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Aortic dissection: Got tips to learn more & afford treatment?
Aortic Aneurysms | Last Active: Feb 28 7:06pm | Replies (27)Comment receiving replies
Hello. My name is Michael and I am a survivor of a Type A & B Aortic Dissection which occurred in June, 2017. Once diagnosed in the ER, I was immediately rushed to the OR for an emergency open heart repair of my ascending aorta. The descending dissection was not repaired and extends to my abdominal area. I see my cardiologist annually and have an ultrasound to check the status of my repair and the Type B dissection. I am on Amlodipine, Metropolol (100 mg), Olmesartan and Rosuvastatin. I’m relatively active, reasonably fit and about 10 lbs over my ideal weight. My questions are simply the following: Is monitoring the Type B annually often enough? Should I see someone for a second opinion? Are there natural ways to control blood pressure and heart rate to get me off the drugs?
Thanks, Michael
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Hi Michael
I had an emergency double aortic dissection. June 2022. I had 3 repairs. One at the root of my aorta where it joins with my heart. One in the ascending aorta and one in my descending aorta which they also inserted a stent. Mine had been discovered (accidentally) about a year and 4 months before the emergency repair. It measured 4cm at the time of discovery. I am on Metropolol but .25 in the am and .12 in the pm. Previous to this I was never considered high blood pressure. After 6 months I had BPs in the 130s to 140s over 70s and my Metropolol was increased by the half dose in the evenings. I no longer salt food at the table. I walk, bike, and swim for exercise 5-7 days a week. I drink a lot of water. My BPs have been around 117 to 127 normally over 60-70. I try to stay away from salty food. I go next week for my one year check. However, I had 2 spells where my BP went high and I went to the ER because I had lost balance. After the second incident they saw me last February and performed all of the same tests again. I still get these spells but my BP does not increase and I don't lose my balance as bad as I previously did. I guess what I am saying is the once a year it "normal" but make an appointment if you have reasons to be concerned. I will also be 10 pounds lighter when I go back next week and that helps with BP too. Unfortunately I know some pretty thing people that have BP problems, so it isn't just us. I am 69, female, and never had any health concerns before this. If a second opinion makes you feel better, then do it.
Best wishes!