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How do you address the uncertainty?
Aortic Aneurysms | Last Active: Mar 27 12:01pm | Replies (24)Comment receiving replies
@malcorozan
I know how unsettling it can be when you get news like you got from your doctor.
Every case is different because people are different. The uncertainty was the hardest part for me to deal with but I realized quickly that the stress thinking about it was not going to help and more likely could make things worse.
What I did was to improve everything I possibly could that was in my control and then fully accept the things not under my control.
I got rid of (or limited) any toxic or negative people in my life. I put my body in the best shape I could to make it as healthy as possible in the event I needed surgery at any time. I researched and interviewed the best doctors and hospitals that I had access to in case I needed surgery and made sure people close to me knew my choices. I changed my eating habits and improved my diet and the foods I ate. I lost excess weight, (45lbs, but I'm 6'7" so I didn’t really look heavy), and adopted a doctor-approved exercise program. I also got "my affairs" in order to the extent possible.
I basically took a body, mind and soul approach. I learned how to meditate and focused on letting go of the things out of my control. I changed my approach (and response) to adversity and monitored my blood pressure to help train me to remain in a calmer state. But once I really accepted the fact that the things out of my control were truly out of my control, I finally accepted that the worry I had was really the only thing left in my control. And the worry was not helping my condition or state of mind. I finally, years later, went in for surgery and I felt a complete calmness on my way to the hospital, even as I was wheeled into surgery. I did everything I could to improve my outcome. It was out of my control now, except for my state of mind.
I hope you can find the peace that I found, that can be so elusive to people. I think of it as a healthy surrender.
Good luck!
Replies to "@malcorozan I know how unsettling it can be when you get news like you got from..."
Mindfulness is a practice we all need to have in this situation and with all things in this life.
I’m a fairly healthy and fit 67 year old guy with a 5 cm ascending aortic aneurysm that’s been the same size for 5 years. It’s strange because my cardiologist never indicated to me that I seek the advice of a vascular surgeon. Well upon my own research I decided to follow up with a surgeon and early this year he recommended open heart surgery to repair/replace it. Since then I’ve spoken with two other surgeons at reputable institutions who recommended the same. I’m retired and have time to manage my life much better now but the fear of rupturing that has been seeded in my mind has me feeling reluctant to travel and enjoy my life. I’ve tried to distract myself but it doesn’t seem to work. Anyway, I feel great and surgery is intimidating; I too feel that I will surrender myself to a surgeon soon but it is an agonizing process for sure.
Your comments helped me immensely. My descending AAA is unique due to a curved aorta caused by scoliosis. I was diagnosed with a small AAA about twenty years ago that now measures 5.9 mm, so this is no surprise. Am being followed every 6 months at Mayo Clinic.
Two surgeries are recommended, one extremely lengthy and complex (See previous comment under “Anyone else not having surgery?”). I’m on a fine line deciding whether to go forward with these surgeries at 80 years old with numerous health issues or live my life positively and “let go” of stress this decision is causing me. I do appreciate every day given
to me.
I am active, independent, and have a great support group of
family, friends, and physicians. Am enjoying my retirement living alone and quality of life is very important to me. Unknown outcome for number of quality life years remaining after two surgeries is unknown.
Huge decision….
Thank you so much!
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Excellent advice, I hope I can get everything in order and get to a place of calm like that. Fingers crossed! Thank you!