Aortic Aneurysms – Introduce yourself & meet others

@abster93 @twojunes2 It is my understanding that an aneurysm will not shrink or disappear. All we can do is follow a healthy lifestyle to do all we can to keep it from growing. An ECHO every 6 months might reassure us that the aneurysm is stable but a CT should be limited to perhaps every three years unless your cardio determines there is reason for it to be done more often. A CT carries a lot of radiation. An ECHO carries no radiation.

BTW, in addition to the open chest repair of an aneurysm there is also a less invasive procedure to install a stent should the aneurysm grow large and the patient is not thought to be a good candidate for the open chest surgery.

We all need to remember that in most cases, the aneurysm is a slowly growing issue. It will likely be years before surgery is needed or considered. In the meantime we need to keep our blood pressure low, our lifting limited to low weights, include lots of fiber in our diets for the obvious reason, exercise with your cardio's OK and keep saturated fats low. It's all we can do and there is just no sense worrying about something we can't change.

Have a great day ladies.

Donna

MY MOTHER HAD AN ABDOMINAL AORTIC ANEURYSM IN HER 70'S. SHE CAME TROUGH SURGERY VERY WELL. MY QUESTION, IS IT HEREDITARY?

MY MOTHER HAD AN ABDOMINAL AORTIC ANEURYSM IN HER 70'S. SHE CAME TROUGH SURGERY VERY WELL. MY QUESTION, IS IT HEREDITARY?

Hi Donna, I appreciated your reply - especially the calming words that the aneurysm is measured differently by the CT vs. ECHO, as well as by the technician who is attending the event! My cardio said after November they would measure this every year. I'm going to refer to what you said about having it done every six months. That, to me, sounds more diligent than a year's testing in between. I read from a post I received this morning that someones aneurysm shrank in size. I believe it and think anything is possible! And, yes, we are very lucky that medical science has made the advances it has....the surgery, if necessary, will be another one of life's experiences. I believe we are spiritual beings having a human experience and that sort of sums it up on that level, for me. Thanks again for your kind, reassuring words and answering my email. I felt acknowledged and "heard". Thank you!!!

Hi @twojunes2 , Sounds like it was a lucky thing that you tripped and then had the good sense to go to the ER to be checked out.

Don't panic about the different readings of the size of the aneurysm. The CT measures straight across and the ECHO measures on a diagonal so will always show a higher number.

What is important is to determine how fast the aneurysm is growing. It may be very stable, especially now that you are on the Losartan. But your next ECHO will give you and your cardio the information needed on growth rate. Mine has been at 4 or 4.1 for many years, very stable. I get an ECHO every 6 months to assure it is remaining stable. Also good to remember is that different technicians can measure slightly differently. So your ECHO reading might be slightly smaller or slightly larger next time but without any actual change in the size.

For me, I hope to never need the surgery but if I do, so be it. Aren't we lucky that medical science has advanced to the extent that such a surgery is possible?

So, my best advice to you is to not worry obsessively about this. Your aneurysm is still quite small and unless it is growing rapidly, you have many healthy years ahead.

Best wishes,
Donna

How many centimeters is your aneurism (sp)?

Hello to All! Nice to connect here with ones with similar diagnosis and see how we are dealing emotionally, since most information I've rcvd is factual and statistical, which I truly appreciate also, but could use some emotional support! After a routine dr. visit Feb 2019, had bp 170/110 that day, so had an ECHO that revealed 3.9 Ascending Aorta Aneurysm. Last few months have been many tests, thankful to be at Mayo, where other aneurysms were discovered- Brain, 2 Illiac and Renal Aneurysm. Also, mention of Fibromuscular Dysplasia (elongated and twisted arteries). Have not had any follow-ups to that even! Brain Aneurysm is where Carotid meets the Ophthalmic Artery, so recheck on that one first- the end of July. Then recheck Aorta Oct since mom died of (undiagnosed) AAA- that dissected, in same area, arch of aorta, incidentally in 9 minutes. I've done 24 gene tests but no known Syndrome, ruled out Marfan's, etc. Definitely Familial Thoracic Aneurysm (hereditary) and the FMD. Just living life in the meantime, going on a 5-mile hike with a club in my area next Monday, level ground around a lake, but afraid to do uphill hikes, and unsure if I can take a plane anywhere. Was only told no running nor lifting weights. Sorry such a long post! I appreciate your writings here, to connect with similar situations and see how it is being treated and how you're doing! Janet