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Ascending Aortic Dilation - Ascending Aortic Aneurysm

Posted by rory @rory, Apr 2, 2018

I was diagnosed in 2012 with ascending aorta dialation of 4.1 cm. In 2013 no change. Finally went back to dr in 2017 and echo showed 4.3 cm. 2 months later dr made me have a chest scan which read 4.5 cm. which is correct? Echo or scan? Dr wants me to have another in 6 months. Very stressful.

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

lynnkay1956 | @lynnkay1956 | Jan 24, 2020
In reply to @elsinann "Eleven years ago 59 cm of my aorta was replaced. I lost a kidney, have a..." + (show)
@elsinann

Eleven years ago 59 cm of my aorta was replaced. I lost a kidney, have a huge diaphragmatic hernia, COPD, minor things—I’m still here! But now I have a 5.3 cm aneurysm in my heart. And I’m not a candidate for surgery.
Does anyone out there have this condition?

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Are you being seen at Mayo? I had aortic stenosis as well as other stuff. They removed a piece below the aortic valve. I had Dr Schaff as my surgeon at Mayo. I think no scans would be negligent. Ignorance is not bliss..Lynn

REPLY
1 reply
abster93 | @abster93 | Jan 24, 2020
In reply to @elsinann "Eleven years ago 59 cm of my aorta was replaced. I lost a kidney, have a..." + (show)
@elsinann

Eleven years ago 59 cm of my aorta was replaced. I lost a kidney, have a huge diaphragmatic hernia, COPD, minor things—I’m still here! But now I have a 5.3 cm aneurysm in my heart. And I’m not a candidate for surgery.
Does anyone out there have this condition?

Jump to this post

Elsinann, Why are you not a candidate? Excuse my ignorance.

Lynnkay1956 your are correct , glad you got help. Smiling!

REPLY
1 reply
Elsinann | @elsinann | Jan 24, 2020
In reply to @abster93 "Elsinann, Why are you not a candidate? Excuse my ignorance. Lynnkay1956 your are correct , glad..." + (show)
@abster93

Elsinann, Why are you not a candidate? Excuse my ignorance.

Lynnkay1956 your are correct , glad you got help. Smiling!

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Hi! Thank you for asking. And no, you’re not ignorant!
I’m not a candidate for surgery because I have a second aneurysm, of my heart wall; a paralyzed hemidiaphragm; my lung capacity is 40% of normal; my one kidney doesn’t have a decent artery to it, so I can’t get dialysis; there is PVD; two mini-strokes, my “tissues are weak”; ventral hernia; my spleen was removed. Four doctors, including two surgeons and my pulmonary doctor, told me that I’m not a candidate for surgery.
On the OTHER hand, I’m a writer, have much curiosity about the world, enjoy NCIS and other TV shows, love to read, have a great family (who live far away, unfortunately); am enjoying (and feeling ashamed about my enjoyment) presidential politics this year.
In other words, life is good!
Annie Perry
(Elsin Ann Perry)

REPLY
1 reply
Elsinann | @elsinann | Jan 24, 2020
In reply to @lynnkay1956 "Are you being seen at Mayo? I had aortic stenosis as well as other stuff. They..." + (show)
@lynnkay1956

Are you being seen at Mayo? I had aortic stenosis as well as other stuff. They removed a piece below the aortic valve. I had Dr Schaff as my surgeon at Mayo. I think no scans would be negligent. Ignorance is not bliss..Lynn

Jump to this post

Hi again, Lynn!
No, I’m too weak—pretty much house-bound—to travel. I’m sorry that you’ve been through bad times, too!
Annie

REPLY
lynnkay1956 | @lynnkay1956 | Jan 24, 2020
In reply to @elsinann "Eleven years ago 59 cm of my aorta was replaced. I lost a kidney, have a..." + (show)
@elsinann

Eleven years ago 59 cm of my aorta was replaced. I lost a kidney, have a huge diaphragmatic hernia, COPD, minor things—I’m still here! But now I have a 5.3 cm aneurysm in my heart. And I’m not a candidate for surgery.
Does anyone out there have this condition?

Jump to this post

I am thankful for my surgery…life is getting back to normal. I can now go to the YMCA and do all the work around the house I want…no restrictions..not even snow shoveling 🙂 So I hope the snow goes away soon…I don’t think I want to shovel this year.

REPLY
Martin | @mlemieux | Jan 24, 2020
In reply to @elsinann "Eleven years ago 59 cm of my aorta was replaced. I lost a kidney, have a..." + (show)
@elsinann

Eleven years ago 59 cm of my aorta was replaced. I lost a kidney, have a huge diaphragmatic hernia, COPD, minor things—I’m still here! But now I have a 5.3 cm aneurysm in my heart. And I’m not a candidate for surgery.
Does anyone out there have this condition?

