My experience from aortic aneurysm diagnosis to surgery

Initial diagnosis- Feb 2025 and Surgery July 2025.
I am in my 60s living in Toronto, Canada. History of hypertension with no other heart issues and never went for an echocardiogram. I had shingles breakout this year in February and before the breakout I had pain in my left shoulder, left armpit, arms and back. My physician referred me to a cardiologist to get an echocardiogram. The very next day, I had shingles; called my physician to let her know about this. She mentioned that the pain was due to shingles but said I should still get the echo done. Glad she said that.

First time getting an echo and it showed 5 cms ascending aorta aneurysm. My cardiologist wanted a cardiac CT done to get more accurate measurements and also referred me to a surgeon. The CT came with 5.1 cms
The surgeon told me that normally the recommended size for surgery is 5.5 cms. However, in my case the aneurysm was sacular in shape and not fusiform. He mentioned that he was not comfortable asking me to come back in a year to check the progress and recommended surgery sooner as the unusual bulge could rupture.

He clearly explained the process and said as I was in good health and a non smoker the risk was very low. I stayed calm throughout with a positive attitude. Diverted from the thought of surgery by working until the last day. I had my surgery in July this year and got discharged in 6 days. I was kept in the ICU for an extra day to get my BP and vitals stabilized.
Getting better by the day! I feel the stress is more on the family during the surgery as I was sedated during and after the surgery. Can’t imagine what they would have gone through as I had to be opened a second time immediately afterwards to stop bleeding
All is behind me now and learnt to appreciate life more! Good luck to everyone if you are planning a surgery. Trust the process and stay positive throughout, mentally going through what you would like to do after surgery! This will help to look forward to good things and not let your mind think about what if scenarios.