Celiac Artery Aneurysm: Anyone else with same illness?

@auntbrenda44 I so appreciate the update. I'm glad that you are in the home stretch in terms of scheduling your surgery and having a resolution to your problem.

I can understand how you made your decision to have open surgery. I'll be interested in hearing the opinion of the doctor you will see for your second opinion.

It seems to me that you have looked at these options and you feel that open surgery will be a good solution and will avoid other surgeries in the future. Is that correct?

While my previous surgeries were for a different diagnosis, I also spent 5 - 7 days in the hospital with an NG tube as well. That seems to be typical for surgery involving the upper digestive tract.

How is your health in general? Do you have any heart, kidney, untreated blood pressure problems?

I would like to follow your progress. Please keep in touch.

Hello Teresa. I hope that this finds you and all well. To update, I have been told that my median arcuate ligament is pressing on the celiac artery and aneurysm. My surgeon advises that both she and one of her vascular surgeon partners will perform my surgery. This week she informed me that her third partner was advocating that I undergo an endovascular rather than open surgical procedure. She requested that I obtain a second opinion. Although I have scheduled a second opinion for this Friday, I feel firm in that I want to go ahead with the open procedure because the endovascular will not permanently eradicate the aneurysm and cut at the median arcuate ligament to alleviate the pressure. Although of course I am not keen on an extensive surgical procedure and the associated risks of any major surgery, the thought of possibly having to undergo future surgery(ies), at a later age (I am presently 61) is far more negative for me. It is hoped that I will have surgery within the next 2 weeks. I am told that I will likely be hospitalized for 5-7 days, spend first 2 days in ICU with tube in nose to allow large intestine to recover. Once home it sounds highly unlikely that I will need the originally stated 6-8 week recovery (I am cautiously optimistic on this) and only 2 weeks without driving. I would be so grateful to hear from any people who read this and have experience with this surgery. Many thanks.

Hello @auntbrenda44, I'm so pleased to hear from you again. I'm glad that Connect is helpful to you. After going through surgeries myself I know how important it is to be able to share your concerns.

I certainly understand your desire to be at home where you are more comfortable. I would encourage you, however, to reach out for help after your surgery. After my major surgeries (which required a 7-day hospital stay) it was really important to have someone nearby who could help me. You will probably know more about the help you will need when you are discharged from the hospital.

Will you post again after your appointment on the 24th?

Dear Teresa, thank you for your continued kind thoughts. It means a great deal to me.

I was told that the less invasive (stent) procedure is not an option. I do not know why. I suspect it may be due to my BMI.

It certainly was frustrating to worry about being approved for the CTA. I am unable to tolerate a traditional or pharmaceutical stress test so this CAT scan ordered by my cardiologist is vital to being cleared for surgery.

I do not yet know how long my anticipated hospital stay will be. I am meeting with my vascular surgeon on the 24th and expect to get the details.

I live alone and am cautiously optimistic about being able to recuperate on my own for the most part. My son and my brothers will be available to come by. Although both brothers offered for me to recover at their homes I prefer to be at my own and deeply hope that this is realistic.

Thank you again. It truly helps to communicate with someone who understands and I am sincerely grateful.

Thank you so much for your update @auntbrenda44. I'm sure you are relieved to have this surgery scheduled and to be progressing in the resolution of this problem. I hope that others who have had the open procedure will post with you to let you know of their experiences. If the invasive surgery will eradicate the aneurysm, I can understand why that would be preferable.

You and your doctor are to be congratulated for persisting in getting the approval for a CT scan. It takes a lot of follow-ups to make these procedures happen. Please keep in touch before the surgery and let us know how you are doing.

Do you know how long you will be hospitalized after the surgery? Will you have support/help when you return home?

P.S. Turns out the oirginal sizing of the aneurysm was incorrect. Newest film shows 2.5cm x 1.9cm.

Hello Teresa. I hope that this finds you well. It looks like my surgery will be the first week in June. I have a CTA scheduled for next Friday (took 3 tries for insurance to approve) and then will be meeting with my vascular surgeon the following Monday. I am reaching out to see if anyone has experience with the open procedure and perhaps would be willing to share their experience, recovery, etc. Continued many thanks, Brenda

My surgeon said that surgery shouldn't be considered unless the aneurysm is at least 2.5 cm. I have done some of my own research by reading articles in the Journal of American medical association and Journal of Vascular surgery and I have found articles that agree with him. Also from what I have read Aortic Aneurysms are much more likely to rupture than Aneurysms in the Celiac Artery.

Thanks for your response, @auntbrenda44. It sounds like everything is coming along. I would like to hear how you are progressing. Will you keep in touch with updates as to the surgery date and any other concerns you might have? Did your doctor give you any idea how long you might be hospitalized after surgery?

Hello @hopeful33250. Thank you for your kind and encouraging message. I will be discussing the reason for the open procedure with my doctor. I suspect it may be due to my BMI, lack of exercise etc.

My sincere appreciation and best wishes.