Newly diagnosed and/or living with ascending aortic aneurysm…anxiety

I would definitely get a 2nd opinion like at Cleveland Clinic as they still are the number 1 hospital in cardiology. Mayo is 2nd. Mayo is great but I go to both places and I alternate my visits between the two clinics because they both see things quite differently in terms of when surgery should take place and even blood pressure control. I have a longer history at Mayo Clinic than Cleveland Clinic and I prefer Mayo Clinic for lots of reasons, but I bite the bullet and still go to Cleveland. They are number 1 for a reason and that's the volume of these surgeries they do. Plus they have twice the number of more cardiologists than Mayo Clinic, so it's a much bigger practice focus. Just like buying a car, I want to buy the car I love to look at or do I buy the car that's practical with better reliability data, etc. Mayo Clinic is the pretty car to me but Cleveland Clinic is the practical tried and true world renowned place to go to, at least to get a 2nd opinion consultation and compare both care plans from the top two cardiology hospitals in the country. Best wishes ❤

How do I find a Cleveland clinic in southern New England?
Google it?

Just my opinion- we're not doctors (or at least I've not seen one identify as such) so our comments are individually experienced, not necessarily medically sound. I think you should always be concerned when you have a serious medical condition. But, you are where you are and because you're writing this, you're on the right side of the dirt. I would take your doctor's advice, research all you can about your condition and how to live with and deal with it. Avoid any activity that your doctor and science seems to feel will worsen or threaten your condition, use common sense when approaching day to day activities. Seek additional opinions and options as you're available but don't "seek" the one article or doctor that agrees with you rather than the preponderance of opinions. Finally, enjoy every precious moment of every day. Don't let anxiety rule your remaining time whether it's one day or 50 more years.

The only reason I would like a second opinion is because I have 3 different diagnosis.
“We are going to transfer you to a trauma hospital as you have a torn celiac artery aneurysm" (that 3 years ago was 3 cm.) for emergency surgery” said the 1st hospital ER visit that found my torn aneurysm through a CT scan.
I was transferred to the trauma hospital and he said “you will need to come back to the hospital but right now it isn’t bleeding so the team feels you are stable enough to discharge you and come back later”
“But contact your cardiovascular surgeon ASAP.
I made the appointment and he said “I didn’t see anything. He was in a rush and annoyed as he had patients with appointments waiting for him. I said “. could it burst?” And he said “it could but we have ways to take care of that “ “See you next year “ and smugly left the exam room “
So who should I believe?
My cardiovascular surgeon? Hospital #1 or trauma hospital #2 ?

Let me reinforce that I"m not a doctor, just a regular guy so this is just my opinion but from my interpretation of what you were told, you don't have three diagnoses, you have a singular diagnosis, "torn celiac artery aneurysm" and two confirmations of current status from the trauma hospitals but a cardiovascular surgeon that from your comments, doesn't seem worried but also seemed too busy for you. Summary, as before, I'd think it appropriate to seek the second opinion and hopefully, from a doctor that you feel comfortable visiting.

The 1st hospital doctor that took the CT scan said I had one. The second hospital acknowledged it and said “ you’ll need to come back to the hospital (why?) “but it isn’t bleeding so we feel you are presently stable enough to be discharged and meet later” the third leg of the cardiovascular surgeon laughed and told me the sonogram (is that the right tool?) Didn’t show anything. If that’s the case than why has he been monitoring my symptoms if it’s non existent? Your correct. I have no clue what size it is. It could be small and nothing to worry about but he should have at least say that. It is one diagnosis you’re right. But the first hospital is calling for a transfer to another hospital for emergency surgery. The second hospital I was transferred to said “ come back later because it isn’t bleeding right at this time. So the first hospital CT scan showed I had one then the 2nd hospital said “come back later “ and my own cardiovascular surgeon laughed and blew me off in a hurry. It could burst, (almost instant death most likely) and says “see you next year “. Maybe he’s right, after all, he’s been “monitoring a now non existing aneurysm. So I know you’re not a doctor and I’m not expecting from you a medical diagnosis. I guess I can stop worrying and get that 2nd opinion.
Thanks
Andy

Controlling blood pressure very important to Relieve pressure on it. I would go to a cardiologist not your pcp . Controlling the growth of it is critical to avoid a surgery that takes two or months to recover from.

I’ve been using the 4 square breathing you suggested. My blood pressure goes up when I am anxious … if I feel the fear of dying from this thing unexpectedly, I breathe like you wrote and it sends my blood pressure back down. Thank you, it gives me some control over my body. THANK you and bless you, Ginny

My blood pressure is no longer an issue. This morning I was 121/74 and I believe that this is a normal range that I’m usually measuring. I’m on medication to keep it stable. My problem is my heart rate is all over my place. I just came back from an ER because my heart rate was 136 and climbing. This morning it was around 98. A little low but in range. I have a mechanical aortic valve replacement and A-Fib as well. It’s hard to keep the same pressure every day. It jumps around too much.

That's such great news, Ginny - I'm glad for you! Its my experience that our breath is both a barometer and a tool that we can use.