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?

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

@crhp194

Yes, quite sure you will see 75. Most doctors will not operate until it is a 5 as there is usually no danger until then. I had open heart surgery at Mayo because mine was over 5. Found out accidentally that mine was a 5+. Yours is growing very slowly. Best to you and no need to worry for now.

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I am 47 and have an ascending aortic aneurysm that has been at 4.5 for a few years now. At my last check up my doctor mentioned to start thinking about surgery. That put me into a whole different place with anxiety and concern. In addition to the procedure, I’m now worried about finding the right surgeon and if I would have a normal life assuming the surgery goes well.

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I had surgery for an ascending aortic aneurysm in May 2016. It was done at Mayo and by open heart surgery. I am 76 years old now and have lived a totally normal life since the surgery. I did the rehab at 4 weeks after the surgery and even then, I felt normal. I notice no differences in my life before surgery and life after surgery. Good luck to you, no need to spend time worrying.

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Thanks for the quick reply. Its nice to talk with someone who has been through the same procedure. What Mayo facility did your surgery?

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It was done in Rochester, MN. I was very happy with the after treatment there.

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@crhp194

It was done in Rochester, MN. I was very happy with the after treatment there.

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Was Mayo in Rochester close to your home?

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@fjc1962

I am 47 and have an ascending aortic aneurysm that has been at 4.5 for a few years now. At my last check up my doctor mentioned to start thinking about surgery. That put me into a whole different place with anxiety and concern. In addition to the procedure, I’m now worried about finding the right surgeon and if I would have a normal life assuming the surgery goes well.

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I had surgery on my anuerysm 9 months after having brain surgery. I felt like I was almost back to me when the aneurysm was discovered at 5.6. I had the surgery 2 weeks later in Phoenix Mayo but Dr Pajara. It went well I was out of hospital in a couple of days and 2 years later I am doing all my physical ativities of golfing, running, weights and yoga. I feel good and hope my life will remain this way for a good long time. I have annual physicals and scans to keep an up to date view of my heart and aorta. So far, so good. I have less symtoms from the heart surgery than the brain and feel very futurnate to be able to resume my life of an active retiree. Next month I will be 70. Believe you can return to normal and enjoy life. It will come. Good Luck to you.

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@xsk8er

I had surgery on my anuerysm 9 months after having brain surgery. I felt like I was almost back to me when the aneurysm was discovered at 5.6. I had the surgery 2 weeks later in Phoenix Mayo but Dr Pajara. It went well I was out of hospital in a couple of days and 2 years later I am doing all my physical ativities of golfing, running, weights and yoga. I feel good and hope my life will remain this way for a good long time. I have annual physicals and scans to keep an up to date view of my heart and aorta. So far, so good. I have less symtoms from the heart surgery than the brain and feel very futurnate to be able to resume my life of an active retiree. Next month I will be 70. Believe you can return to normal and enjoy life. It will come. Good Luck to you.

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Did you have the procedure where surgeon inserts a stent like device through the groin or open surgery?

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I had open chest surgery my anuerysm was to big and they had to repair my valve. It all went well but I was in good physical shape going into surgery. Up walking around soon after and my biggest problem was the chest healthing. It was sore for awhile.

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@xsk8er

I had open chest surgery my anuerysm was to big and they had to repair my valve. It all went well but I was in good physical shape going into surgery. Up walking around soon after and my biggest problem was the chest healthing. It was sore for awhile.

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Thank you so very much for your kind and encouraging words. I too have a 70th birthday next month. I am waiting for my number to reach the surgery point. Since I am a small person, that may be just before it reaches 5 cm. It helps me to know that you are doing well and I am so happy for you.

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