This is quite a surprise for you. And your MDs will move quickly on this. You are right not to take it lightly, and be wise to consult on the big surgery or to have it stented. If you are a senior citizen, the stent is more annoying to monitor but the placement is less trauma on your body. Take someone with you on your appointments. Being calm and problem solving will is the best. You need someone in the hospital with you and then at home until you are able. Best wishes

Thanks everyone. I do wish I could go to Mayo Clinic . I am up in Canada and really hope the doctor is up on all this. I will do my best not to worry to much. Follow up is in October. I am 63 and in reasonable condition, non smoker no hypertension, a little high cholesterol and maybe 10 lbs over weight. I will do my best to follow all instructions. I guess if abdominal pain returns I will just be a thorn in the doctors side. LOL

Hello Theresa there is no family history I am aware of. I keep trying to figure it out too. No hypertension non smoker. Not very overweight maybe 10lbs cholesterol is my only negative side.
It doesn’t make sense. I have had abdominal pains off and on for a couple years. It comes and goes. It was an odd chest type pain that felt worse when I leaned forward that took me to the Er and all the tests started then. It is unsettling thinking nothing is to be done other than monitoring. Because you don’t really know what’s happening inside. Oh well. It is what is

Hello @janet26

When you see your doctor in October for a follow up bring a list of questions/concerns that you have. This will help make your appointment more efficient.

Also, I noticed in a previous post that you wrote: "he wants me to start on a cholesterol lowering drug at very low levels with gradual increase in hopes to strengthen artery walls and a lus dose asa." Perhaps this is the reason for the wait? You might ask that question.
Feel free to specifically ask when is the appropriate time to have surgery or other treatment for this condition.

I certainly can understand your concerns. I hope your next appointment will give you some answers that will put your mind at ease and help you through this waiting period.

I look forward to hearing from you again.

Teresa

Hi Teresa the CT scanned revealed that I also have CoA. This came as a complete shock. After all the testing was done I met with my surgeon for a consult. He thinks I should have surgery soon and wants to do it in August. I am going to need 2 surgeries. The first one to address the CoA and the second one to address the BAV and aneurysm after I have fully recovered from the first one. I always believed I was in pretty good health so these heart issues have thrown me for a loop. The only symptoms I can ever remember are heart flutter which never happened that often. It was not until I had the small bowel obstruction this past May that I found out about the BAV. I had no idea the obstruction and my heart issues were connected. At present I am waiting for the surgeon to get back to me to find out the exact date of surgery. BTW I really liked my cardiologist and surgeon. They were wonderful.

I have a great support system. My husband is with me at all times and I have a grown daughter and parents who are going to hold things down here at home while I am in the hospital. I am glad I got the second opinion. I never would have known about the CoA. Thank you for responding.

Thank you!

Hello @debbydiane and thank you so much for letting me know how your appointment went. I know you were shocked by the unexpected DX of CoA, but isn't good to know about it rather than having it as an uncertainty?

I am so glad that you liked the cardiologist and the surgeon. A comfort level with your medical professionals tends to give you more confidence and less anxiety about a procedure. Will you let me know the date that your first surgery will be scheduled?

You mentioned that the bowel obstruction and the heart problem were connected, I'm not sure I understand. Can you tell me more about that?

Teresa

Hi! I just found out a month ago that I have a 4.0 ascending aortic aneurysm. My calcium score was 116. I saw my cardiologist and have another appointment in 2 months. I am very nervous about this. I am 67. My sister who is 60 has the same thing. She has know about it for 5 or 6 years with no change. I would love a second opinion — I live in Florida.

I would also like to know about the bowel and heart issue too please. I'm afraid I might have the same problem

Hello @nancykare and welcome to Mayo Connect,

Your concern about your new cardiac diagnosis is certainly understandable. Here is some information from Mayo Clinic's website with some information regarding this disorder, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/thoracic-aortic-aneurysm/symptoms-causes/syc-20350188. I would encourage you to read this information. In most cases, the more a person understands their health condition, the better prepared they can be to ask good questions of their medical team and seek out the best treatment.

You mentioned getting a second opinion. This is always a wise decision. You mention living in Florida, there is a Mayo Clinic facility in Jacksonville, FL. If you like to set up an appointment there for a second opinion, here is some information about making an appointment:

"Mayo Clinic works with hundreds of insurance companies and is an in-network provider for millions of people. In most cases, Mayo Clinic doesn't require a physician referral. Some insurers require referrals, or may have additional requirements for certain medical care. All appointments are prioritized on the basis of medical need, and the team members who will care for you or your family have the expertise and skills to provide the best care possible."

Mayo Clinic in Florida
904-339-5809
8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern time, Monday through Friday

I look forward to hearing from you again. If you are comfortable sharing more, what symptoms led you to the diagnosis?

Teresa

I'd also like to invite @ginko @kdh1 @jpmerk @dixitworld @amiscott32 @lynnw @grandmajan to join in – I'm certain they will have some valuable insights and information to share intros group.