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.

ernestine | @ernestine | Jun 3, 2018

How many centimeters is your aneurism (sp)?

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1 reply
amiscott32 | @amiscott32 | Jun 1, 2018

I am a 32 year old female. Previous smoker but no other predispositions. I have a AAA and was hoping someone could give me some advice. My symptoms are getting worse but not sure that everything is related. Along with the strong throbbing in my stomach I’m also having back pain. I have a purple spot on the back of my right calf. A huge vein sticking out on my right thigh. Tightness on the left side of my neck. And constantly low blood pressure. Are all or some of these related? Please help!! Thanks in advance.

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2 replies
dixitworld | @dixitworld | Apr 11, 2018

I has a well functioning ATS Mechanical valve put in 8 yrs ago and now have aneurysm of 5.2.
Diff surgeon providing diff opinion to replace the valve again or leave existing valve and replace aorta only.
Does anyone has been in this situation?

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ees1027 | @ees1027 | Apr 8, 2018
In reply to @kanaazpereira "Welcome to Connect, @ees1027, Dilation of the thoracic aorta, or thoracic aortic aneurysm as it is..." + (show)
@kanaazpereira

Welcome to Connect, @ees1027,

Dilation of the thoracic aorta, or thoracic aortic aneurysm as it is more commonly called, is a bulging out of the walls of the aorta. Aneurysms that involve the part of the aorta in the chest (thorax) are called thoracic aortic aneurysms, whereas those involving the part of the aorta in the belly or abdomen are called abdominal aortic aneurysms. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/thoracic-aortic-aneurysm/symptoms-causes/syc-20350188

You may notice that I moved your discussion and combined it with this existing discussion on thoracic aneurysms. I did this as I thought it would be beneficial for you to be introduced to the many members who have discussed much of what you are experiencing.
If you click on VIEW & REPLY in your email notification, you will see the whole discussion and can join in, meet, and participate with other members talking about their or their loved ones' experiences.

We have so many members who have shared their experiences with thoracic aortic aneurysms, and I'd like to introduce you to a few; please meet @jpmerk @rory @noram @pbr420 @crhp194 @morningglory @grandmajan @ch246cf10 @HeartPatches @jimmorris900 @janean. I'd also encourage you to read through the messages in this other discussion, https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/thorcic-aneurysm/

@ees1027, may I ask if you would share a few more details? What is your main concern at the moment? Have you asked your doctor whether it's okay to wait for two weeks before meeting with the cardiologist?

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I’m am concerned because I don’t understand what’s going on? The folks who did the scan mention everything was fine then I guess someone else read the scan. I don’t know anything about it and if I should be concerned. Thank you

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Kanaaz Pereira, Connect Moderator | @kanaazpereira | Apr 8, 2018

Welcome to Connect, @ees1027,

Dilation of the thoracic aorta, or thoracic aortic aneurysm as it is more commonly called, is a bulging out of the walls of the aorta. Aneurysms that involve the part of the aorta in the chest (thorax) are called thoracic aortic aneurysms, whereas those involving the part of the aorta in the belly or abdomen are called abdominal aortic aneurysms. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/thoracic-aortic-aneurysm/symptoms-causes/syc-20350188

You may notice that I moved your discussion and combined it with this existing discussion on thoracic aneurysms. I did this as I thought it would be beneficial for you to be introduced to the many members who have discussed much of what you are experiencing.
If you click on VIEW & REPLY in your email notification, you will see the whole discussion and can join in, meet, and participate with other members talking about their or their loved ones' experiences.

We have so many members who have shared their experiences with thoracic aortic aneurysms, and I'd like to introduce you to a few; please meet @jpmerk @rory @noram @pbr420 @crhp194 @morningglory @grandmajan @ch246cf10 @HeartPatches @jimmorris900 @janean. I'd also encourage you to read through the messages in this other discussion, https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/thorcic-aneurysm/

@ees1027, may I ask if you would share a few more details? What is your main concern at the moment? Have you asked your doctor whether it's okay to wait for two weeks before meeting with the cardiologist?

