1. < Aortic Aneurysms

Aortic Aneurysms – Introduce yourself & meet others

Posted by Kanaaz Pereira, Connect Moderator @kanaazpereira, Feb 16, 2018

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?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Aortic Aneurysms Support Group.

ginko | @ginko | Jun 30, 2018
In reply to @amybeth7367 "My husband has his aortic aneurysm repaired and aortic valve replaced last summer after 2 years..." + (show)
@amybeth7367

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.

Jump to this post

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

REPLY
rory | @rory | Jun 29, 2018
In reply to @amybeth7367 "My husband has his aortic aneurysm repaired and aortic valve replaced last summer after 2 years..." + (show)
@amybeth7367

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.

Jump to this post

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

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ginko | @ginko | Jun 29, 2018
In reply to @amybeth7367 "My husband has his aortic aneurysm repaired and aortic valve replaced last summer after 2 years..." + (show)
@amybeth7367

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.

Jump to this post

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

REPLY
ginko | @ginko | Jun 29, 2018
In reply to @amybeth7367 "My husband has his aortic aneurysm repaired and aortic valve replaced last summer after 2 years..." + (show)
@amybeth7367

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.

Jump to this post

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.

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amybeth7367 | @amybeth7367 | Jun 29, 2018
In reply to @amybeth7367 "My husband has his aortic aneurysm repaired and aortic valve replaced last summer after 2 years..." + (show)
@amybeth7367

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.

Jump to this post

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) .

REPLY
rory | @rory | Jun 29, 2018
In reply to @amybeth7367 "My husband has his aortic aneurysm repaired and aortic valve replaced last summer after 2 years..." + (show)
@amybeth7367

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.

Jump to this post

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

REPLY
amybeth7367 | @amybeth7367 | Jun 29, 2018
In reply to @amybeth7367 "My husband has his aortic aneurysm repaired and aortic valve replaced last summer after 2 years..." + (show)
@amybeth7367

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.

Jump to this post

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.

REPLY
ginko | @ginko | Jun 29, 2018
In reply to @amybeth7367 "My husband has his aortic aneurysm repaired and aortic valve replaced last summer after 2 years..." + (show)
@amybeth7367

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.

Jump to this post

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

REPLY
rory | @rory | Jun 29, 2018
In reply to @amybeth7367 "My husband has his aortic aneurysm repaired and aortic valve replaced last summer after 2 years..." + (show)
@amybeth7367

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.

Jump to this post

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?

REPLY
amybeth7367 | @amybeth7367 | Jun 29, 2018
In reply to @kdh1 "Where in Minnesota would you have it? Winter is not a good time to get around..." + (show)
@kdh1

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

Jump to this post

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 🙂

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