Thoracic aortic aneurysm: Anyone had surgery?

Had a large thoracic aorta aneurysm (6+) repaired at Mayo in May 2016 plus a total arch replacement plus one bypass by Dr Pochettino. Wonderful Doctor and by my result, a real expert. I am 72, had no complications and felt like the old me after 6 weeks. I cannot recommend Dr Pochettino enough and thankful to him for saving my life. At home in an area of about 100,000 population, there wasn't a doctor who could do an arch replacement. Mayo and its doctors are the best.

You can expect to be out of work safe to say about 90 Days, You wont be able to drive for about Eight weeks. You will have lifting restrictions for a few months The aortic valve being replaced depends if already leaking. but would say that should probably be able to replace you natural valve. You can look up what they call a valve sparing aortic root replacement it might give you some info also Some of the side effects I had after surgery was body temperature changes would have night sweats etc. for couple weeks after surgery,fluid retention. sometimes I became really emotional after surgery . Don't let you self get so worried about it will be all good

@colleenyoung my biggest fear is the unknown. Having to deal with the VA for referals seems to be taking to long, even though there has only been 2 business days since my diagnosis. How long will i expect to be out of work? How likely is it that the aortic valve will need to be replaced? What side effects will there be after the surgery? I know these are some questions ill need to ask my surgeon. There is so much going through my head its hard to relax enough to sleep.

@smithjss It natural to be scared. I was diagnosed with enlarged aneurysm I was dilated to 5.5 cm I had valve sparing aortic root replacement done in September 2012 at Mayo Clinic Rochester . There always risk with surgery but I wouldn't be to scared about. surgery just go some were Like Mayo Clinic that well knowing for it. The worse for me was the first 24 hours after surgery the only thing that happened to me was that about two weeks out from surgery I went in to a-fib ended haven ablation for atrial fibrillation other than that it just time only other thing would say is if can wait would wait until fall when the weather is cooler so more comfortable for recovery anything want to know just ask will answer if I can

Welcome to Connect @smithjss. I moved your message to this existing discussion thread (https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/thorcic-aneurysm/) about thoracic aortic aneurysms so that you can meet fellow members @grandmajan @ch246cf10 @michellr @johnwburns @lynnkay1956 and @HeartPatches. @jimmorris900 and @jend may also join us here on this discussion thread.

It is natural to feel afraid, but as you can read throughout the discussion, it is a condition that many people live well with. You may also wish to read this discussion https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/large-ascending-aorta-in-young-healthy-45-year-old-woman/

@smithjss what is your main fear or concern at the moment?

I was jusr diagnosed with a 5.9 cm therasic arterial aneurysm. I am finding information that states its only a medium sise aneurysm. It still scares me. The VA found it last week but the cannot do the surgery.

I've not had any kind of surgery except for Thyroid removal in the 70's and Knee scope in the 80's. Have had Optical migraines since the mid 90's. They are only annoying, don't hurt, do interfere with my vision sometimes. They seem seem to be occurring more and more lately. But I'm short of breath more, is there a correlation?

I had surgery for a thoracic aneurysm feb 15th. I DID Not NÉE A VALVE repair. I am in cardiac rehab & back to work. I had post op problem of diverticulitis.& still getting optical migraines. Neither of which i had before. Anyone else have these types of things?

Let us know what the treatment is in the long run. I am at risk for additional aneurysm's. Nice to hear treatment options that are less invasive. I didn't mention the 2 chest openings(surgeries) were also hard on left lung. They have to collapse the lung for room to work. After the last surgery, the lower lobe never reflated. And with additional scar tissue 10 years after the surgery, lung capacity is below 50% what I should have for my age bracket. In your position if you have time, new less invasive methods will be/are being developed. All the best to you.
Bruce

Thanks for your response.The Aneurysm was just discovered. I've been asking my Dr if my heart is ok for about 4 years while he's been treating my shortness of breath as Asthma.  Still have to see the specialist. (Thoracic Surgeon)  Since it's less than 5cm , he thinks maybe wait and watch. That makes me nervous. I'm on Xerelto now for a DVT,  Armor Thyroid, Mine was removed in the 70's, and Prednisone. <br>My BP is good tho very erratic. Pretty healthy and active.  I want to be informed before the Specialist visit to know what questions to ask.  <br>