Connect
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??
Like
Helpful
HugInterested in more discussions like this? Go to the Aortic Aneurysms Support Group.
Connect
i have not written before but had a question I was diagnosed with a thoracic aortic aneurism in may of 2016, It as 4.2 I was told to watch it and have another c t scan in 6 months in jan of 2017 (aprox 6 mths) it had gone to 4.7 again wait 6 moths in july of 2017 had it checked again only this time it was done with contrast this time it was 4.5 I was told to have it checked in 6 myths. in jan of 2018 i had it done also with contrast all 4 times i had the ct scan using the same machine the doctor that read the scan was different this time it was 4.4
I am now told to ck it in 1 yr my question is it normal for it to get smaller or apear smaller?
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionIn April it will be 3 years ago that my arising aorta dissected on a Sunday morning at 7 am sharp. Horrific pain and a twenty mile trip to the nearest hospital in Gainesville, GA. Emergency surgery saved my life very shortly before I was to expire. I heard the surgeon tell my wife that it was going to be very difficult and that she should say goodbye while she still could. I am now 82 years old, keep my blood pressure as low as possible and swim every day. I know the damned thing could pop on me again, but in the meantime I am enjoying life and a couple glasses of red wine per day (to keep the doctor way).
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionThe Mayo hospital sends all bills to Medicare and your supplement. With the Clinic, you pay the bill and Medicare and AARP reimburses you. I have had no problems with Mayo billing. I don’t think you will either as long as you know that the clinic does not get reimbursement from Medicare or AARP. If you cannot afford to pay the clinic for tests, talk to Mayo. The clinic will work out something.
@michellr Call Humana, and ask to talk to THEIR nurse/counselor. Humana has been very helpful to me in these matters.
@axels I believe you do. What you should do is simple. First, make sure that Mayo (or the others) send the bill to both Medicare and AARP. They will send you the money, as much as they will pay, especially if you have plan F or G. Now, this is incredible important. Put that money in your bank account, and pay the bill with your plastic. DO NOT sign the check and send it to the clinic or whatever, especially MAYO. They will lose it in their incredibly old fashioned system, and tell you that you did not pay the bill yet. So just make sure that you have a VERY transparent process of getting the bill paid. Se came close to going to court over this one.
My dissecting aneurysm was measured 6.1 cm last September. I live in Palm Desert , Ca. and the doctor told me they
cannot do it at the Eisenhower hospital. Either Mayo, UCLA or Cedars. Do I qualify with Medicare and AARP at Mayo?
I don,t want to wait too long.
I second morningglory’s post. I had the same surgery with the same doctor on 5/10/2016. I had zero problems after the surgery. Mayo is a great clinic for heart problems. Recovery was swift and no particular problem in the hospital. Cannot say enough good about the hospital. The hospital has plenty of help and on the open heart floor, there is 1 very competent nurse for every two patients. Every nurse I had was extremely competent and kind.
I had surgery for aortic aneurysm 7/29/16 and am a very senior citizen (old) and it went very well and recovery also went smoothly. Had a great surgeon at Mayo, Dr. Pochettino. This was done at the Rochester Clinic, cannot find enough praise for the doc and all his assistants and all the nursing staff.
Thank you Kanaaz. I did as my doctor about the supplement he said it could cause more damage, but made light of it. I am 73 years old, that may be the reason. I was diagnosed on November 17, 2017. I am borderline diabetic, never smoked, never drank, so other than discovering the aneurism I am in fairly good health. I have taken Norvasc 5mg for more than 20 years, and Pravastatin for about 15 years. These are the only 2 prescription drugs I have taken on a regular basis up till now. The testosterone supplements made me more energetic, seemed to be more mentally alert. New medication seems to make me weak, can't sleep, depressed, lack of motivation.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionHave not had surgery. My aneurysm is only 4.7 cm my cardiologist operates at 5.5 cm.Just doing a CT every 2 months.