I have 2 aortic aneurysms

Hi, joining this space is one of the best things I did. It has given me comfort hearing from others and sharing experiences. I too have two dilations. A TAA dilation and a root dilation as well as a immobile aorta leaflet. 71. I’m being watched annually. Given that there’s really nothing we can do about this until it reaches the point of surgery,, Your anxiety will subside as you come to terms with it. Plus, you may never need surgery. Keep your blood pressure low and don’t lift anything over 30 pounds. Also, exercise. Walk, do yoga, light weights. Keep yourself strong. There is another member on this site, his name is @moonboy. He’s been through the worst of this. It has the most positive attitude as as well as as extensive knowledge. I consider him the Godfather of this forum. Hopefully he’ll join this conversation to give you some comfort. Good luck, you’ll be fine.

my understanding is that a dilation is a measurement of 4.0 to 4.5 in the ascending aorta, and an aneurysm is a measurement of 4.5 or higher. I have a 4.1 dilation in my aorta and a 4.7 aneurysm at the root of my ascending aorta. I discovered this two years ago in a physical. I met with my cardiologist at Mayo Clinic last month and she told me that my risk of a dissection was very low. My blood pressure is good. That being said she did recommend that I continue to lose weight. I went on zepbound six months ago and I am finding it to be an easy way for me to lose weight with no side effects. I was incredibly anxious when I first discovered the aneurysm, but after more research and consultation with the cardiologist, I feel that as long as I’m taking care of myself and following the doctors recommendations, my risk of a dissection is extremely low. as Moon boy writes about his experience comment he makes I find to be extremely true- and that is that the fact that we know we have this problem is definitelydisorienting, it is a gift because it allows us to take precautions and not likely suffer a dissection. All the best to you and good luck on the journey🙏

After a stress echo test I was told I had a 4.5 mm ascending aorta. Then an MRI of my spine also found a >4.0 mm descending aorta. So, we booked a CT for a more accurate follow-up. Then the results were a 4.1 root and ascending aorta and normal descending. Everyone's case is different so my only recommendations are to insure you are getting the most accurate measurements so your growth rate is as accurate as possible. If there is any aortic aneurysm history in your family (like mine) get a genetic consultation. The biggest impact, as you know, is in lifestyle, which is all for the best, anyway. Remember that growth rate is the important factor from now on. Follow the recommendations seen here and enjoy your life. If you can't manage your anxiety, talk to your doctor. Best of luck.

Hello Jan,
Hold your nerve ....keep a clear head & stay positive. Not easy when anxiety invades your space - seek advice on how to manage your situation and look for a second opinion if possible.
Best Wishes.
Mel Carey.

As others have said, you are still away from needing surgery if you ever do at all. Keep yourself active, work on your physical health, anything that you can do to improve your fitness (walk, cardio, sensible weight training, yoga, etc), eat well . If you ever need surgery, you want your body at its best, exercise also helps with anxiety and to lower your BP (and of course with weight loss and everything that comes with it) and once you get into a rhythm it is easier to stay with it. As @chuckb said, getting your accurate growth rate should be one the objectives of your care team, that will help them set the follow up protocol.

Like I always say, with two aneurysms you should try to find a cardiologist who is an aortic disease specialist, not all of them are and it makes a big difference. In my case I had a 5.2 ascending aneurysm and a 3mm brain aneurysm, both found at different times, both repaired. I was lucky to find a cardiologist who is not only an aortic disease specialist but also a geneticist, it has made a world of difference. There is a clear propensity in my family as there have been other cases.

All the best!!!! You know you have it and can plan and get it followed up, others haven't had got that opportunity, Take care

@melcarey260846 Good morning folks. I am now in FULL bragging mode. Here are pictures of my 17-year daughter Mimi at her externship at Mayo Clinic Rochester this week! I am so proud of her. She is going to be saving lives when she finishes medical school in the next 10 years. She is in 12th grade with a 4.0 GPA, varsity swim, lifeguard supervisor, National Honor Society, All State Choir, accepted to part-time attendance at the University of Minnesota. Thank you to Mayo for giving her the opportunity to experience world-class medicine.

All of us should feel thankful that there are up-and-coming young people who want to make the world a better place for patients and that Mayo Clinic is at the forefront of developing them. I take no credit for what Mimi has accomplished. She was 6 years old when I had my sudden dissection and the experience of nearly losing her dad had a galvanizing effect on her. I just want all of you to know that she gets all of this from her mother. Thank you to her mom and to Mayo for the opportunity. Peace.

@moonboy Congratulations to you @moonboy and of course your daughter!!!!, I don't know if what we went through had any influence, my youngest will be an MD in May 2027, he is at the UT Health Medical School in San Antonio, TX, grueling few years and a bit left to go.

Cheers to the new generation of health workers!!!

WOW. Congrats @houston13 !!! I'll bet you if you did a study on it, you'd find that this sort of parental health scare drives children into medicine. If so, it was worth it.

Congrats to @houston13 and @moonboy. I couldn't agree more that we should be so thankful for people like your kids! I'm happy to see a room full of women in moonboy's pics. It's a clear sign that women feel like they can be anything! We need everyone!

Thank you everyone for sharing your thoughts with me. It's certainly nice to know that there are others out there that understand the process. I hope and pray the aneurysms stay under the guideline forever. I guess it was because I now have 2 of them and it was upsetting. Deep breathe!.... I'll be alright. Thank you for your thoughts and and well wishes. Hugs!