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Appointment with surgeon

Posted by scollins1971 @scollins1971, Apr 3 1:19pm

So after an Echocardiogram I was told my aortic root dilation was at 4.9 which was an increase from 4.7 when I had an MRI done 16 months earlier, I also have BAV with mild to moderate stenosis.
During the MRI they have also found a lung nodule measuring 8mm.
Was sent for CT scan last week to get a more accurate measurement and to take a closer look at the lung nodule and today I have received an appointment to meet with the surgeon in 2 weeks.
The nerves are now starting to kick in as I’m sure they will want to advise surgery but also worrying about lung nodule.
I’m 53yrs old and have 3 children and the thought of having such a major operation is starting to worry me.
I have lots of questions to ask the surgical team mainly being survival rate and if the operation only gives you a certain amount of time but I suppose this will also depend on what is found with my lungs. Any advice would be appreciated.

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houston13 | @houston13 | Apr 3 2:58pm

I had mine repaired at 54 years old, 5.2 cm, and also have a BAV. The risk of surgery depends highly on your overall health and physical fitness as well as whether you have other conditions that may complicate things, I don’t know how the nodule affects this surgery but the surgeon will tell you. In my case the stress of having a time bomb was stronger than any fear I had about the surgery.. I was in good physical health, never smoked and had no other issues so my surgeon gave me really high probability of no complications, he also told me that if my valve was in good shape he would leave it as my natural valve would be better than any artificial valve he could use. I had my aorta repaired 2 months after the AA was found , and he ended up leaving my valve, I will have to have it replaced at some point but now that the aneurysm is gone it can be done through catheter (my mom had her AV replaced at 88 with no issues ). Everything went smoothly, I was in the hospital 5 days and back to work in 3 weeks. Everyone is different so ask a lot of questions, make sure you have the most experienced cardio thoracic surgeon you can find and get a cardiologist who is an aortic disease expert, not all of them are, it makes a big difference. Mine was recommended by the surgeon and he is now my cardiologist for life, he checks me every year (graft and valve) and every 4 orders a full aortic scan (3 hours) to ensure no other aneurysms are appearing. It is known that BAVs are big contributors to aneurysms and not only aortic (I also had a brain aneurysm repaired). I hope everything goes well, if you need more info let me know

REPLY
1 reply
evelynadkins | @evelynadkins | Apr 4 5:39pm
In reply to @houston13 "I had mine repaired at 54 years old, 5.2 cm, and also have a BAV. The..." + (show)
@houston13

I had mine repaired at 54 years old, 5.2 cm, and also have a BAV. The risk of surgery depends highly on your overall health and physical fitness as well as whether you have other conditions that may complicate things, I don’t know how the nodule affects this surgery but the surgeon will tell you. In my case the stress of having a time bomb was stronger than any fear I had about the surgery.. I was in good physical health, never smoked and had no other issues so my surgeon gave me really high probability of no complications, he also told me that if my valve was in good shape he would leave it as my natural valve would be better than any artificial valve he could use. I had my aorta repaired 2 months after the AA was found , and he ended up leaving my valve, I will have to have it replaced at some point but now that the aneurysm is gone it can be done through catheter (my mom had her AV replaced at 88 with no issues ). Everything went smoothly, I was in the hospital 5 days and back to work in 3 weeks. Everyone is different so ask a lot of questions, make sure you have the most experienced cardio thoracic surgeon you can find and get a cardiologist who is an aortic disease expert, not all of them are, it makes a big difference. Mine was recommended by the surgeon and he is now my cardiologist for life, he checks me every year (graft and valve) and every 4 orders a full aortic scan (3 hours) to ensure no other aneurysms are appearing. It is known that BAVs are big contributors to aneurysms and not only aortic (I also had a brain aneurysm repaired). I hope everything goes well, if you need more info let me know

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Your information eases my mind, age wise especially, I'm healthy overall just turned 84,, main symptoms are short of breath and dizziness. Are these important? My appointment with surgeon is April 23rd. And my Sp02 runs 90-93.Thank you, for careing🤗

REPLY
1 reply
houston13 | @houston13 | Apr 4 9:27pm
In reply to @evelynadkins "Your information eases my mind, age wise especially, I'm healthy overall just turned 84,, main symptoms..." + (show)
@evelynadkins

Your information eases my mind, age wise especially, I'm healthy overall just turned 84,, main symptoms are short of breath and dizziness. Are these important? My appointment with surgeon is April 23rd. And my Sp02 runs 90-93.Thank you, for careing🤗

Jump to this post

I’m not a Dr but your O2 seems to be on the low side and if it drops below 90% may be why you feel short of breath and dizzy, as to why you definitely need to see your Dr. I believe you asked about root aneurysm? Maybe there’s a chance your aneurysm is causing issues on your valve, but the Dr would be able to tell you for sure. Do you see a cardiologist? A cardiologist who specializes on aortic diseases should be able to give you a diagnosis and give you recommendations.

REPLY
evelynadkins | @evelynadkins | Apr 4 10:35pm

Thank you for your reply😁 I have a cardiologist, and have been referred to aortic surgeon. Hopefully I'll find the answer soon,

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