Ascending thoracic aneurysm: What should I do and not do?

@rms, @kitspiers, @cass57 and all...well, folks, I'll share a bit of my story and thoughts. I also have an ascending aorta aneurysm, and just for fun they just found a tiny little splenic aneurysm. I saw a vascular surgeon last week at Mayo Florida.

Doc said the splenic aneurysm is ti y, very rare and operated by endoscope when it gets to 2 cm. It's less than 1 cm now,now, I may never have an issue. Nothing to do as I already live like a female monk!

I'll have an annual CT to ck both.

The thoracic aneurysm is currently at 48. When it gets to 5, Mayo will do surgery. There are 2 types of surgery for me for this. Open and endo. I will not survive open heart surgery. So, if it grows to 5 my only option in through a vein to the repair. Not sure that would be viable, so I may be in a pooh situation. That's next year...

I must keep BP under control, no anger or whatever, calm and walking as can and therapy pool 2x weekly for conditioning. I don't drink darn it. Smoke only 1x year a very good Igarashi which made the doc laugh....and agreed that was just fine.

I wonder if your aneurysm is at 5ish, if it would be feasible for you to contact Mayo Florida and come for a visit to the sunshine state. Or Rochester if you like. Or, Duke or another large medical center. Your heart and your life are worth taking control of your medical situation and getting to a special medical center for care. You are worth it. May add several good years to your life.

Hope some of this helps someone, makes your journey easier. Be blessed...elizabeth

Just from experience, I think a BAV is Bicuspid valve right? When you get that repaired make sure they repair the aneurysm! They didn't for husband 20 yrs ago and now recommendations are to do 2nd open heart to fix aneurysm. They do it routinely with BAV at Mayo now. Mayo always has time! It's worth your travel in our experience. Good luck

Hey there all. I’m a male, 6’4”. I was originally diagnosed with ectasia of the ascending aorta (3.9) when I was 42. That was 12 yrs ago and it was a CT. Fast forward to last week, admitted to the hospital with A fib. Echocardiogram measures the now aneurysm at 4.9. Following up with cardiologist next week, but a little freaked out. I’m assuming they will want a new CT, a plan to monitor, along with lifestyle and medication changes. No problem making those changes, just worried where this all goes. I’m only 54.

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Luckily, most of my problems are behind, I received two stents after my HA in 2009, recovered fully from my stroke after a TKR in 2018 and my COPD is very mild, occasionally requiring a puff from my inhaler. I will be seeing y cardio MD on 1/13 to further assess the leaky valve, which was examined by a camera and found not sufficiently bad to operate. That leaves my TAA as the worst of my conditions at 5.1. So, when i say I am in good health generally, I think I am. Unfortunately, I am not near a Mayo clinic here in Virginia. .thanks so much for your concern I will report findings next month. Merry Christmas or happy holiday to all on this forum.

I have an aneurism also and my mayo cardiologist said until it gets to 5 just wait and see mode. I'm 60 and only restriction is no lifting heavy weights. Stay away from bad foods and drink good luck dave

Thank you for the encouraging words. I do the treadmill and recumbent bike 3 times a week for a total of an hour each day. That pretty much keeps me active. have a great holiday season.

Hello, silverkat. I certainly misunderstood when you said your general health is excellent. It sounds like you have other heart issues that play into your decisions and your cardio doctors caring for you are on top of this.Please just be careful until you get all the information you need. I had my cardio day today at Mayo, with the normal tests, etc and saw the APRN. My heart isn't speaking to me like yours, I have CHF doing quite well now since I began regularly walking/exercising (using the term loosely, but getting in an hour of tiring work!), 2X weekly in a 94degree therapy pool. It's litterally saving my life. ANd, I don't hurt anywhere when I'm in the water. Love it. Recommend the aqua exercise for cardio. My heart is pretty happy right now! Having more tests soon re autoimmune diseases that are causing BP and other issues. Seems my body continues to attack itself, doggone it! Now, I have 3 or 4 autoimmune diseases! UGH! Hope you stay well, get good news from the next doc and keep us informed. Blessings. Elizabeth

Yes, you're definitely blessed and to Donna's point about not blowing out your TAA, take up another hobby...try fishing, connect with nature. I lifted weights for 40 years, and stopped lifting heavy, even machine assisted, which I felt was an excuse to continue to move around heavier weights, but seriously, enjoy life on another level...try something new...!