Any one live with an aneurysm for a long time without much growth?

About 16 years ago my abdominal aorta aneurysm was 3.5 cm and is now
5.4 cm. At 79 years old, am fortunate to be independent, live alone, and able to travel.

My recent CT angiogram images are being sent for review to the stent manufacture. It will need be customized, as the aneurysm is curved due to scoliosis. My images were read elsewhere as a consult and the recommendation was open chest surgical repair, not a stent procedure.
This is a frightening option, as my immune system is frail and have two autoimmune diseases, one involving connective tissues.

At this point, will use a nutritionist to strengthen my immune system with focus on keeping my aorta healthy. Surgery is not needed right now, so it is on hold.

To me, having surgery or not, has equal mortality outcomes. I prefer to
live my life without placing my body in a traumatic situation that may
contribute to losing my independence or life. My family agrees with this,
but several friends do not.

Comments read today are heartfelt and very much appreciated!

Thank you!

I have a 4.5cm aneurysm that was also incidentally discovered about 4 years ago. It has not grown as of the last CT done last year. My doctors have placed very few limitations on what I can do, but at 79 years of age, other factors place significant restrictions on my activities, e.g., OA, PN, and arrhythmia. The arrhythmia is a recent discovery and is being worked at the present time. We'll see what the combination of the two conditions dictate for activity limitations. I understand your concerns about having that 'monster' in your chest and the uncertainty of what it will do and when. I have accepted the condition and adopted an attitude of what will be, will be. But, I should take care to not aggravate the situation. Next CT coming up soon. Meanwhile, an ultrasound for significant occlusion of my carotids is on tap for next week.

I wish you the best fof luck and continued good luck in your life style.

Like yours, mine was an incidental finding in a CT scan in 2005. Detected at 3.75, it grew to 4.25 in four months. It was most recently measured by my annual MRA at 4.75 where it has been for the past 10 years. I’ve stopped worrying about it since there’s not much I can do to change it.

I’m an 80 years young woman and I’m reasonably active doing water aerobics and the recumbent bicycle 4 times a week and I try very hard not to lift more than the prescribed limit of 30 pounds. That’s challenging when dealing with gardening supplies, cat litter, and bird seed, all of which breech the weight limit. I like to keep the gardens and my birds happy and well fed. I think that helps me keep my blood pressure down. I’m sure that my medical team will tell me when I need to change my lifestyle.

You will reach a point where you realize that there’s no point in worrying your life away. It’s meant to be lived so don’t give up your travel and other things you enjoy as you wait for something that may never happen. I wish you good health and happiness on your journey. God bless you.

Comforting comments!

A CT angiogram is scheduled every six months at Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Fl. Some family members and friends feel I should have open chest surgery, if warranted. However, this is a procedure I do not want for my body at 79.

Is anyone on palliative care for their aneurysm? This is different from hospice, but not sure how the system works.
I think it is a group of caregivers who support through
body, mind, and spirit and paid by Medicare. Am researching this avenue for myself.

The abdominal aneurysm is now listed on my pharmacy account to ensure medications ordered by several physicians do not compromise the aneurysm. I am currently waiting for results from a nutritionist after submitting my health issues and medications/supplements to her. I do enjoy walking whenever possible for exercising.

Fortunately, I continue to be independent, although fatigued from psoriatic arthritis and psoriasis. When running errands, I give compliments to others to make them feel good about themselves. It always makes me feel much better about myself. Will definitely keep traveling as long as possible.

I do wish there was an on-site support group at Mayo Clinic/Jacksonville, or in this area, for women with aneurysms. So far, I have not found one…. Sad….

Hi. Thank you for your comforting comments. I appreciate your perspective. I Go for my first follow up in October/November. You’re so right about not worrying our lives away. I kinda got despairing, then gave it all to God. I do what I can, relax, keep my Blood Pressure down through exercise and healthy eating. I leave the rest in His hands which brings me peace. Thanks again for a wonderful comforting reply to this issue.