Aortic Aneurysms – Introduce yourself & meet others

Hi everybody,

As Moderator of this incredible group, I just want to say how much I appreciate all the support and information. It is amazing what your shared experiences and insights can mean to other members.

I can only imagine how scary it must be to get a diagnosis of aortic aneurysm! Aortic aneurysms can be difficult to avoid because they usually don't have any symptoms, and can actually grow "silently" inside you for a long time. Very often these aneurysms are detected when a patient is being tested for something else – @laverne @jpmerk @lynnw, I'm thinking of you – but if detected early, they can be managed and may not even need surgical intervention.
I thought I'd share this information from Mayo Clinic, and highlight some important facts about aortic aneurysms:

– Thoracic aortic aneurysms often grow slowly and usually without symptoms, making them difficult to detect.
– Most people with aortic aneurysms do not have symptoms unless a tear (dissection) or rupture occurs.
– Aortic aneurysms are not always hereditary – about 20 percent of people with thoracic aortic aneurysm have a genetic predisposition to it, meaning it runs in the family. For instance, people who are born with Marfan syndrome are particularly at risk of a thoracic aortic aneurysm – as @jimmorris900 has shared.
– Surgery is generally recommended if your aneurysm is about 1.9 to 2.4 inches (about 5 to 6 centimeters) and larger.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/thoracic-aortic-aneurysm/symptoms-causes/syc-20350188
Since we are all so different, I hope this helps in some way. As members of this group and of Mayo Clinic Connect, I know you are in such a good place to get support, so let's keep talking and sharing.

Good morning Denise. Yes, it sounds like we have similar things regarding this aneurysm. My next test will probably be in Nov here in CA. I am two years older than you. Mostly my exercise is yoga and walking our dog.  I was told not to lift heavy objects also.Mayo is in Minnesota and rated as one of the best, if not the best.  Just wish I lived closer to them.   Have a good Saturday Denise.  Deby

Hi Lynn,
I am in the same situation but live out of state. Planning to visit Rochester next month to become familiar with Mayo. Would like to know others who might live there and have this problem. You have a great attitude that “knowledge is power”. Knowledge has helped me research and make future surgery choices, but it is also not easy. I wish you well. Deby

Hi Deby. Thanks for getting back to me. I have a bicuspid aortic valve also since birth. And heart mummer. I have my sixth month chest cat scan end of September. They say that is more accurate. My echo showed 4.3 cm and chest scan showed 4.5. So I will see what it is in September. I don't worry about this any more. Was diagnosed in 2012. I exercise on treadmill and don't do any heavy lifting over 20 pounds. I live in ct. Heard about mayo clinic. Where is that? Sounds like ours is pretty similar. Try not to worry.
Denise

Very inspiring Pictures Amy Beth!!! I need that hopefulness. Deby

Hi Denise...
Had a full day today and sorry not to have been able to get back to you sooner. My doc said that surgery is indicated at a five also, but a recent echo shows that it grew from a 4.5 to a 4.6 over the last year. So, I keep “watch and waiting” as they say and hoping it will slow down. I have had it for several years and a bicuspid aortic valve from birth. Docs here didn’t tell me I had it until l asked them meanings of certain numbers on my echo printout a couple of years ago. Needless to say, I was very surprised and concerned, so I researched my surgery location options. I feel that Mayo is the best even though we would have to travel unless we relocate first.
Deby
PS
Hope this helps Denise. Do you live near Mayo or would you also have to travel for surgery?I am very close to your age. Please feel free to write anytime.

this is Pete - 1st photo taken about about 7 weeks after surgery; 2nd photo taken 4 months after surgery - his 2nd post op drumming gig (his first was 8 weeks post op) .

Hi Deby. Are they recommending that you have the surgery now when it is 4.6? My doctor told me they usually wait until it gets up to 5.0. Was just wondering. How long have you had yours? I was diagnosed six years ago. Love to hear back.
Denise

My husband's aneurysm was 5.0cm. He also needed his aortic valve replaced. We are very thankful in was found in time! His surgery was last July.

Hi Amy Beth. So good to see your post this morning. I also have an ascending aortic aneurysm at 4.6 and that is getting up there as I am a small person. I currently live out of state, but have chosen Mayo for the surgery and we are considering a move also to be close to follow up care and care as we age. It is so nice to know that your husband is doing well. Please give him our very best wishes. Would it be possible to email a bit to get to know each other and learn from our shared experiences? My husband’s sister-in-law is from MN and talks very highly about her home state. Thank you so very much and take care
Sincerely,
Deby