REPLY
1 reply
ees1027 | @ees1027 | Apr 8, 2018

Hello, I had a heart scan and they said I had a mild dilation of the thoracic aorta at the level of the pulmonary artery (3.9 x 3.8 cm) the Cardiologist didn’t have an available app for two weeks. I’m very concerned. Does anyone know what this means? Do I need to worry? Thank you

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rory | @rory | Apr 4, 2018

Hi everyone. I was diagnosed in 2012 with ascending aorta dialation. Echo showed 4.1cm. Now in 2018 echo showed 4.3 but ct scan showed 4.5 cm. which reading do you go by? Dr scheduled another scan in 6 months. Dr said keep up with my daily routines but no heavy lifting. Any feedback would help. Thanks.

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1 reply
Jackie Bell | @jbell22 | Feb 24, 2018
In reply to @jbell22 "Wow, a lot of really interesting, ditressing situations out there. I have a right-facing aorta with..." + (show)
@jbell22

Wow, a lot of really interesting, ditressing situations out there. I have a right-facing aorta with a kommerellis diverticulitis and an abhorrent left subclavian artery which has eroded and embedded into my spinal column. The kommerellis is an aneurysms of some type and I worry constantly about it bursting. I had heart surgery in 2015, where they went in my back (in hopes of removing the subclavian artery from my spine - where not able to) but they did cut parts of my heart which where strangling my trachea and esophagus and rolled my aorta and tacked it onto my heart (to try and get it off my trachea). This was thought to be my first of 3 open hearts with the next possibly being an artificial aorta put in. It has been a confusing nightmare. I am 57 year old female who was etremely active and am able to excerise again now but not without fear (and limited breathing ability and pain). I have had this since birth but it didn't 'blow-up' or make itself know until 2014. Besides worrying about the heart issues, this artery growing into my spinal column freaks me out as well. Thanks for listening. ☺

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We do sound alike. It was really hard to get my mind wrapped around the fact I would not be the same person again (I did a lot of training and competing) but I have become more settled with it as time goes by. I am glad you found what works for you and you are able to keep strong - pilates are great!

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tazzy | @tazzy | Feb 21, 2018
In reply to @jbell22 "Wow, a lot of really interesting, ditressing situations out there. I have a right-facing aorta with..." + (show)
@jbell22

Wow, a lot of really interesting, ditressing situations out there. I have a right-facing aorta with a kommerellis diverticulitis and an abhorrent left subclavian artery which has eroded and embedded into my spinal column. The kommerellis is an aneurysms of some type and I worry constantly about it bursting. I had heart surgery in 2015, where they went in my back (in hopes of removing the subclavian artery from my spine - where not able to) but they did cut parts of my heart which where strangling my trachea and esophagus and rolled my aorta and tacked it onto my heart (to try and get it off my trachea). This was thought to be my first of 3 open hearts with the next possibly being an artificial aorta put in. It has been a confusing nightmare. I am 57 year old female who was etremely active and am able to excerise again now but not without fear (and limited breathing ability and pain). I have had this since birth but it didn't 'blow-up' or make itself know until 2014. Besides worrying about the heart issues, this artery growing into my spinal column freaks me out as well. Thanks for listening. ☺

Jump to this post

Boy, that sounds rough. Good that you are able to exercise, albeit modified from what you used to be able to do. I was quite active myself prior to my heart and artery problem as well. I wasn’t even aware that I had an growing problem until I just collapsed one day. Was quite a shock to learn that I had an aneurysm and enlarged heart! You sound a bit like me. Even with discomfort, you just move forward as best as you can. I can’t do nearly what I could do pre-surgery. At least I have found a person who specializes in teaching Pilates for people who have mobility issues post surgery.

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Jano | @jano | Feb 21, 2018

From one big heart to another. Best wishes to you! You are strong!!!

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