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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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Hi @srlove, I moved your message to this existing discussion about Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm so you can meet other members who have "been there" and can help answer your questions about what comes next. I encourage you to read the messages in this discussion forum to see the experiences and tips @michellr @johnwburns @crhp194 @ch246cf10 @jimmorris900 and others have shared.
What concerns you the most? What questions do you have?
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.
I had surgery 2/15. The pain was no.big deal. I was kayaking 8 wks after. I am still.having opthalmic migraines, something new since surgery. Besides that , feel great
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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1 Reaction@smithjss we haven't heard from you in a while. How are you doing? Any updates on getting surgery?
My Aneurysm surgery was in 2005. It was very invasive at that time (lots of cutting), and my first operation was in 1978, so my 2005 recovery was slow due to the scar tissue removal of ~24 years delta between the procedures. You feel kind of helpless and out of control the way your body failed, and now depend on others who a few days before were total strangers. I worked on my hobbies for a few months while on the mend. There has to be something you enjoy where you can focus on it while you heal. That will give you something positive to look forward too. Maybe this will help with your depression . Old coins, stamps, etc. Go to a show related to your hobby, like a Coin or Stamp show. Mingle a bit. Keep your chin up!
Bruce
Texas
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1 ReactionI have dealt with some depression but my solution toward depression which I have had for a good share of my life is to keep busy. I have had some trouble sleeping and that's where depression crops up for me. As for positive things, I am working very hard to walk every day at least 30 minutes.
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1 ReactionTHank you, Bruce! Mayo did their part bu seeing the need for almost immediate surgery and scheduled it quickly.
Welcome to Connect @crhp194. Thanks for the ringing endorsement of Mayo and its professional care team. As Bruce said, we have to our homework and find the experienced and the best.
How is your recovery going? You said you felt like the old you after 6 weeks, but are there changes that you've introduced to the old you, like diet or activity, perhaps attitude?
Good to hear. When my aneurysm was discovered there weren't any local Doctors experienced with my unique condition, and I had to travel to where the experience practiced. All we can do as patients is our homework. You did yours and it paid off. All the best to you.
Bruce
Texas
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