Aortic Aneurysms – Introduce yourself & meet others

An aneurysm is usually defined as an outer aortic diameter over 3 cm (normal diameter of the aorta is around 2 cm), or more than 50% of normal diameter. If the outer diameter exceeds 5.5 cm, the aneurysm is considered to be large.

There is usually a determined size when something needs to be done. Abdominal over 6cm. The most important thing for you is to have a dr that you trust and try to know that you are being watched by someone in that specialty.

I am a 32 year old female. Previous smoker but no other predispositions. I have a AAA and was hoping someone could give me some advice. My symptoms are getting worse but not sure that everything is related. Along with the strong throbbing in my stomach I’m also having back pain. I have a purple spot on the back of my right calf. A huge vein sticking out on my right thigh. Tightness on the left side of my neck. And constantly low blood pressure. Are all or some of these related? Please help!! Thanks in advance.

We will look into the specialist, however I have ataxia that is progressing, possible EDS therefor don’t heal well. Many other complications make me hesitant to even think about another surgery.

I think your first questions should center around how to find an outstanding cardiologist. An ascending aortic aneurysm should be evaluated and monitored by a specialist. A specialist will perhaps refer you to a vascular surgeon for evaluation. You want to do this now so you know and are feeling confident in your medical team, well in advance of your need to have surgery. I wish you good luck and good health.

Hello @hollywoodal, I would also like to welcome you to Mayo Connect. You have mentioned taking 12.5 mg twice a day, but I'm not sure what medication you are referring to. Can you explain more? It sounds like it is helpful to you in that you notice a feeling better after a couple of hours of taking the med. I would be interested in knowing more about this drug.

I can understand your problems with Metoprolol. My response to that was tough, to say the least. My cardiologist switched me to Atenolol, much better!

Thank you for posting this conversation as I meet with my pcp on Friday to discuss options since my ascending thoracic aorta aneurysm now measures 5.0 cm. What are the questions I should be asking? Thank you

Hi,

My cardiologist for the past 9 years is Dr. Pablo Elizalde in Savannah. His practice is Cardiovascular Consultants. He is extremely thorough and will listen to your entire background and concerns. His demeanor is very quiet, but don't let that fool you. Also, there are many different options than atenolol. Have your doctors not tried anything else?

At 70 years old I had an operation for an aortic aneurysm and a quadruple bypass. The bypass was not critical but done while my chest was opened. I have exercised my whole life and they let me out of the hospital two days early. They said it was a first for that hospital let along for a 70 year old. Less than two weeks later I was in rehab and after 10 days they said that I had exceeded the exist metrics the day I entered and didn't think they cold help me any further. Since then it has been down hill with the medication. I have had three cardiologists, one a consultant who said he had no clue what was going on. Between the cardiologist and my GP I have been over dosed at least 4 times. One requiring an ambulance ride to the hospital and after three days in the hospital they said I could go home and didn't really talk about what happened. My cardiologist at the time didn't have the gusts to show up. Oh, while in the hospital the internal medicine doctor gave me a pill that damn near killed me. The next day her response was, "That's why we like to do these things in a controlled environment." *&^%$# If you new me you would know I not making this stuff up. Over five years later while on atenolol and many ups and downs I am having all kinds of side effects from the medication. I go to the gym at least 3 days a week with the exception of this virus. The dizzy spells, balance problems, tinnitus and what I call brain fog are aging me before my time.

What I would like to know is there top rated cardiologist in the South Carolina area that I can consult with and possible get some answers? I am not getting any answers currently.