Is anyone else not getting surgery?

I’m 81 with a 4.75 AAA. Plus an ascending one and have elected not to get surgery. Both are growing fairly rapidly . I’m with you. NO surgery

To the men out there I found that anything that makes nitric oxide should never be used with an aneurysm! Ie: Cialis, Viagra , L Argenine. L Citrulline. As it weakens the elasticity of the aneurysm! Nether of my Doctors knew that ! I’ve used them for 9 years I found out on my own. There are dozens of articles that state this. Makes one wonder how good our health care system really is !

What was your thought process for deciding not to get surgery? Do you have medical issues that preclude surgery?
Do your doctors want you to get surgery? Are they supportive of your choice not to?

My husband hasn’t been told that he should get surgery yet, but is very anxious about the idea of surgery.

I have a 4.9 ascending aneurysm with very high blood pressure. Are they connected?

The short answer: yes, absolutely. High blood pressure (hypertension) is one of the biggest risk factors for aneurysm growth and complications. When your blood pressure is consistently high, it puts extra strain on the walls of your aorta, which can cause an aneurysm to expand faster and increase the risk of dissection or rupture. Think of it like overinflating a weak tire—it’s just a matter of time before trouble starts. I barely survived a 2015 complete dissection of my aorta and it was a nightmare.

1. Get Your Blood Pressure Under Control
Doctors usually recommend keeping blood pressure below 120/80 mmHg to reduce stress on the aneurysm. Medications like beta-blockers (e.g., metoprolol) or ARBs (e.g., losartan) can help lower pressure and protect your aorta.
2. Stay on Top of Monitoring Aorta Size
A 4.9 cm aneurysm is getting close to the size where surgery may be considered (typically at 5.0-5.5 cm for most people). Regular CT scans, MRIs, or echocardiograms—every 6 to 12 months—are key to watching for growth. If you have any new symptoms like chest pain, back pain, or trouble swallowing, call your doctor ASAP or 911. don't wait and don't hesitate. Aspirin is not going to help!
3. Avoid High-Strain Activities
Heavy lifting, straining, or holding your breath during exertion (Valsalva maneuver) can spike your blood pressure and put even more pressure on the aneurysm. Stick to low-impact exercise like walking, swimming, or gentle cycling.

If you have both high blood pressure and an aortic aneurysm, you need to take it seriously—but you’re not powerless. The right medications, lifestyle adjustments, and regular monitoring can make a huge difference. Stay in touch with your cardiologist, consider seeing an aortic specialist, and take things one step at a time. Peace.

Hi

Am an 80 yr old female with descending 5.9 mm AAA with a curved aorta caused by scoliosis. Still undetermined regarding AAA repair as two custom surgeries are required for repair. Length of quality life after surgery is unknown. Am being monitored by Mayo Clinic vascular surgeons.

An endovascular procedure can’t be performed as my left kidney is too close to the aorta/ aneurysm because of the curvature. The first lengthy surgery would be open abdominal requiring three vascular surgeons. The aorta would need debranching (4 each). Custom mesh tubing would be used. The aorta would be clamped to stop blood flow and only a short time period is given or left kidney could be damaged. Rehab would be needed and recovery about 4 months, if no complications. The second surgery is less invasive, but requires custom stents to bypass aneurysm. Both surgeries will be extremely painful with a lengthy recuperation. One could be exposed to viruses and infections during a required rehab stay.

My immune system has lowered since having Covid twice. Health issues with two autoimmune diseases prevail. Blood pressure remains stable and am being monitored by my internal medicine physician, holistic MD, and
dietitian to try and keep aneurysm from rupturing as long as possible. My Mom had two large aneurysms that never ruptured and died of cancer at
83 yrs.

Fortunately, am still independent, live alone, and not ain a nursing home. No symptoms. It takes a wonderful group of family, friends, and healthcare team for support. Every new day waking is a joy.

Blessings to all who are experiencing aneurysms and having to make difficult decisions.

I’m on the fence and doing my homework first before agreeing to surgery. My ascending aortic aneurysm is at 5.0-5.1 and has been stable for 5 years. I feel great and live a healthy lifestyle in my retirement. I monitor my bp each day and I’m on medication to help keep in check. I really want to watch and wait but the surgeons I’ve spoken to say do surgery. I’m 67 and have never smoked or drink alcohol. I want peace in my life but my condition has me feeling stressed.

I think it depends how old he is and how large the aneurysm is. I believe if I was a younger man, I might consider surgery.

I just posted for the first time today but I've been reading all these posts for awhile and they have helped so much,. I realize you are not an MD but I have learned more from you than any doctor I have seen. Thank you for sharing!

It is upsetting that there are no support groups for individuals who do not want AAA surgery in my area.
Many unanswered questions for me:

How does one know when a rupture is occurring
How painful is it
How to reduce pain and be as comfortable as possible
What happens to the body during a rupture
Does one become unconscious immediately
How long does it take to die during a rupture if “Do not
resuscitate” is in effect
Is there a DNR form that pertains only for an aneurysm
rupture.