Purple toes and AAA

I had lots of leg muscle and discolored toes with my 7.5 cm aaa. Since surgery that has disappeared and I assume it was a blood oxygen level being affected. I had no clue I had this and am very lucky it had not ruptured when they scheduled me for emergency surgery. I do cardiac rehab and am happy to be getting some weight off.

May I ask which type of surgery you had? I was told that sometimes the AAA throws off tiny blood clots and that could be what's causing the purple-colored toes. I'm scheduled for an ultrasound this next week, and if they discover blood clots, I will be having AAA surgery. I'm scared!

@scaredcat How are you doing now?

Good morning

Am experiencing purple toes today after an encapsulated abdominal rupture occurred on July 10, 2026 that I survived without surgical intervention. Am told blue toes and bruising legs/feet may be caused from low oxygen levels. It may also be caused from the healing rupture leakage (Clots) being absorbed by the body that can travel to lower extremities (Legs/feet). I don’t have all the answers, only know what I’m experiencing at this moment.

Am an 82 yr old female, now under hospice care, as opted not to have experimental open chest surgery for AAA. after being followed/monitored by vascular surgeons at Mayo over 20 years. Many autoimmune issues now prevail in my body creating more health challenges. It was recently discovered that vasculitis (Irititis and Aortitis) is a new diagnosis. I am now recuperating at my daughter’s home under hospice care.

Decisions are not easy, especially when it could contribute to a life threatening event. Research and surround yourself with the best healthcare team that will let you have a voice for your health options.

Blessings