Jump to this post

Hey All

I’m so sorry to hear about your experiences with your aneurysm. Never a fun DX to have, very scary. But there are some time-test techniques you can do to prevent them, and/or prevent your aneurysm from rupturing:

1) DO NOT SMOKE:
Smoking is probably the #1 reason why people get reoccurring problems with blood conditions. It hinders the ability to pump blood to health parts of your body, causing all sorts of complications. It restricts blood flow: throughout your body, to your heart and to your wonderful brain.

2) Eat a regular diet:
I can’t stress this enough. Stay away from fatty foods, drive-thru windows (you know what that means), eat a lot of protein (nuts, and non-meat protein diet), vegetables (watch out for Vitamin K if you take specific blood thinners), and try to eat smaller portions throughout the day to keep your energy flowing all day.

3) Do NOT drink in excess:
Drinking alcohol thins out your blood and makes it more dangerous for those who suffer with aneurysm’s, DVT’s, etc. Not to mention alcohol weakens the walls of your arteries and of course kills brain cells 😉 .

4) Do NOT overuse medications and/or street drugs:
Medications can save you life, absolutely! But, overuse and abuse of medications can do the exact opposite affect within your body. I had a friend a long time ago who suffered from a cocaine addiction and got an aneurysm which almost killed him. The doctor told him that street drugs, especially cocaine was the cause.

Now that being said, ask your doctor if 1 baby aspirin a day is ok for you to take? Baby aspirin, while not taking other blood thinners can help to increase proper blood flow. I’ve recommended baby aspirin for over 20 years now and will continue to do so. Please consult your doctor.

5) Exercise in small doses:
In order to keep your heath at peak performance, and your arteries strong, it’s important to exercise in small doses. Nothing too strenuous, especially nothing that forces you to lift way too much weight and over stress your veins and arteries too quickly. Small walks with a friend, taking the dog out to a park, playing with children, etc can go a long way to living healthier.

6) Try to keep a happy and un-stressful life:
Preventing more stress in your life is very important for your body to rebuild and give you energy, this can be accomplished from relaxation techniques, including, but not limited to: Thai-chi, yoga, and especially meditation. When you meditate, see your blood flowing like the Nile River, see it being a source of life, see yourself happy and healthy. Do this 10min a day and I promise your life will change in a great way.

7) Long car rides and plane trips:
Be very careful while travelling. Now don’t get me wrong because going on a trip is excellent for your health, BUT sitting for long periods is extremely bad for blood flow and can cause all sorts of mishaps within your arterial system sending too much blood flow all at once when you get up to stretch. Make sure to get up and stretch or something similar every 20-30 minutes MAX.

I hope this helps, again i’m sorry you have to go through this.

Take care all!

Martin R. Lemieux
@Martin_Lemieux – Twitter

REPLY
1 reply
Elsinann | @elsinann | Jan 24, 2020
In reply to @mlemieux "Hey All I'm so sorry to hear about your experiences with your aneurysm. Never a fun..." + (show)
@mlemieux

Hey All

I’m so sorry to hear about your experiences with your aneurysm. Never a fun DX to have, very scary. But there are some time-test techniques you can do to prevent them, and/or prevent your aneurysm from rupturing:

1) DO NOT SMOKE:
Smoking is probably the #1 reason why people get reoccurring problems with blood conditions. It hinders the ability to pump blood to health parts of your body, causing all sorts of complications. It restricts blood flow: throughout your body, to your heart and to your wonderful brain.

2) Eat a regular diet:
I can’t stress this enough. Stay away from fatty foods, drive-thru windows (you know what that means), eat a lot of protein (nuts, and non-meat protein diet), vegetables (watch out for Vitamin K if you take specific blood thinners), and try to eat smaller portions throughout the day to keep your energy flowing all day.

3) Do NOT drink in excess:
Drinking alcohol thins out your blood and makes it more dangerous for those who suffer with aneurysm’s, DVT’s, etc. Not to mention alcohol weakens the walls of your arteries and of course kills brain cells 😉 .

4) Do NOT overuse medications and/or street drugs:
Medications can save you life, absolutely! But, overuse and abuse of medications can do the exact opposite affect within your body. I had a friend a long time ago who suffered from a cocaine addiction and got an aneurysm which almost killed him. The doctor told him that street drugs, especially cocaine was the cause.

Now that being said, ask your doctor if 1 baby aspirin a day is ok for you to take? Baby aspirin, while not taking other blood thinners can help to increase proper blood flow. I’ve recommended baby aspirin for over 20 years now and will continue to do so. Please consult your doctor.

