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.

houston13 | @houston13 | Apr 11 6:41pm

In reply to @marq "Yes! I'm in the same place! Trying to find out what I CAN do exercise and..." + (show)

I have posted this video several times, maybe it will help you get some guidance regarding exercises and having an aneurysm:

It is an interview with a cardiologist who specializes in aortic diseases

marq | @marq | Apr 11 3:59pm

In reply to @bignelie "Hi! Recently diagnosed through ct for a non-related reason and trying to learn before my 3D..." + (show)

Yes! I'm in the same place! Trying to find out what I CAN do exercise and sports-wise vs. what I
"can't "do.

bignelie | @bignelie | Apr 10 11:30am

Hi!

Recently diagnosed through ct for a non-related reason and trying to learn before my 3D scans and surgeon appointments healthy ways to deal with this. As someone who has been a athlete most of my life and, at 45, having to let go of an idea of a high heart rate, intense workouts, and lifting heavy things being good was a surprising blow. Glad to see there is a place to learn and share here.

mikeneverwired | @mikeneverwired | Apr 9 8:38am

In reply to @jonmad66 "Well went Dr today I'm 6.4 cm ! I'm having surgery this week! I fell great..." + (show)

I wish you the best in your recovery from your aneurysm surgery. Mine was tough but I got up and walked the next day and every day thereafter. Walking was key to a good recovery so get up and move every hour or so. I found I could do 10k steps after about 2 weeks and it really helped. Also, be sure to baby that upper body for those first few weeks after surgery... follow doctor's orders!
I am a year out from surgery and am back doing all the things I love with one less health worry!

pamela78 | @pamela78 | Apr 8 7:28am

In reply to @wtamminen "Good luck on your surgery! I envy you a little because you only had to stress..." + (show)

To the two of you having surgery this week, my good wishes are all over the universe for your success and full recovery. Both cases are frightening: having surgery almost immediately after finding out you have an aneurysm and living for ten years with acute anxiety. There's nothing easy about any of this. Bon chance.

wtamminen | @wtamminen | Apr 7 3:33pm

In reply to @jonmad66 "Well went Dr today I'm 6.4 cm ! I'm having surgery this week! I fell great..." + (show)

Good luck on your surgery! I envy you a little because you only had to stress about it for a few days. I have had my aneurysm for over 10 years and worried about it since it was discovered. It has grown to the point that I now need surgery, and it is this week as well. Here’s hoping we both have a quick recovery!

jonmad66 | @jonmad66 | Apr 7 2:22pm

In reply to @jonmad66 "Hello and thanks for this chat thing . Im just two days into my diagnosis I'm..." + (show)

Well went Dr today
I'm 6.4 cm !
I'm having surgery this week!
I fell great and looking forward to getting fixed up. I just found about this 5 days ago that's the wow factor .

beverly48 | @beverly48 | Apr 7 12:28pm

In reply to @pamela78 "Very good advice. I'm so sorry you have this lung trouble on top of the aneurysm...." + (show)

Thank you for the well wishes Pamela. I can't seem to pack enough preparations for the future into one day. So much to be done and my family will probably have to pick up where I leave off.

pamela78 | @pamela78 | Apr 6 3:34pm

In reply to @beverly48 "I am 77 years old. My AAA is 5.5cm and I do need open heart surgery...." + (show)

Very good advice. I'm so sorry you have this lung trouble on top of the aneurysm. Growing older and experiencing declining health is more of a shock than I'd anticipated. You can know something but until you feel it it doesn't quite seem real. Good luck to you as you work to make the most of every day.

beverly48 | @beverly48 | Apr 6 2:05pm

In reply to @pamela78 "If I were in my fifties or sixties, I think I'd probably have surgery when the..." + (show)

I am 77 years old. My AAA is 5.5cm and I do need open heart surgery. However, I have lung damage from severe bilateral COVID Pneumonia. My lung function test (PFT's) show that lungs are getting less functionable each year. Bronchiectasis, Pumonary fibrosis, early honeycombing present on high resolution CT scan. I have never smoked and never been married to a smoker or lived in home iwth a smoker. All lung damage is related to the severe bilateral COVID pneumonia. I am a high surgical risk because of the lung damage. I am intermittent oxygen during the day and sleep with oxygen on at night. Have been told by Pulmonoloigst and Cardiothoracic surgeon that I may not be able to come off the vent after surgery, or may develop Post-op Pneumonia. Therefore the recommendation is to continue to observe the AAA until it appears to be disecting....... My personal recommendation to anyone who is healthy other than the AAA, is to proceed to seriously consider surgery because living with a time-bomb is not really living life to the fullest. There are restrictions on what you should and should not be doing right now. Your health is subject to change at anytime and then you will not have the luxury of making a choice to plan for surgery to prevent the rupture. Be PROactive rather than REactive.

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