Thoracic aortic aneurysm: Anyone had surgery?

based on this diagnosis am I at risk of doing more damage, if I take a testosterone supplement?

Hello: I just saw your message. I totally agree with crhp194. I had surgery for aortic aneurism as well as replacing my aortic valve. My aneurism was well over 5 and I had NO symptom. My cardiologist in Chicago referred me to Dr. Nishimora at Mayo who advised me to have the surgery done by Dr. Pochetino at Mayo. Surgery was done in early Feb of this year and I am absolutely fine. It is a major surgery but Mayo does a fabulous job and Dr. Pochetino is great. I hope this helps.

Demand you be seen for a cta or 2d echo. They work for you & it's your body & life! Like you said, you know your body. Don't be afraid to demand an appt. I'm a nurse & people demand we get them all kinds of things. Lol. Your concerns are legit. Don't take no for an answer. My aneurysm grew from 4.3 to 4.8 in 6 mos. my Dr said I could wait. NOPE. I had surgery 2 wks later. I couldn't live with the bomb in my chest

If you can get to a Mayo Cline, please go. I had an aneurysm that was over 5 in 2016 and still had no symptoms. I did have surgery at Mayo and all went well. If you cannot get to Mayo, go to your cardiologist and insist that he or she see you. It's your life, not theirs and you only have one life. I would not worry what a doctor thinks about you. They are there to help so please go asap.

My ascending TAA was diagnosed at the end of 11/2016 measuring at a 4.2 cm. In June 2017 it was a 4.6 cm. Today 9/7/17 I have been hurting pretty bad with sharp pains between my shoulder blades. I have been to the ER where they tell me-"if you had dissected you wouldn't be sitting here". I think it has grown more and I know my body- that something is wrong. This sharp pain is not normal. I don't know who to turn to. I've put a call in to my cardiologist and surgeon. I feel like to them I am a liability- like they are waiting until it's as close to 5 as possible to avoid a lawsuit if something goes wrong. I am raising my 4 yr old grand daughter. I'm trying to be proactive and positive but this can be so frustrating. Can anyone tell me where I can go that does is much more knowledgeable about aneurysms?

It would be best if you saw a cardiologist and be confident that your situation can be handled safely. I have had a aortic aneurysm and the surgery for repair. I felt so confident of my thoracic surgeons ability I never even considered there would be any problems. And there were not! That was a year ago and I'm doing just fine at 79 years old. You will be fine also and you have youth on your side, so it will be even a faster recovery for you. So make your appointment and go forward with experts. I had mine at Mayo in Rochester, Mn by Dr. A. Pochettino, he is Mr. Wonderful!

Welcome to Connect, Rev.PBR @pbr420,

I realize you must be quite worried, and moved your message to this discussion thread about thoracic aortic aneurysms, so that you can meet fellow members @grandmajan @ch246cf10 @michellr @HeartPatches @jimmorris900 @janean @morningglory. I encourage you to read through the messages in this discussion forum to see some of the experiences and tips they've shared.

Here's some information from Mayo Clinic as well: http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/thoracic-aortic-aneurysm/home/ovc-20122021

@pbr420, It is natural to feel afraid, but as you will read throughout the discussion, it is a condition that many people live well with. What is your main fear or concern at the moment? Have you spoken with your doctor about this?

My mother passed away at the age of 37 of a sudden Thoracic aortic aneurysm. Otherwise I'm good health. My question is 'Has anyone else had anything like this happen in their family and what, if any warning signs are, and how to catch one early.

You can't imagine how much I appreciate Connect and what it has done to alleviate the fear and uncertainty of facing this surgery in August.

Hello @janean,

Welcome to Connect; we're so glad to have you join us. I'd also like to thank @crhp194 and @morningglory for their valuable responses.

Here's another discussion that you may wish to view:
I am 50. At 13 I had a coarctation of the aorta repaired http://mayocl.in/2sCgKTC

I’m tagging members @ch246cf10 @jend @michellr who can share their experiences and provide some guidance and thoughts.
And, while we wait for others to join this discussion, here’s a video that Dr. Pochettino made explaining what patients need to know about aortic surgery:
http://mayocl.in/2rNCzN7
Keep talking with us. You’re not alone.