high blood pressure that I already have busting the aneurysm anyway. I am medicated for high blood pressure but sometimes even with the medications, my blood pressure is still higher than it should be and it seems that no amount of meds control it. Dr. says that anxiety itself causes my blood pressure to spike. So, it's hard to live life anxiety free.....

I had knee replacement at 4.0 cm and have taken blood pressure meds for a long time. A risk during surgery is keeping the blood pressure from elevating. I found out it is monitored and controlled by the anesthesiologist during surgery. It is a very serious decision that the operating doctor and cardiologist should agree on, considering all the patient specific factors.

Sure. High anxiety often causes high blood pressure. It can cause a cyclic pattern.

Yes! That's a big issue for me. I am a anxious person and high strung, high levels of energy and essentially a fire cracker. I have been that way most of my life my personality did not help my blood pressure. But one can't remake themselves no matter what--only modify and I do modify but I also fail many times.... Any good suggestions are extremely helpful of how to change yourself and go against the grain of everything about yourself. My norm is not to be calm or collected. My norm is to take the world by storm and I don't hold back. My extreme passion for everything is problematic because I am all in or out--no middle ground with my personality--not very good for the heart, blood pressure, etc. Even as a child, I knew a likely problem would be my heart being able to handle the stress of my personality. I guess I failed....

Well, good and bad for you. The world needs people like you, but the personal price is high. Remember, if you are ill, you can’t do much. So some midground is needed. All my life I have exercised vigorously, watched my diet and worked in the gym. Now I meditate - a great addition as Injuries have slowed me down running and on the bike. I have also begun to limit my causes knowing I can’t do everything. Sort of a trite response, but it’s how I am keeping on… BTW, I now need back surgery with a 4cm aortic aneurysm. Trying to get in to see my cardiologist for his opinion.

So sorry to hear that. I am a fire cracker myself since my younger age. I also have a4.3 ascending on my aorta, high cholesterol but thank God, no high blood pressure. I do think my faith helps me to keep that under control. Anxiety and worry is not my problem but I live to the fullest and have to get into everything. I’m learning at my 69 yo age that moderation and taking my time and enjoying life each and every day is a better choice for me. Will pray for wisdom for your doctors on how to help you.

Thank you. You are very kind.

By the time I found out I had an aneurysm, it was 4.2, then next year it was 4.3. Then 1 years later, it was 4.6. Then 1 year later, it was 4.7. Clearly, if it gets to 5.0, I will have to have surgery and that's terrifying 😳