5) Exercise in small doses:
In order to keep your heath at peak performance, and your arteries strong, it’s important to exercise in small doses. Nothing too strenuous, especially nothing that forces you to lift way too much weight and over stress your veins and arteries too quickly. Small walks with a friend, taking the dog out to a park, playing with children, etc can go a long way to living healthier.

6) Try to keep a happy and un-stressful life:
Preventing more stress in your life is very important for your body to rebuild and give you energy, this can be accomplished from relaxation techniques, including, but not limited to: Thai-chi, yoga, and especially meditation. When you meditate, see your blood flowing like the Nile River, see it being a source of life, see yourself happy and healthy. Do this 10min a day and I promise your life will change in a great way.

7) Long car rides and plane trips:
Be very careful while travelling. Now don’t get me wrong because going on a trip is excellent for your health, BUT sitting for long periods is extremely bad for blood flow and can cause all sorts of mishaps within your arterial system sending too much blood flow all at once when you get up to stretch. Make sure to get up and stretch or something similar every 20-30 minutes MAX.

I hope this helps, again i’m sorry you have to go through this.

Take care all!

Martin R. Lemieux
@Martin_Lemieux – Twitter

Jump to this post

Thank you for your reply!
I gave up smoking in 1982. And eat small portions every 2-1/2 hours or so. No junk food. No street drugs, though weed would be interesting. I take a blood thinner plus a baby aspirin. PT twice a week is the schedule, but all I can do are easy feet-up-and-down exercises from the wheelchair. Walks are out. As are long car trips or getting on a plane. I use the Dartmouth relaxing tapes on the web every night. I live alone but am kept company by my beloved Alexa. Not a dog or cat, but an Amazon device.
You are RIGHT about getting up every 20-30 minutes!! I don’t do this, and I must! From now on I’ll set the timer on the Echo! Thank you so very much for the advice, and for helping someone you don’t know.
Bless you!
Annie

>

REPLY
Moderator
Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Jan 24, 2020
In reply to @elsinann "Eleven years ago 59 cm of my aorta was replaced. I lost a kidney, have a..." + (show)
@elsinann

Eleven years ago 59 cm of my aorta was replaced. I lost a kidney, have a huge diaphragmatic hernia, COPD, minor things—I’m still here! But now I have a 5.3 cm aneurysm in my heart. And I’m not a candidate for surgery.
Does anyone out there have this condition?

Jump to this post

Great information shared by all. Thank you @elsinann @mlemieux @lynnkay1956

@abster93 Did this help clarify the mixed messages that you came away with from your recent appointments? While every person is different, I bet this information will help you and your husband to ask questions and figure out the best options for your husband’s care and quality of life. When is your next appointment?

REPLY
abster93 | @abster93 | Jan 24, 2020
In reply to @elsinann "Eleven years ago 59 cm of my aorta was replaced. I lost a kidney, have a..." + (show)
@elsinann

Eleven years ago 59 cm of my aorta was replaced. I lost a kidney, have a huge diaphragmatic hernia, COPD, minor things—I’m still here! But now I have a 5.3 cm aneurysm in my heart. And I’m not a candidate for surgery.
Does anyone out there have this condition?

Jump to this post

Yes Colleen I’m still taking all this in, thank you to all for sharing.

REPLY
abster93 | @abster93 | Jan 24, 2020
In reply to @paulj "Hi, I have a ascending aortic aneurysm that is 5.1 cm. it was diagnosed in June..." + (show)
@paulj

Hi,
I have a ascending aortic aneurysm that is 5.1 cm. it was diagnosed in June of 2011. I have been told that at this time it will be treated with medications but if it grows to 5.5 cm then a surgery will be performed.Also one doctor says if it moves to 5.3 between ct or mri s then i would be a candidate for surgery. Being a typical guy i feel that if its this close why don t we just fix it! I am typicaly very active and this just seems like were playing with fire…. I know percentages,etc etc but if it bursts I am told I will most likely die before the ambulance arrives or at best a 50 percent rate of survival if i make it to the hospital.
What a crazy way to live.
I am leaving for 5 weeks wandering around Costa Rica with a backpack and my rental car so hopefully all will be fine. I would like to do the Camiino de Santiago 550 mile walk through France and Spain carrying a backpack this fall….but what the hel??,,,l is this safe???? i have been going to the V.A. (Veterans Administration) since I don’t have regular health insurance….I just can’t afford it…I am told the Mayo Clinic might take on my case as a “pro bono” situation and help me live….
It’s such a strange feeling to know you can drop dead at any time due to a particular condition that everybody is aware of but waiting for a Fix that is already there and I believe well proven….If the surgery is available but .2cm is what i need to qualify…wher e are those administrators that determined this 5.3 or 5.5 cm threshold if I am out ther and it bursts?
Well, this was a lot of rambling but maybe theres a Doctor or Mayo clinic or someone out there that can help….
Please pass this on to anyone at mayo Clinic that you think can help..
In the meantime I will continue to take my meds and walk through life as best i can…
I know we are all going to die and it could happen at any time but seems a little strange.
I feel like if my engine on my car was acting strange and i took it in and they said it needs to be rebuilt and it will take care of the problem ..otherwise put this of oil additive in it and drive to New York..you should be fine…oh and if it breaks down in the rockies …you’ll probably never get parts so you wont make it to your daughters wedding on time but probably never…..
so put this can of oil additive in and lets all wish for the best?
Have a great day,,,this was fun to vent…hope somebody else reads this and relates or maybe just gets a good laugh…
(maybe an aortic surgeon over at Mayo Clinic
Paul

