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.

elvisnash | @elvisnash | Jan 8 9:59am

I guess I could pay Yale for a 2nd take on the situation
They will fix it at 5.5 , thanks for the $700.00
we could use the money for condos in the Hamptons

elvisnash | @elvisnash | Jan 8 9:51am

In reply to @dglstaf "Thanks for your input. Helps with the apprehension!" + (show)

So Albert Einstein in 1948 had a surgeon wrap his aneurysm in saran wrap
it lasted 7 years , for some reason he did not let the surgeon fix the aneurysm again with better technology. For being a genuis he wasn't that smart , he could have lived 10 more years

elvisnash | @elvisnash | Jan 7 7:56pm

In reply to @dglstaf "Thanks for your input. Helps with the apprehension!" + (show)

At 4.2 you'll get CT scanned every year for yours probably
mines every 6 months now
They grow slow

dglstaf | @dglstaf | Jan 7 7:38pm

Does anyone take Metoprolol? If so, what are your experiences? I have not started yet. I have read many reviews and most of the lean towards the negative side. Any positive experiences with this drug?

dglstaf | @dglstaf | Jan 7 7:35pm

In reply to @elvisnash "No sense freaking out about it at 4.2 , they don't fix till it gets 5.5..." + (show)

Thanks for your input. Helps with the apprehension!

elvisnash | @elvisnash | Jan 7 6:54pm

In reply to @dglstaf "Hi my names is Doug! Great posts and helpful information. I have a 4.2 ascending aneurysm,..." + (show)

No sense freaking out about it at 4.2 , they don't fix till it gets 5.5
Mines at 5.0 , I try not to worry about it , I imagine next year they'll fix it

houston13 | @houston13 | Jan 7 6:10pm

PS: also the valve replacement can happen very easily now and who knows what will be available in 10 years. My 88 year old mom just had hers replaced by catheter and was out of the hospital in a day.

houston13 | @houston13 | Jan 7 6:07pm

In reply to @glendamn "Is there a reason they didn't fix the valve at the same time as the aneurysm?..." + (show)

Yes, my surgeon told me he would look at the valve and evaluate it’s condition, he told me no artificial valve will be as good as a working bicuspid (my own valve), if the valve had marginal life left then he would replace it. At the end his feedback was my valve had minor deterioration and would probably last another 10-15 years, so he decided to leave it.

glendamn | @glendamn | Jan 7 5:24am

In reply to @houston13 "Hi, in 2019 after an MTB accident/leg fracture they found a 5.2cm ascending aortic aneurysm, I..." + (show)

Is there a reason they didn't fix the valve at the same time as the aneurysm? I'm leaning towards wanting to fix this before something happens , and I'm young enough to recover quicker.

houston13 | @houston13 | Jan 5 5:34pm

Hi, in 2019 after an MTB accident/leg fracture they found a 5.2cm ascending aortic aneurysm, I also have a bicuspid valve. I was 54 at the time (58 now), I was in great physical condition as I worked out often, never smoked. The thought of having a time bomb was too stressful and given my surgeon gave me a >99% probability of no complications, and that I could return to my normal life at some point, I decided to get the surgery as soon as possible. Had to wait for the leg fracture to get better and 3 months after leg surgery I had my heart surgery. Not going to minimize it, it is painful and you feel awful for a few days, but as the surgeon said, it went with no issues, I returned to normal workouts and my bike in a few months. My only restrictions are due to leg fracture not the chest surgery. As with some bicuspid valves it will have to be replaced at some point, but with the aneurysm repaired it can now be done through catheter. If anyone wants additional info/advice let me know

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