Newly Diagnosed: 4.9 cm ascending aortic looking for support

I had a similar experience... feeling good except for some aFIB during exercise, got a echo cardiogram and was diagnosed with a 5.2cm ascending aneurysm. I was stunned but got educaded, researched my surgeon and had it done almost 2 years ago. Recovery was slow and steady for the first few months but I can now say I am fully recovered and back to exercising, hiking, biking, snowshoeing, etc. If I had one piece of advice it would be to stay in shape as much as you can prior to surgery... it will help A LOT in the recovery process. Good luck!

@mikeneverwired

Great for you👍So happy you are doing well again and back to your life and LIVING‼️☺️

I'm in the exact same boat. CT angiogram in Feb. CA score was 2200 in LAD.

@mikeneverwired
May I ask who your surgeon was or what state they were in?

At 4.5 since found 3 years ago. Stable. CT or CTA scans? Check me every 6 mos.
Good luck all 🍀

@jamiemj Hi Jamie, My surgeon was Dr. Patrick Rudersdorf who is based at St. Anthony's Hospital in Lakewood, CO. We only live an hour north of there and it was worth slogging down there for surgery and followups! Good luck and Happy New Year!

It is a shock for everyone I know except those who have a family history. I felt nothing. I lived with my aneurysm for 4+ years before deciding on surgery. I agree with @mikeneverwired. Stay active. Walk, bike (I am not talking spin), light weights. Wisely or not I did a 1,200 ft elevation hike two days before my surgery.

My surgeon shared with me research that the length of your aneurysm is as important a determinant of an emergency event as the diameter. That research along with my kids both wanting me to have the surgery done and behind me as we have booked a trip to Africa this August.

Pick a high volume surgeon who is top in their hospital. Ask about their success rate, ask if they close you up or leave it to another surgeon. Ask any damn question you have. Your peace of mind going into surgery is important.

Wisely, I think on the hike before surgery... You will be down for 8+ weeks post surgery with only walking, so that was your last opportunity. I will note that I did a 6 mile, ~800' altitude gain hike at week 9, but I was wiped for the rest of that day after the hike. Man, it felt good! Now, almost 2 years post surgery, I'm doing pretty much whatever I want to do (except maybe crossfit)...

@mikeneverwired
Thank you.
Unfortunately I am in NC. Good luck and Happy New Year to you!