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.

pamela78 | @pamela78 | 17 hours ago
In reply to @beverly48 "I am 77 years old. My AAA is 5.5cm and I do need open heart surgery...." + (show)
@beverly48

I am 77 years old. My AAA is 5.5cm and I do need open heart surgery. However, I have lung damage from severe bilateral COVID Pneumonia. My lung function test (PFT's) show that lungs are getting less functionable each year. Bronchiectasis, Pumonary fibrosis, early honeycombing present on high resolution CT scan. I have never smoked and never been married to a smoker or lived in home iwth a smoker. All lung damage is related to the severe bilateral COVID pneumonia. I am a high surgical risk because of the lung damage. I am intermittent oxygen during the day and sleep with oxygen on at night. Have been told by Pulmonoloigst and Cardiothoracic surgeon that I may not be able to come off the vent after surgery, or may develop Post-op Pneumonia. Therefore the recommendation is to continue to observe the AAA until it appears to be disecting....... My personal recommendation to anyone who is healthy other than the AAA, is to proceed to seriously consider surgery because living with a time-bomb is not really living life to the fullest. There are restrictions on what you should and should not be doing right now. Your health is subject to change at anytime and then you will not have the luxury of making a choice to plan for surgery to prevent the rupture. Be PROactive rather than REactive.

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Very good advice. I'm so sorry you have this lung trouble on top of the aneurysm. Growing older and experiencing declining health is more of a shock than I'd anticipated. You can know something but until you feel it it doesn't quite seem real. Good luck to you as you work to make the most of every day.

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