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Aortic Aneurysms – Introduce yourself & meet others
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?
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@marytabor some suggestions: your husband can practice getting up from chairs and out of bed without using his arms before surgery. Get a power recliner or lift chair for your husband.
I was 72 when I had surgery and I was probably not as overall physically fit as your husband, but my legs were strong from bike riding and walking stairs. I was able to get out of the hospital bed unassisted from the day after surgery. I also slept in my power recliner for about the first month after surgery because it was more comfortable for me than the bed.
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4 Reactions@breewhi Sorry I didn’t know that,maybe he changed hospitals.Last time I saw him was at Royal Papworth Hospital in the UK. He also has been on television operating on aneurysms , he also is known for operating in very small openings to reach the heart.
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1 Reaction@wtamminen Thank you so much!
@bobjoseph I had 4 stents put in. My Dr is William HARRIS In Chattanooga TN. The Aneurysm was spotted 10 months ago and was a 3.4 10 months later it was a 4.8 with it growing that fast Dr. HARRIS said it needed to be taken care of. Dr HARRIS is with VIC of Chattanooga TN.
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1 Reaction@badbackgarry - Were the stents put in to correct the ascending aorta aneurism or another heart problem? And your surgery was via the femoral artery?
Thank you.
I am a married 78 year old female, academic lawyer, lifelong nonsmoker, healthy eater, and physically active. Two and one half years ago, I had emergency surgery for a 6.7 aortic arch aneurysm that I did not know I had. I had no health problems and had never been hospitalized before. I was hospitalized for almost three weeks. Returned to work several weeks afterwards. Complications with blood thinner, now resolved. I met older patients at the hospital who also were aortic aneurysm patients, including an 89 year old man. Since my surgery, I have met several people in my community who also had my surgery and are doing well. Role models! Other than the eight prescriptions I take daily, I feel like I felt before the surgery. Anyone else taking so many prescriptions?
I am a married 61-year old non-academic litigator, lifelong nonsmoker, unhealthy eater, and physically somewhat active. I take 5 prescriptions (heart rate, blood pressure, statin). I had a 2015 sudden Type A1 aortic dissection. Other than the five prescriptions I take daily, I feel like someone cracked my chest open and replaced my aorta with a Dacron tube. Hahahahaha. Peace.
@legalbutterfly I had non-emergency surgery a little over a year ago to repair a 5.2 cm ascending aortic aneurysm and aortic valve repair. I was 72 at the time and had no major complications from the surgery and was out of the hospital in 5 days. I take 15 daily prescriptions, some of them more than once a day. I wish I wasn’t because of the side effects. I’m tired, lack energy, am achy, have digestive problems, and have horrible dry mouth. 8 of the prescriptions are for my heart, the rest are for my other medical issues. On the plus side my aneurysm is gone and the pills are keeping me alive.
My name is Dennis. I am 74 years old. In November 2025 I was diagnosed with a dilated Aortic Root at 4.5cm and slightly dilated Ascending Aorta at 4.2cm. My Aortic valve showed mild regurgitation. I had an older bother who died from a disecting thoracic aneurysm and a younger brother who had a AAA. This month my repeat echo the Aortic Root is 4.6cm, the Ascending Aorta is 4.5cm and the Aortic valve shows moderate regurgitation. My BP has been under control over those last 7 months. Wondering if I need to see a cardiothoracic surgeon for a consult?
@wtamminen
Does your prescription regimen include blood thinners and if so, have you had problems with GI bleeds? I have had bleeding with baby aspirin and now use another medication to hopefully prevent GI bleeding. The other medications I take daily also produce dry mouth. I have been using dry mouthwash and dry mouth lozenges before sleep. Seems to help. You had a great result with 5 days hospitalization. Mine was almost three weeks and I struggled to return to my physical activities. Lost muscle mass.