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Thoracic aortic aneurysm: Anyone had surgery?
I was born with a hole in my heart and have had 2 surgeries. One to fix hole and the other a valve replacement. I've been recently told the I have a thoracic aneurysm and possibly will need more surgery.. Anyone gone th ru this before??
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Just joined Mayo Connect and saw your post today. Wondered if you got the surgery, how long ago, and where. If so, are you doing well now. I was looking into the three places you mentioned. I wish there was a great hospital for this surgery near our home but there is not. Concerned about aftercare if it is needed to remedy an unforeseen problem. Every doc here in Sacto wants to push their facilities regardless of their ratings and that I will not do unless it is an emergency. This surgery is too daunting for just anyone to perform. I sincerely hope all is well with you on Palm Desert. Deby
Hello @ernestine and let me add my welcome to you for posting on Connect!
I do encourage you to read through some of the posts on this page. As you can see, many people have had great surgery experiences, especially at Mayo. Have you addressed your concerns about COPD and the risks of surgery with your doctor? If not, that might be a good idea. He might be able to reassure you about your concerns.
I have a family member who was diagnosed with an abdominal aortic aneurysm about 20 years ago. She decided because of her age (and most importantly her fear of surgery and doctors) not to address the problem surgically. While she was OK, with this decision, the rest of the family had a hard time with it. At age 92, she still has the aneurysm . Any time she has to have a CT or ultrasound of the abdomen doctors always warn her about the risks of not doing something, however she probably will continue on as always. This is a very individualized decision and requires courage to either address the problem or to let it run its course.
I wish you well and I look forward to hearing from you again.
Teresa
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1 ReactionWelcome to Connect, @ernestine, and thanks so much for sharing. Since you mentioned you have COPD, I thought you might be interested in scrolling through discussions in the Lung Health group, https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/lung-conditions/ on Connect.
@ernestine, may I ask if your doctor is comfortable with your decision of not having any surgery? How are you managing the aneurysm? We sincerely look forward to getting to know you.
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1 ReactionI read where they sometimes never rupture. Mine is 6cm and holding. Keeping Bp down and hoping. Opting out of surgery because I am 83 and have copd.
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1 ReactionHello @loracnh and thank you for your post.
Your question about the decreasing thoracic aortic aneurysm is very interesting. While I do not personally have a DX of thoracic aortic aneurysm I can certainly understand how frustrating it is not to have clear cut answers as to what is going on.
If I may ask, do you have any other heart problems, such as heart valve disorders or rapid heartbeat, etc.?
Here at Mayo Connect we try to encourage our Members to be proactive regarding their health needs and questions and to seek answers. Have you sought a second opinion about this problem? If you are near a Mayo facility (Minnesota, Florida or Arizona) or near a large university medical school that might be a good place to seek another opinion.
I look forward to hearing from you again.
Teresa
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1 ReactionWelcome to Connect, @loracnh,
I'd like to introduce you to Mentor @hopeful33250, as I'm confident that she may have more insight for you. I'd also like to invite @jimmorris900 @jpmerk @thankful @jend @lynnkay1956 @elsinann to join in, and provide some guidance and thoughts.
@loracnh, have you asked your doctor if there could be some variation in the CT, which could make the aneurysm appear smaller? Are you taking any medication to manage the aneurysm?
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1 ReactionBetween my heart & the arch before the 3 arteries
I can’t believe your walking around with a dissecting aneurysm. Why!????
Where was your aneurysm located. I have been told that the higher it is the more difficult it is to correct? Jim
I felt the same & had the surgery at 4.8. I couldn’t live with the bomb but the fear of it developing elsewhere is bad too!