Celiac Artery Aneurysm: Anyone else with same illness?

Nice to know of a doctor with experience.

Paul DiMuzio, MD, FACS is a doctor in Philadelphia, Pa. He has experience with celiac aneryisum. Google him. He has medical journals published on the work he has completed

The Vascular surgeon that I have consulted with at UCLA has made no recommendations whatsoever other than to periodically monitor with a CT scan. He told me that if it doesn't enlarge just let it go and that I will likely never need a repair. At some point I plan to get a second opinion from a surgeon who has had experience treating the condition. It may mean a trip to Nashville , Dallas or Chicago based on what others in the group have discussed. It would be nice to have a list of surgeons who have successfully repaired celiac aneurysms. There is no substitute for experience.

The Vascular surgeon that I have consulted with at UCLA has made no recommendations whatsoever other than to periodically monitor with a CT scan. He told me that if it doesn't enlarge just let it go and that I will likely never need a repair. At some point I plan to get a second opinion from a surgeon who has had experience treating the condition. It may mean a trip to Nashville , Dallas or Chicago based on what others in the group have discussed. It would be nice to have a list of surgeons who have successfully repaired celiac aneurysms. There is no substitute for experience.

Back from my visit with Vascular Surgeon. Not much different news to report. He said since the size of mine 1.6cm hadn't changed over the past 7 years that they would not do any repair unless it got up to around 2.5 cm. He said he had done a repair previously but that the surgery is just too tricky and not necessary at this point. Scheduled a follow up CT for one year out.

Does anyone know if an Ultrasound would provide necessary results to avoid repeated CT's?

I guess I can live with knowing I have this and know that mine hasn't changed over the last 7 years so I try not to worry about it. The issue I have is the unexplained pressure, aching under the rib cage. Some days like I said it is better than others. He recommended trying an acid reflux medicine or antacid to see if that helps. Has anyone else found any remedy that seems to help with these similar symptoms?

Also, to try and prevent the aneurysm from getting larger he suggested taking a daily aspirin and a cholesterol med. Anyone else get this recommendation? I just saw on the nightly news last night that the FDA has warned now against taking aspirin daily and it has other side effects. Not sure if it is worth it for me to start this at age 49 knowing mine hasn't grown. Curious to what others think or have done?

Bob, curious if you have ever taken Imitrex? My symptoms started right after I took it for some migraines I was experiencing and was just wondering if it could be related? I agree I don't believe it has anything to do with acid reflux either. Have you ever had an Endoscopy done to see if that revealed anything? I have a referral to see the Gastro doctor but I'm not convinced it has anything to do with my stomach.

Doesnt it seem odd that celiac aneurysm is so rare yet more and more people are coming here with one. Also the drs tell me they cause no symptoms which us who have them know this is bs alot of us have talked about the rib pain pressure and like me after meals comes the pain. I also get tired for no reason alot. Mine is at 2.0 now. Financially ruined. About to be mentally ruined. Can't pick my daughter up anymore. Before this I rode a bike 11 miles a day very active lifted very heavy things at work. Now I'm on light duty . I get the feeling alot of people dont understand the whole wait and watch thing when I tell them... idk I'm just so done with this already. Then I read stories of people on the wait and watch for years. I am not going to be able to do that. I know it's wrong to say I almost wish it would get bigger. I'm just done