Aortic Aneurysms – Introduce yourself & meet others

Wow! I'm moving the Durham. That's great!!

I only see the surgeon if he thinks there's something to talk about (possible quick growth was the one time I saw him). O/W phone call from a PA and no pics.

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.

I am 80 and had a AAA discovered on 2011 4.5. It has grown very little and is now 4.9. The doctor told me the new size for surgery for AAA is 6cm and likely mine won't get there unless I live to be over 100!!! So I am at ease that I don't have to see surgery in the future.

I'm almost 88, and had a 4.8 AAA discovered about 10 yrs ago. No symtoms. I'm fortunate to have good general health. They image it each year, and it has been stable. I do a brisk 1/2 mile walk most days. My parents both lived to 99 & 98, so I MAY be around for a while. It's helpful to read about other peoples experience with doctors, etc.

Thank you, Bev, I’m 81 and really appreciate your reply. We sound like two peas in a pod. I do not have much trust in the doctors today as for eight or nine years I was taking several supplements that produced nitro oxide, and they all knew it, but until I looked it up myself and find out that you never take nitro oxide supplements with an aneurysm as it weakens the elasticity in your aorta, my game plan is to ride it out. Do nothing and hope it’s quick.

I don't understand why you can't get the information you want/need. That makes no sense to me. I don't know who to direct a complaint to but this seems complaint-worthy to me. Of course, we should be able to find out about the surgeons who are going to open us up. If you don't get satisfaction from one place, go to another until you get answers. Duke? Chapel Hill?

At 4.1 cm you are far away from the critical zone, they start becoming concerning as they approach 5 cms. Growth rates vary by each person, depending how slow it grows it may never get to the critical zone, you should find an aortic disease specialist (cardiologist) to consult. He/she will establish a proper periodical evaluation, the frequency will depend again on growth rates and other factors. Again, not all cardiologists are specialists on aneurysms, you want to find one who is, it will make a big difference.

Yes it was open heart, for ascending (thoracic) aortic aneurysms, it is currently the only effective way to repair the aorta. It involves replacing the aneurysm section with a graft, that can only be done by opening the chest for access. You should be able to find “cardio thoracic surgeons” by doing a search and then find reviews, you want the best, most experienced surgeon you can find. Mine was recommended by my PCP, he took the time to find the best and referred me to him. He was right, my surgeon was not only probably the best in Houston but also a wonderful person, he took his time to explain everything and answer all my questions, I’m sure you can find someone like that near you

Diagnosed with Thoracic Aneurysm at 4.1 cm. Cardiologist not currently concerned. I'm 76 and wondering if this is normal to wait and see?

Thank you the reply. Was your procedure open heart?
I have calls in to three major hospitals in Raleigh, NC, but there seems to be a requirement to have an appointment to find out if the surgeon does the specific procedure I am seeking...I would rather know aforehand. I will also seek guidance from an established cardiologist who may know specialists.