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we are pretty much in the same situation, waiting for va. ugh. Good luck to you.

REPLY
Kanaaz Pereira, Connect Moderator | @kanaazpereira | Jan 24, 2020
In reply to @dixitworld "Hello All I am 31/M I had my bicuspid aortic valve replaced 8 years back with..." + (show)
@dixitworld

Hello All

I am 31/M
I had my bicuspid aortic valve replaced 8 years back with ATS Mechanical 22 Mm valve.
Now I am diagnosed with ascending aorta size of 5.2 and aortic root of 4.4.
I talked to 2 surgeons in diff hospital.
One surgeon says that no need to replace well functioning mechanical valve and will cut root just before the valve and cover the little rim and existing valve with graft.he gives reason if a mechnical valve passes 1 year successfully it typical remain forever and should not be changed. His recommendations is not to touch the place where valve is sewn to root.

Other surgeon is of opinion that when we will open we will be able to see the condition of root and if it need to be replaced we will put new composite graft already fitted with a new St.Jude valve.
He also believe my current valve is 100 percent functioning but as per him existing valve should have some tissues deposited and replacing a new is always better.

What to choose. Both surgeon are top notch surgeon in diff hospitals

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Hello and welcome to Connect, @dixitworld,

I’d like to introduce you to a few members who’ve written about aortic valve repair or replacement, and mechanical valves; please meet @dlruff @ronbee @redhawk @eugeneo @lyndamm @robaz @crhp194 @morningglory @ch246cf10 @tazzy @colleen00 @marnie10 @shakuni11 @judytru.
Connect member @jimmorris900 has written about his experiences with the David procedure (valve-sparing aortic root replacement ), and may have more insights for you.

You may also wish to go through these discussions on Connect:
– Aortic Valve Replacement https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/aortic-valve-replacment/
– Aortic Stenosis & Valve Replacement https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/aortic-valve-calcification/
– Congenital Heart Disease – What Patients Need to Know https://connect.mayoclinic.org/webinar/webinar-topic-challenges-in-adult-congenital-heart-disease-what-the-patient-needs/ In this Video Q&A Mayo Clinic cardiologists address many questions about valve surgery.

@dixitworld, you mentioned having aortic valve replacement when you were twenty three? Wow! May I ask what symptoms or condition led to having this procedure done? What are your thoughts about the decision of replacing the valve again?

REPLY
1 reply
dixitworld | @dixitworld | Jan 24, 2020
In reply to @kanaazpereira "Hello and welcome to Connect, @dixitworld, I’d like to introduce you to a few members who’ve..." + (show)
@kanaazpereira

Hello and welcome to Connect, @dixitworld,

I’d like to introduce you to a few members who’ve written about aortic valve repair or replacement, and mechanical valves; please meet @dlruff @ronbee @redhawk @eugeneo @lyndamm @robaz @crhp194 @morningglory @ch246cf10 @tazzy @colleen00 @marnie10 @shakuni11 @judytru.
Connect member @jimmorris900 has written about his experiences with the David procedure (valve-sparing aortic root replacement ), and may have more insights for you.

You may also wish to go through these discussions on Connect:
– Aortic Valve Replacement https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/aortic-valve-replacment/
– Aortic Stenosis & Valve Replacement https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/aortic-valve-calcification/
– Congenital Heart Disease – What Patients Need to Know https://connect.mayoclinic.org/webinar/webinar-topic-challenges-in-adult-congenital-heart-disease-what-the-patient-needs/ In this Video Q&A Mayo Clinic cardiologists address many questions about valve surgery.

@dixitworld, you mentioned having aortic valve replacement when you were twenty three? Wow! May I ask what symptoms or condition led to having this procedure done? What are your thoughts about the decision of replacing the valve again?

Jump to this post

I didnt had any symptoms but doctors told me that my bicuspid valve is creating my left ventricle size increasing and EF going down than 50. I did elective surgery at that time and now within 8 years as back at this stage. Not able to decide who is better of those two surgeons

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