Aortic anerrysm and popliteal anerysm.

You are going to to be fine. I understand why you feel scared, because hearing the word aneurysm makes anyone feel like a ticking time bomb. The good news is that an aortic aneurysm at 3.8 cm is usually watched carefully, not rushed to surgery, because most repair thresholds are much larger unless there are special risk factors. A popliteal aneurysm at 1.7 cm is also commonly monitored, although your vascular surgeon may follow it with ultrasound because leg aneurysms are managed differently than aortic aneurysms.

I had a Type A aortic dissection in 2015 and emergency open-heart surgery with a Dacron graft, so I understand the fear that comes with knowing something is there inside your body. What I would do next is ask your vascular surgeon for the written surveillance plan. Ask how often the aortic aneurysm will be imaged, how often the popliteal aneurysm will be imaged, what size or symptoms would change the plan, and whether your blood pressure is where they want it.

If you do not feel heard, there is nothing wrong with getting a second opinion from another vascular surgeon, especially at a larger center in Milwaukee or Madison. For now, focus on blood pressure control, no smoking, avoiding heavy straining or breath-holding, and keeping every follow-up scan. You are not crazy for being scared, but these numbers are not usually emergency numbers. The key is surveillance, blood pressure control, and having a surgeon who explains the plan clearly enough that you can breathe again. Knowledge is power. You're going to be okay. Peace.

wow thank you so much because iam really scared but i feel a little better now. I will try to get a second opinion. Thank you.