‘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?’?
Hi @michellr
I’m so sorry to hear how stressful this is for you and hope you are taking measures to manage the stress.
As for getting treatment at the Mayo Clinic, Dr. Pochettino, an aortic surgery expert at Mayo would be happy to review your records to understand your situation and determine what type of cardiac surgery needs to be performed. To begin this process, please call Dr. Pochettino’s patient appointment secretary, Hope Nesbit at 507-255-2000. After determining what type of surgery is needed, Ms Nesbit will connect you to our business office to speak about insurance options.
Hi @morgan44, welcome to Connect. I moved your message to this discussion thread to introduce you to other Connect members talking about the pros and cons of surgery. In fact @michellr just had surgery this week. Once she’s feeling able, I hope she’ll return to tell us how she is doing.
Welcome to Connect @grandmajan. I moved your message to this discussion thread so that you can meet other members talking about thoracic aortic aneurysms.
We all will respond differently to surgery, for my first surgery to repair a coarctation of the aorta, my body responded with lots of scar tissue. I wish a stint was available in 1978 for my first surgery. The repair formed an aneurysm in 2005 and again, another opening of the chest and one rib lost in the procedure as well. Would have been less invasive (stint) and today, 38 years later scar tissue is making my chest so tight and uncomfortable. If you can avoid opening the chest I would. Just my experience first hand.
Create an account to connect with other patients and caregivers like you. Ask questions, get answers, and give and get support. Also follow blogs from Mayo Clinic experts.
MayoClinic.org
Hi @michellr
I’m so sorry to hear how stressful this is for you and hope you are taking measures to manage the stress.
As for getting treatment at the Mayo Clinic, Dr. Pochettino, an aortic surgery expert at Mayo would be happy to review your records to understand your situation and determine what type of cardiac surgery needs to be performed. To begin this process, please call Dr. Pochettino’s patient appointment secretary, Hope Nesbit at 507-255-2000. After determining what type of surgery is needed, Ms Nesbit will connect you to our business office to speak about insurance options.
Here’s a video Dr. Pochettino made explaining what patients need to know about aortic surgery https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s3plTqJ9E4s
Here’s a quick read about the The 4 A’s when you find yourself stressing – Avoid, Alter, Accept and Adapt – http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/stress-relief/art-20044476?pg=1
I hope this helps. Keep talking with us. You’re not alone.
Hi @michellr,
I just wanted to check in and see how you are doing?
Thx. Surgery 2/15.
That’s great Michelle. Where did you end up booking your surgery? How are you feeling about it?
Best of luck Michelle. You’re going to sail through it.
Every one says that. I wish I was so sure. Thanks though
I am really freaked about it. I am having it where I work at Edward Hospital with a really good surgeon. Just wish It was over with.
Want to know about thoracic aortic aneurysm risks of surgery.
Hi @morgan44, welcome to Connect. I moved your message to this discussion thread to introduce you to other Connect members talking about the pros and cons of surgery. In fact @michellr just had surgery this week. Once she’s feeling able, I hope she’ll return to tell us how she is doing.
I’m also tagging @johnwburns @lynnkay1956 and @HeartPatches.
In the article, there are sections about treatment and self-management http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/thoracic-aortic-aneurysm/home/ovc-20122021
Are you considering surgery?
Talk about the success of “stint” to support “aneurysm of thoraci aorta” . Long term?
Welcome to Connect @grandmajan. I moved your message to this discussion thread so that you can meet other members talking about thoracic aortic aneurysms.
@johnwburns @lynnkay1956 @michellr I wonder if you have any input about long-term use of a stent?
@grandmajan – have you had surgery? Do you have a stent?
We all will respond differently to surgery, for my first surgery to repair a coarctation of the aorta, my body responded with lots of scar tissue. I wish a stint was available in 1978 for my first surgery. The repair formed an aneurysm in 2005 and again, another opening of the chest and one rib lost in the procedure as well. Would have been less invasive (stint) and today, 38 years later scar tissue is making my chest so tight and uncomfortable. If you can avoid opening the chest I would. Just my experience first hand.
Bruce