1. < Aortic Aneurysms
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Thoracic aortic aneurysm: Anyone had surgery?

Posted by jbsb93 @jbsb93, Jul 28, 2011

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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JohnWBurns | @johnwburns | Sep 13, 2016
In reply to @srlove "Diagnosed with this 6 months ago. Just now starting to have minor chest pains. Have CT..." + (show)
Profile picture for srlove @srlove

Diagnosed with this 6 months ago. Just now starting to have minor chest pains. Have CT scan with contrast on Thursday ...anyone else have this. What comes next? A little concerned. Thanks.

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Any family history?

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JohnWBurns | @johnwburns | Sep 13, 2016
In reply to @srlove "Diagnosed with this 6 months ago. Just now starting to have minor chest pains. Have CT..." + (show)
Profile picture for srlove @srlove

Diagnosed with this 6 months ago. Just now starting to have minor chest pains. Have CT scan with contrast on Thursday ...anyone else have this. What comes next? A little concerned. Thanks.

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Mayo's strength is in execution of processes and procedures at every level. They shoot for getting you out alive.

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Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Sep 13, 2016
In reply to @jimmorgan "Have one but no surgery yet. Watchfull waiting." + (show)
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Have one but no surgery yet. Watchfull waiting.

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Welcome @jimmorgan. I can imagine that you're concerned. What questions would you like to ask other Connect members who have been there?

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crhp194 | @crhp194 | Sep 13, 2016
In reply to @crhp194 "Your aneurysm usually needs to be repaired at that size. I would see if you can..." + (show)
Profile picture for crhp194 @crhp194

Your aneurysm usually needs to be repaired at that size. I would see if you can get to Mayo's or somewhere that does lots of these surgeries. Many tests are done before surgery so you should know beforehand the operating plan before you have the surgery. If you are worried about afterward, Mayo's has excellent pain control and excellent nurses who are readily available. In particular, nurses Emily, Callie, Amy, aKevin, Dot, Patti-these are very caring and knowledgable. My surgery was May 10, 2016 and all is well. @smithjss

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Mine was almost 6 so waiting was not an option. Mine seems to have been caused by aortic giant cell arteritis. That is controlled or fixed by medication.

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jimmorgan | @jimmorgan | Sep 13, 2016
In reply to @crhp194 "Your aneurysm usually needs to be repaired at that size. I would see if you can..." + (show)
Profile picture for crhp194 @crhp194

Your aneurysm usually needs to be repaired at that size. I would see if you can get to Mayo's or somewhere that does lots of these surgeries. Many tests are done before surgery so you should know beforehand the operating plan before you have the surgery. If you are worried about afterward, Mayo's has excellent pain control and excellent nurses who are readily available. In particular, nurses Emily, Callie, Amy, aKevin, Dot, Patti-these are very caring and knowledgable. My surgery was May 10, 2016 and all is well. @smithjss

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How big?

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jimmorgan | @jimmorgan | Sep 13, 2016
In reply to @srlove "Diagnosed with this 6 months ago. Just now starting to have minor chest pains. Have CT..." + (show)
Profile picture for srlove @srlove

Diagnosed with this 6 months ago. Just now starting to have minor chest pains. Have CT scan with contrast on Thursday ...anyone else have this. What comes next? A little concerned. Thanks.

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Have hsd 2 cts mine is 4.8 now just watchful waiting

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jimmorgan | @jimmorgan | Sep 13, 2016
In reply to @srlove "Diagnosed with this 6 months ago. Just now starting to have minor chest pains. Have CT..." + (show)
Profile picture for srlove @srlove

Diagnosed with this 6 months ago. Just now starting to have minor chest pains. Have CT scan with contrast on Thursday ...anyone else have this. What comes next? A little concerned. Thanks.

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Mine is 4.8. Worried about future

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jimmorgan | @jimmorgan | Sep 13, 2016
In reply to @jimmorgan "Have one but no surgery yet. Watchfull waiting." + (show)
Profile picture for jimmorgan @jimmorgan

Have one but no surgery yet. Watchfull waiting.

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Want more info

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jimmorgan | @jimmorgan | Sep 13, 2016

Have one but no surgery yet. Watchfull waiting.

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2 replies
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crhp194 | @crhp194 | Sep 12, 2016
In reply to @srlove "Diagnosed with this 6 months ago. Just now starting to have minor chest pains. Have CT..." + (show)
Profile picture for srlove @srlove

Diagnosed with this 6 months ago. Just now starting to have minor chest pains. Have CT scan with contrast on Thursday ...anyone else have this. What comes next? A little concerned. Thanks.

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What comes next depends on the size of the aneurysm. Above 5 cm doctored seem to,want to operate to avoid rupture. Having gone through open chest surgery in May, I am amazed at how great I feel. Was sore (incision soreness) for about four weeks but could do rehab walk and live a normal life. After 6 weeks I was quite well. If you work, doctors say you can go back after about 6 weeks as long as you don't lift much for 3 months. I had no complications or infections so I felt very lucky. Mayo Clinic seems to do everything possible to,avoid infections. The staff was so kind, knowledgeable, and careful that rather than the horror the surgery could be, it was not bad at all. The first two days are spent in ICU and then to intermediate care. I must admit I really don't remember the day of surgery or much on the second day. The pain control at Mayo was excellent. If you have more specific questions, please ask. Good luck!

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