Thoracic aortic aneurysm: Anyone had surgery?

Hi @june1950,

Welcome to Connect. Are you able to share a few details about yourself? I’d really like to get to know you better, and connect you with fellow members.

You said it took you 3months to recuperate, why was it that long? Any type of physical therapy? So blessed to have the team to take care of you!

Hello,
Thanks! I enjoy sharing my experience to help others out. Some of my surgeries have been thus far the most difficult event to recover from in my entire life.
My Bicuspid Aortic Valve made it 52 years then that was it, had to be replaced(Valve replaced in 2018). I had the Aortic Aneurysm in 2005 and even then, they knew the Aortic Valve was degrading, but the procedure for the Aneurysm Repair was so long that keeping me on the bypass machine any longer was too risky so they had to leave it alone. If you can replace the valve early in the lifespan, they will use a Man Made valve that will last the rest of your life whereas the Cow or Pig Valves are usually rated for 10-12 years. Glad you and your Son are aware of your conditions and monitor it. Some folks don't even know they have the conditions.

All the best.

Bruce
Texas

Thank you so much for your explanation. I also have the bicuspid valve and the aneurysm to go along with it. Mine is at a 4.6 and I am screened yearly. Last August it was stable from the year before, so I was happy about that. So far the valve is working fine. My son, who is 38 has the same thing. His is at a 4.2.Neither of us dwell on this or even think about it that often. We just try to live life to the fullest and what will be will be. It is comforting to know that others are in our same situation. Best of everything to all of you dealing with this.

I am glad you regained your energy and it was successful! Great explanation!

Hello,
The typical Heart Valve has 3 (Tri) Leaflets to the Valve. Bicuspid, has 2 (Bi) Leaflets to the Valve. The Leaflets flap open and closed with the pulsing for the heart. The Heart is a Pump. When it contracts, it forces blood to move thru the body. The Valves keep the blood from rushing backwards into the Heart in the case of an Aortic Valve. One in a 100 people have the condition of Bicuspid Aortic Heart Valve, so just 1% of the population which seems small, but that a lot of people when your population is 300 million. Still an exclusive club!

The Bicuspid Valve having just 2 Leaflets wears out much sooner than the Tricuspid Valve. The two leaflets become calcified and stiff and will fail to open and close all the way. They call this Aortic Stenosis. I had all this. Lost energy, couldn't hike on the trails. Had the Valve replaced with a Man Made On-X valve and all is better for the rest of my life.

Hope this helps!
All the best to you!

Bruce
Texas

what is bicuspid?

Recently found out mine was caused by bicuspid too , what symptoms did you have - mine has been life long on and off palpitations- random

Just wanted to say thank you so much for your support inspiration and kindness . He told me could be decades if ever since small and stable. No treatment given yet and tbd in another year when I see him. Hope I have the strength to wait that long even though I feel good. Hope your doing well too.

Hi Drew, I am so happy that the aneurysm is stable. This can continue as just a stable abnormality for the rest of your life. I am sure your cardio is continuing to monitor the situation and will advise you as to what changes in lifestyle might be advisable. The cardio might also suggest medications; last year my cardio placed me on metoprolol, half tablet, to reduce any pressure on the aneurysm to help keep it stable.

Continue to enjoy your life; don't worry about something you can't change. The bicuspid valve might have been a contributing factor to your situation and that formed early in vitro. Nothing you could have done to change that so don't blame yourself for anything.

I wish you continued good health.

Donna