Also I was told the biggest risk of open heart surgery is stroke? True? What is the %?

Hi, I’ve had the same results and will meet with dr on Wednesday. How large was your dialation? tj1778

The largest measurement has been 4.1 cm. It varies. Thanks!

Hi
My largest dilation is 4.2. Should I be worried? This dilation is in the vegus.
So happy to have someone to connect with! Teresa

Wait to worry. It doesn't change anything. Easy to say. Mine is called ascending aortic aneurysm or dialation. Nothing will be done to mine until I reach 5 cm.

Hi @tj1778 and @anniejam,

Ascending aortic aneurysms (or dilated ascending aorta) are a type of thoracic aortic aneurysms or aneurysms that occur in the chest area above the diaphragm. They are the second most common type of aortic aneurysms.
Doctors usually treat small aneurysms with beta-blockers, but if the aneurysm is large or growing rapidly, it will require surgery. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/thoracic-aortic-aneurysm/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20350193

Diastolic dysfunction means that your heart may not be relaxing enough between beats, which limits the amount of blood the ventricles can collect, and the heart has to work harder. The mildest form is called an "abnormal relaxation pattern", or grade I diastolic dysfunction. https://www.mayoclinic.org/medical-professionals/cardiovascular-diseases/news/heart-failure-with-preserved-ejection-fraction-hfpef-more-than-diastolic-dysfunction/mac-20430055

I’d like to bring in other members who may have experiences to share. Please meet @degarden_girl @laverne @crhp194 @rory @morninglory @jend @thegoodwife @thankful @ch246cf10 @debbydiane @janet26 @Drew944 @twocents @prward

It may also be helpful to check out this information from the American Academy of Cardiology: https://www.cardiosmart.org/Heart-Conditions/Aortic-Aneurysm/Questions-to-Ask-Your-Doctor

If you have questions, I would be happy to try to answer them. I had an aneurysm bigger than 5cm. At that size, surgery is indicated. At the age of 72, I had open heart surgery to repair the aneurysm at Mayo. I really got along fine after the surgery and was back to feeling very good within 2 weeks. Then I did rehab starting after 4 weeks and have had no problems. At the time of the surgery I also had giant cell arthritis which was treated with prednisone and an anti- inflammatory. All has gone well. Best to you, Carol

Thank you! That is very encouraging!

Dear Carol,
May I ask who did your surgery and how long ago that was? Your story is very encouraging. Thank you for that.
Deby

My surgery was done by Dr Pochettino at Mayo in May of 2016. As I have said, I got along well. Surprisingly, the pain was easily tolerable and for me, it was the drains afterword that gave me discomfort but they come out after 5-8 days. Good luck, Deby!
Carol

Did you have to travel far for your surgery? I am 1,800 miles from Mayo and that concerns me. We are thinking of moving to Rochester as my husband also has heart issues of a different kind. In June we visited and thought it a very nice city. Dr. Pochettino is my choice too. I hope to meet him next spring.
Thank you for your kind reply Carol.
Deby

We travel about 400 miles to Mayo from Illinois. It has not been a problem to be away from there as after the first year which involved 2 post op checkups, I now go once a year. Because I take methotrexate for giant cell arthritis, I have my blood checked every 3 months but this can be done at home. I am much closer than you so I understand your dilemma of whether or not to move.
BTW, Dr Pochettino is the best, I think.
Carol