Learning from those who have preceded me.

Hi much has been written about your question in the forum. Your aneurysm is in the larger side, it usually means you get more frequent checks and depending on several variables (your body size, family history, general health, etc) maybe even start planning for repair. Seeing a surgeon is a must at that size, the surgeon will evaluate all the variables above and give you guidance. You may want to consult more than one, look for one with thousands of these surgeries done, major medical center with all the capabilities.

In the mean time your top priority is maintaining BP under control, high BP even for short spikes is the worst enemy of an aneurysm. If you don’t have a cardiologist look for one who specializes in aortic diseases it makes a huge difference, hopefully he/she will maintain communication with the surgeon. Remember the surgeon will stop seeing you after surgery, the cardiologist will follow you for life.

The exertion comment is related to BP, any exercise that leads you into an effort that makes you hold your breath or grunt raises your BP to really high levels for this seconds, and as I mentioned even short spikes are dangerous.

Keep yourself health eat well, exercise but minding the limitations, you want your body at its best if/when you have surgery.

I had a 5.2cm ascending aortic aneurysm that was repaired 6 years ago, I was in good health and it went as smooth as it could have gone. 6 years on I live a very active normal life. I get checked every year by my cardiologist.

The Dr said if you “want” to talk to a surgeon, the answer is yes and the sooner the better, same with a cardiologist.

You know you have it and can take care of it, plan and make arrangements, not everyone gets that opportunity.

All the best

@houston13 Very useful info. Much appreciated

Agree with @houston13 1000%. I understand why hearing “5.0 to 5.1 cm” shook you up. One of the hardest parts of dealing with an aortic problem is being told that something potentially serious is there, and then being told to come back later and watch it. Your instinct that there should be more you can do is completely understandable.

There are things you can do within your control. Keeping your blood pressure very well controlled is extremely important, and many of us with aortic disease also pay close attention to heart rate. Avoid heavy lifting, straining, or anything that causes you to hold your breath and bear down. That does not mean becoming sedentary—walking and other moderate aerobic activity are generally an important part of staying healthy, subject to whatever restrictions your doctors give you. I would ABSOLUTELY keep the appointment with the surgeon. A consultation does not mean you are agreeing to surgery. It gives you an opportunity to understand exactly where the aneurysm is, whether your aortic valve is involved, whether it has been growing, what your individual surgical threshold is, and how often you should be imaged. At 5.0–5.1 cm, I would want those questions answered by someone who deals with the ascending aorta every day.

I would also ask whether there is any reason to investigate a genetic or familial aortic condition and whether close family members should be screened. And learn the warning signs of an acute aortic event so that you and the people around you know when something requires immediate emergency attention. For some perspective, I came at this from the opposite direction. In June 2015, I suffered an acute Type A ascending aortic complete dissection without the luxury of knowing beforehand that it was coming. I underwent emergency open-heart surgery and replacement of my ascending aorta and arch with an artificial graft, followed by a very difficult recovery. I have lived ever since with surveillance imaging, blood-pressure control, medication, exercise limitations, and the knowledge that my aorta needs to be respected—but not feared every waking moment.

If I could go back and have the opportunity you have now—to know about the problem before a dissection occurred—I would use that time to get the best aortic surgeon I could find, understand my measurements and growth rate, control my blood pressure aggressively, stay reasonably fit, and make sure there was a clear surveillance and treatment plan. Knowledge can be frightening, but in this particular situation it can also be an enormous advantage. Peace.

Appreciate your useful contribution. Will put to good use and make the necessary adjustments. My Juxtarenalaneurysm is 5.7cm and twisted making for a difficult repair at age 80. Being extra mindful going forward this year...I will go the extra mile to help myself. Thank You!
Mel Carey.

@houston13 that was great information.