The Importance of Finding the Right People!

Hello. I was diagnosed with a 4.9 cm ascending aorta aneurysm three weeks ago during an unrelated scan.
I found this forum and found it extremely helpful. Between what my fantastic family doctor and knowledgeable people here shared, I went into a consultation with a highly recommended cardiothoracic surgeon on Tuesday.
He was dismissive and disinterested. He suggested the CT scan probably inflated the size without giving any reason for his opinion. He told me I could shop around for a surgeon who would operate, but he didn’t recommend it. He asked no questions about my personal or family history (a brother died at age 39 from an unexpected heart event). He told me he’d see me in a year and to go live my life.
Within minutes, I knew I wouldn’t see this surgeon again, but I did insist on the scan with contrast that my family doctor was sure he’d order. The surgeon’s assistant could see I was frustrated and got me in for the scan that afternoon.
The next morning, they called to say they found a pulmonary embolism and that I should go to the ER right away. I had no symptoms.
The team at the hospital I was admitted to immediately went to work. Their head of cardiology and cardiothoracic surgery saw me within hours and mapped out a plan after asking me questions, explaining what might be happening and what they recommended as next steps. I have been thoroughly tested in just about every way possible minus seeing a hemotologist. I have a 4.6 cm aneurysm now and a team that wants to see me every three months if I stick with them.
I’m home now and have the beginnings of a plan, including second and third opinions at U of M and Cleveland Clinic. I’m sharing this to say be prepared in advance for your appointments. Write your questions down and trust your gut. When the team at the hospital asked me how I got there, I explained the initial diagnosis to consultation and how had I not known to ask for the scan with contrast and pushed for it, I’d be wandering around with a PE and waiting a year to see the surgeon about the aneurysm. The docs and nurses all said WHOA- what happened was NOT OKAY.

Thank you to those who replied to my initial post last week. You helped me more than I can say.