Aortic Aneurysms – Introduce yourself & meet others

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.

How many centimeters is your aneurism (sp)?

Hi I am Lynn. I was diagnosed with a 48 ascending and 39 root aneurysm when trying to find the cause of my heart arrythmias. I am on the wait and watch method right now. I was told it was probably caused by high blood pressure which I have never had but have since found out my son has a 42 ascending so I am now a hereditary one. Am trying to get my other 2 kids screened. Am one year since diagnosis with no change in size, which is good. How long does it take to not have this in my head at all times. My father in law died from this so I know what can happen. I thought with distance I would stop thinking about it but it is always there. Doctor says it may never grow any more. Does that happen very often or are they just trying to keep me from worrying? Research is difficult as you all know since it is tailored to doctors. Feel very alone with this.

My ascending aortic aneurysm has been stable at 3.9 cm since 2010. I am careful to not lift more than 25 lbs. But you are right, it is hard to not think about cardio issues.

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.

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.

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?

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?

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.

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