Aortic Aneurysms – Introduce yourself & meet others

Stop smoking. Do it now. I've given up wine and salt, and it's a pain in the you-know-what, but I want to be as healthy as I can. You can do this.

I had a thoracic aortic aneurysm repair surgery (open heart) 4 1/2 years ago, it went uneventfully, before surgery my surgeon gave me a >99% probability of having no complications due to my general physical fitness, among the things that he listed was the fact that I had never smoked.

Never too late to improve your physical health, exercise (cardio and strength but do not lift heavy weights), stop smoking and eat well. Find a cardiologist who is an expert in aneurysms, not all of them are, there are some that specialize in aortic aneurysms, ask a lot of questions, get comfortable with your Dr (he/she should have a plan to monitor your progress) and follow his/her advice, and at the top is controlling your BP.

Exercise and a healthy lifetyle will not only improve your fitness for surgery if/when needed, but will help control your BP and axiety about the aneurysm.

All the best to you!!!!

Stop smoking Now!, See a very good cardiologist. I was told that at 5 I would need open heart surgery. I’m 78 and by the time it’s 5 I could be 88 and then not a candidate for surgery. You have a choice. I never smoked or drank. I inherited this from mother. Both my brothers have already had open heart surgery. They didn’t have a healthy lifestyle .
Shaylyn4

Hi.My name is Diane and I’m 781/2 years. I have had an aortic aneurysm for the past 20 or so years. It started at 2cm and then about 10 years later it was 4cm where it’s stayed.
In 2009 I had a cardiac event - Takusubo Cardiomyopathy and I was dead for 71/2 minutes. Now I have CAD and atherosclerosis. I’m supposed to be on a heart healthy diet ( whivh I love) but I also have EPI and Gastroparesis so a heart healthy diet is not good for them.Does anyone have any suggestions or recommendations on how I can have a healthy diet for all my medical conditions ?
I go by Shaylyn4

I was diagnosed with an aneurismArota by accident mine is 4.5 five should I be worried I am a smoker they want me to quit smoking I don’t know I worry every day what should I do?

I plan to have that genetic test as well. I only just learned about it. I hope my kids don't have a bad gene. Yes, it does rather stay on one's mind. It's like Before AAA and after diagnosis. The world has shifted a bit. This group helps.

Of course he could nor would not guarantee no surgery, but unlikely IF it is there is minimal growth, considering my age (77). I told him my fear was getting 85-90 years & needing surgery. His reply simply was you would not be a candidate for surgery at that age, so go on & stay as healthy as possible & live your life.

Mine is also 4.4cm. After a gene study, I have the LOX defect. Hard to find any info on it. It lacks the collagen and elasticity and causes aortic dissections. I feel fine, but can't help but be on your mind often. I think it makes one appreciate every moment of life. I turned 67 in June, and mom died from it at almost 67. I believe with the Connective Tissue Disease, I will meet with the surgeons in about 6 months. We should stay in contact! My sis and daughter also have the gene defect.

I would be interested in what ur Dr. is determining that you will not need surgery or lets just why he thinks that ?
Terry

I like the way we share information here. I think doctors tell us the minimum and don't want to overwhelm us, but reading posts from this groups when I'm in a calmer frame of mind is so helpful.