Aortic Aneurysms – Introduce yourself & meet others

Hi. I am 66 and I was told six years ago that I had an ascending aorta dilation. At that time it was 4.1. My last chest CAT scan was 4.5 but my echo was 4.3. I go back in a few more months for another check to see how it's doing. But as long as you keep an eye on it and watch it and listen to your doctor then you shouldn't be worried. It's those that don't know they have it is concerning. My doctor says I could go on the treadmill but just be careful not lifting anything over 20 to 25 pounds. How old are you and how long have you had yours?

At the Pantages Theater - downtown Minneapolis --with a VIP reception at SEVEN. We also have a guest rate at the Loews hotel... all 3 venues are on the same block.
Are you in MN? We get around ok here in the winter 🙂
love your last name.... my maiden name is Perreira--Portuguese 🙂

February 9th at the Pantages theater. Details will be posted on the Rock from the Heart website. I've reached out to Mayo, hoping they will get involved in some way 🙂

Please let me know when you do this. So many people die without knowing they have it. I have an ascending thoracic 4.8 and my son a 4.2. I feel blessed to have found out about mine instead of being one of the latter ones. Knowledge is power. Mayo Clinic is trying to keep mine from growing so hopefully I never have to have the surgery.

Where in Minnesota would you have it? Winter is not a good time to get around in Mn.

My husband has his aortic aneurysm repaired and aortic valve replaced last summer after 2 years of watch and wait. When he was diagnosed, neither of us had ever heard or, or knew anything about aortic aneurysms.
We've since started Rock From The Heart to raise awareness of aortic disease and are planning an event in Minnesota - Feb 9 2019!
Our goal is to connect with others around the country, sharing experiences and hopefully saving lives along the way.

Hello @amiscott32,

I'd like to connect you with @ssams @playsdixie @worry @crhp194 @kdh1 @mlan68 @janetpomponio @mamamae @elsinann, all of whom have discussed their experiences with abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA)

According to this article from Mayo Clinic, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/abdominal-aortic-aneurysm/symptoms-causes/syc-20350688 the best ways to prevent a rupture is
– Quit smoking or chewing tobacco.
– Keep your blood pressure under control.
– Get regular exercise.
– Reduce cholesterol and fat in your diet.

You may also wish to read these discussions on AAA:
– Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/abdominal-aortic-aneurysm-2b62d0/
– Abdominal aortic aneurysm: 4.4cm is that serious? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/abdominal-aortic-aneurysm/

@amiscott32, may I ask if the AAA is being monitored by your doctor? What changes, if any, have you made to help prevent a rupture?

Welcome to Connect, @lynnw,

I'm so glad you've joined this group. It is natural to feel afraid, but as you can read throughout the discussion, it is a condition that many people have and live well with. I hope members @grandmajan @ch246cf10 @michellr @HeartPatches @jimmorris900 @jend @dixitworld @shakuni11 @smithjss will also join us here and share their insights.

Here's some detailed information from Mayo Clinic, as well:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/thoracic-aortic-aneurysm/symptoms-causes/syc-20350188
@lynnw, what is your main fear or concern at the moment?

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.

Measurements of aortic aneurysms differ when measured on an echo or on a CT scan -- one is measured on a bias -- the CT scan I believe. And measuring on the bias results in a higher number.