Decision

Posted by anthonytgbtg123 @anthonytgbtg123, May 20 12:11pm

Hello - I have had no change in an aortic root aneurysm since 2020 (5 years). It is 5.4 cm which I understand meets the criteria for prophylactic surgery. I am uncertain how I am supposed to make this decision. I have been an avid exerciser all my life; and have refrained from heavy lifting although I still continue moderate (non Valsava) resistance training. My blood pressure remains stable. I have heard it said that “many people have TAA or AAA and that some ruptured, and most don’t” - for me, fear is preventing me to immediately opt for surgery. I continue to pray for guidance. Thank you for listening -

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houston13 | @houston13 | May 20 12:38pm

Have you consulted with a very experienced Thoracic/cardiovascular surgeon? If you have not that should be your priority. You are right at 5.4cm (mine was repaired at 5.2 cm) you are in the criical range of needing surgery, but that depends on a lot of factors. Get a professional opinion, besides a very, very experienced surgeon in a major medical center, I would find a cardiologist wo is an expert in aortic diseases, they would do all the appropriate exams, imaging, etc and give you the path forward. But don't wait, you are truly in the critical zone.

Keep taking care of yourself, stay active, if you are in good shape as you say, surgery and recovery will be way easier. I was in great shape when I had mine, the surgeon gave me >99% probability of not having complications. Surgery is tough, but I recovered quickly, was out of the hospital in 5 days and back to work in 3 weeks.

All the best to you

anthonytgbtg123 | @anthonytgbtg123 | May 20 1:05pm

In reply to @houston13 "Have you consulted with a very experienced Thoracic/cardiovascular surgeon? If you have not that should be..." + (show)

Thank you for this reply. I recently received a second opinion at MGH in Boston. I am now considering Cleveland or Mayo. I feel glad to know you recovered quickly - blessings.

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kathy9746 | @kathy9746 | May 31 2:44pm

Curious as to why you dismissed MGH? I’ve had a wonderful experience with them

anthonytgbtg123 | @anthonytgbtg123 | May 31 3:23pm

In reply to @kathy9746 "Curious as to why you dismissed MGH? I’ve had a wonderful experience with them" + (show)

I feel glad to know you had a wonderful experience with them. I’m not certain I’ve dismissed them; however, I do feel compelled to explore options, in particular Cleveland Clinic. I did get the sense that the “guidelines” and not the patient (me) were driving the discussion and perhaps this is the case. Curious; if you are willing to share: 1). Are you a candidate for a prophylactic surgery? 2). What physician have you seen? Best wishes for great success -

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kathy9746 | @kathy9746 | May 31 4:11pm

My experience with MGH was years ago for removal of a lung nodule ( non cancerous!).
I don’t remember the surgeon’s name but he was wonderful. I live in western MA and am grateful for our outstanding Boston hospitals.
My aortic aneurysm is about 4.0-4.2 and my cardiologist is just continuing monitoring for now. He said now red flags! I’ve had it for over 20 years starting at 3.5. I’ll have CT this summer and will know more. He said when and if it gets to 5 we will talk surgery.
Good luck on your journey

anthonytgbtg123 | @anthonytgbtg123 | May 31 5:01pm

In reply to @kathy9746 "My experience with MGH was years ago for removal of a lung nodule ( non cancerous!)...." + (show)

Thank you for this update - and yes, I feel grateful for quality medical care and feel glad to know you are in a good space. Take good care -

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