1. < Aortic Aneurysms
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Aortic Aneurysms – Introduce yourself & meet others

Posted by Kanaaz Pereira, Connect Moderator @kanaazpereira, Feb 16, 2018

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?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Aortic Aneurysms Support Group.

Profile picture for jungpeter
jungpeter | @jungpeter | 2 days ago

Bicuspid aortic valve with considerable stenosis. Aorta has been increasing in size for the past several years. 4 cm was the magic number. MRI showed 4.3 in November 26. Surgery in February. Overall surgery went well. There was some uncontrolled bleeding during surgery. Post-Op pain has been negligible. They did twist and pull my left shoulder on the operating table and that pain is going away slowly. Rehab three days a week I’ve got about a month and a half to go. Back up to mowing the lawn, carrying things, sleeping in, eating well. My appetite the day I was discharged was incredible. Everything looked good. I couldn’t get enough food. Overall attitude has been good. I try not to think about what was done. It makes me nervous if I go down that rabbit hole.

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Moderator
Justin McClanahan, Moderator | @JustinMcClanahan | May 7 8:29am

This week's member spotlight features a member of the Sarcoma support group who many of you have crossed paths with. Learn more about @ctflyr his thirst to learn every day, sharing each moment with his life partner and making life an adventure🙂

Life is an adventure: Meet @ctflyr https://connect.mayoclinic.org/blog/about-connect/newsfeed-post/life-is-an-adventure-meet-ctflyr/

Check out all the Member Spotlights here and follow the About Connect blog for future update: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/page/about-connect/

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Profile picture for tinadooks
tinadooks | @tinadooks | Apr 30 4:20pm
In reply to @beverly48 "I see a cardiothoracic surgeon at DUKE at Durham, NC. He came highly recommended by my..." + (show)
Profile picture for beverly48 @beverly48

I see a cardiothoracic surgeon at DUKE at Durham, NC. He came highly recommended by my PCP. He is known to be the AORTIC guru in the southeast. Personally, I like him very much as he is easy to talk with, is very thorough and always ask me if I have any questions, which I often do and we discuss those. On the day that I have an appoitment with him, my cardiac ultrasound is scheduled first, then I have my CT with contrast performed and then I see the cardiothoracic surgeon to review those test results. I really like the fact that the Cardiac CT photos are reported out in a 3-4 dimensional picture so that I can visualize the aneurysm and its size. I leave the office appointment with all the printed & diagram reports in hand for my reference and my test results are electronically transmitted to my PCP and local cardioloigst. G. Chad Huges, IV, MD is my Duke Cardiothoracic surgeon. I have not had surgery yet and I am 77 years old.

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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.

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keke73 | @keke73 | Apr 28 7:15am
In reply to @bradel82 "@martinkennot Thank you!" + (show)
Profile picture for bradel82 @bradel82

@martinkennot

Thank you!

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@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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bradel82 | @bradel82 | Apr 27 7:52am
In reply to @pittsburghdad "@bradel82 In response to your questions and concerns: (1) Although you cite the correct rate of..." + (show)
Profile picture for pittsburghdad @pittsburghdad

@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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@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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bradel82 | @bradel82 | Apr 27 7:40am
In reply to @martinkennot "@bradel82 Hey there. I was 58 and had OHS after a full dissection (Oct '23) prob..." + (show)
Profile picture for martinkennot @martinkennot

@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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@martinkennot

Thank you!

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1 reply
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lchan2026 | @lchan2026 | Apr 26 12:56pm

Hi, 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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martinkennot | @martinkennot | Apr 25 10:30am
In reply to @okie68 "I’m Debbie from New Hampshire. I have a TAA and it is 4.6 just found out..." + (show)
Profile picture for okie68 @okie68

I’m Debbie from New Hampshire. I have a TAA and it is 4.6 just found out a few months ago. But I’ve changed my diet trying to eat right and take care of myself.
Thank you

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@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.

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Profile picture for martinkennot
martinkennot | @martinkennot | Apr 25 10:25am
In reply to @bradel82 "Hello - new to this group and thankful it exists. I am 44 YO Male in..." + (show)
Profile picture for bradel82 @bradel82

Hello - 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?

Jump to this post

@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

REPLY
1 reply
Profile picture for pittsburghdad
pittsburghdad | @pittsburghdad | Apr 25 10:24am
In reply to @bradel82 "Hello - new to this group and thankful it exists. I am 44 YO Male in..." + (show)
Profile picture for bradel82 @bradel82

Hello - 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?

Jump to this post

@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.

REPLY
1 reply
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