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Aortic Aneurysms – Introduce yourself & meet others
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?
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I work at a fire house running on the medic. Lots of lifting and carrying people. With your aneurysms do you have a weight limit that you can pick up? I’ve read where ppl have weight limits on what they can pick up. My Dr. says I don’t need any restrictions unless it grows bigger.
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1 ReactionIt is very important to know for sure if you have a bicuspid valve or not, I am amazed they are even doubting or contradicting each other, any good cardiologist should be able to tell you without doubts (cardiology 101). Usually an echocardiogram would tell them. Having a bicuspid valve greatly raises the possibilty of developing an aneurysm, and bicuspid valves are subject to deterioration and needing replacement later in life.
I had both and AAA and bicuspid valve, the AAA was fixed (open heart surgery) the bicuspid valve although slightly deteriorated was left in place as it still could last 10 years+, but I need to monitor it every year with an echo, it will have to be replaced at some point. There are also measures I need to take to protect it and extend its life, like taking antibiotics when going to the dentist as they are very vulnerable to infections.
It is important you see the right specialist that not only gives you the right info about your aneurysm but the health of your heart and valves.
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2 ReactionsHi I'm also 67 and my aneurysm is 4.1 or 4.5 depending on which doctor reviews the reports! First doctor says bicuspid and second doctor says not bicuspid. Very frustrating. Mine was found while being treated for breast cancer with MRI. I wasn't even notified of it until 7 months later. Talk about scary. I've had two doctors tell me the two different sizes. Second doctor said I need a "gated CTA" scan because it is more accurate. Not sure I can get first doctor (insurance doctor) to approve the special CTA scan. I'm set for a regular CT scan in September. Might change insurance so I can go to the second opinion doctor. Hope you are well
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1 ReactionCT scan. Mine is a 3 cm. I’m educating myself on aneurysms. Don’t know much about them.
Hello,
I'm 66yr old with 4.3 thoracic anerysim. I do not have aortic bicuspid. My Cardiologist told me to return in one year to repeat the images. My energy level is not what it was. I also have spinal stenosis multi level cervical, lumbar and S -1. The nerve is pinched in several locations and I'm awaiting surgery but first I am getting second opinions. My next appt for that is Monday. I'm also on B/P meds and diabetic. I find that some days are just better than others. I'm also a piano player/guitar and I'm playing in 2 bands. I love it but will have to take a break on that when my surgery gets scheduled. The recovery after fusing cervical multi level is going to take 6 months to a year. I'm retired now and having so much fun, I'll be happy to get the surgery and move on.
I also have a letter from my cardiologist and he's cleared me for surgery. How did they detect your aneurysm?
Almost 75 year old with 4.6 cm thoracic aneurysm. I have aortic bicuspid valve with bicuspid and mitral valve mild regurgitation.My energy level is so low that I am considering surgery.
However I am on 4 BP drugs that causes loss of energy.
My husband and I have an active social life but I have so little energy now that it is difficult to keep it up.
Looking for other members’ experiences.
I have a 4.6 cm ascending aortic aneurysm. So does my sister. Hers is 4.8cm. My father, his grandmother both dies from an aortic aneurysm.
Just got diagnosed with a 4.2 cm fusiform aneurysm on ascending aorta. Very surprising as 6 years ago it wasn’t there and I am healthy 🙄. Very scary
Hello, I am 68, retired bricklayer, I live in North Centeral Washington(Wenatchee area). I was recetently diagnosed with thoractic aortic aneruysm from ct scan measuring 4.9. I have an apppointment with specialist on July 2(wait times here for appointments or procedures is long). My blood pressure has been historicly good(not great but not high). I feel like a walking time bomb. Have read to exercise but no strenuos stuff. Is it ok to load my tolling battery in and out of my truck? Is cranking the wynch to load my boat too much? How dangerous is the surgery? I live halfway between Seattle and Spokane, should I be seeking second opinions?
Thank you. Yes I retired 3 years ago and was planning on going on a trip overseas with friends. Thank goodness I had that echo before. I am very grateful.