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Aortic Aneurysms – Introduce yourself & meet others
Welcome to the Aortic Aneurysms group on Mayo Clinic Connect.
An aortic aneurysm is a bulge in the wall of the aorta. The aorta begins deep in the heart as it emerges from the powerful left ventricle, gently arching over the heart, descending into the chest, and finally into the abdomen. Some aortic aneurysms can be harmless; others can lead to catastrophic problems. I invite you to follow this group and connect with others, share experiences, exchange useful information, and learn about aortic aneurysms.
Get started rby clicking the +FOLLOW icon on the group page here: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/aneurysms/
There are some great conversations going on right now that I think you’ll like. Grab a cup of tea, or beverage of your choice, and lets chat. Why not start by introducing yourself?
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@beverly48 Hi, I’m Sandy and I also am being followed by Dr. Hughes for my TAAA of 4.2. I also take comfort in his reputation despite the ongoing anxiety that many have expressed about this condition.
@bradel82
I do agreed your bp is the most important to watch and follow had I not knew and even being released from the hospital with high bp. it was time for me to take action about my health. I never had high bp in my life at 61 years old. Very active. I notice when bp raised my pain was horrible. Now controlled and doing a little better. I always listen to my body. If you don't feel right, it ain't right.
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2 Reactions@pittsburghdad
Thank you! This group is the best. I feel better when I talk to other people going or have gone through the same situation
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3 Reactions@martinkennot
Thank you!
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3 ReactionsHi, I just found out I have an ascending aneurism 4.5cm -so just trying to take that in. Have multiple other autoimmune issues so not too happy about adding this to the pile. Oh to be 43;)
Thanks for having something like this to research and not be alone in it.
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2 Reactions@okie68 Hey there Debbie. It's great that you joined the group.
You have the right idea - eat well and live well. Get your issue monitored and seek medical help.
Yes, take care of yourself.
@bradel82 Hey there. I was 58 and had OHS after a full dissection (Oct '23) prob caused by 6.5cm aneurysm. Got my valve and aortic root wrecked in the process. I was an emergency (of course, but I want to be clear) with no history of anything - like you. Never high BP, good diet, low cholesterol, blood work all fine - no genetic heart issues. And no warnings.
Best thing you can have: foresight and planning. You know you have an issue that you need to watch. That's better than gold.
So, if you can change anything right now to make your outcome better - do it. Do everything you can possibly manage. Is it time to medically manage your BP ? Talk to the doctors and see what they think.
And by the way - I still have the rest of my dissection down to my legs and into my kidney and up into my neck. Medically managed for three years now.
Listen to @moonboy
Listen to @moonboy
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6 Reactions@bradel82 In response to your questions and concerns: (1) Although you cite the correct rate of historical growth for an aneurysm, be aware that growth is not linear and it can often plateau and so you could stay where you are for some time; (2) if and when you do reach the surgical threshold, a dacron graft repair is indeed permanent and will probably outlast the rest of your body; (3) medical technology is improving, including stent technology, there already experimental stents being deployed, and there could be a viable stent available by the time you might need it; and (4) everyone in this forum has gone through the same shock and adjustment process as you; it stinks, but you'll get through it and adjust - just give yourself some time to mentally process it all.
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4 ReactionsI had a sudden dissection in 2015 at age 50. I had two open heart surgeries with a repair being a 13 inch Dacron Graft. My surgery has lasted 11 years and I am here talking to you. I have five daughters. You can expect to live a full life after surgical repair. You're in a good place because you know you have a problem and you're gonna deal with it before you suddenly dissect. I have been in that place and it is a nightmare. I had no idea I had a problem. Stay in close contact with your doctors and reduce your stress. No heavy lifting (20 lbs), no grunting, no planking, no blood pressure spikes. Eliminate smoking, drinking, and anything that spikes your blood pressure. You're going to be fine. Message me directly if you want to discuss further. Peace.
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9 ReactionsHello - new to this group and thankful it exists.
I am 44 YO Male in good health and have been followed by a Cardiologist since birth for an irregular heartbeat (I grew out of it) and Mild Mitral Value Prolapse. 2 years ago I had an Echo done and my Aortic Root measured 3.8CM. This year it measured 4.2CM . I got a CT scan done and it ended up being 4.4CM. The rest of my heart is structurally fine. My cardiologist said he would see me in 1 year and that the 4.4CM will be my baseline.
I am numbers guy and if this continues to grow at even 1MM per year, I would need open heart in 10 years around 54 YO. I am married and have 2 young girls so needless to say I have been very upset over this.
I do not have high blood pressure, eat pretty well, exercise. I do not drink alcohol or smoke, and I do not have any genetic heart issues
The open heart surgery seems to be a highly successful surgery but it is still open heart at a relatively young at 54. If this is done at 54, will the surgery last a lifetime and can I expect to live a full life assuming the rest of my health is fine?
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