What makes ascending thoracic aortic aneurysms increase in size?

Posted by wonderwoman1121 @wonderwoman1121, Jan 19 7:16pm

I am a 68 year old woman, who considers myself in relatively good shape and health until I was diagnosed with breast cancer 14 months ago. I had a lumpectomy and radiation and now I am on medication which increases cholesterol, causes joint pain, and osteoporosis. In June 2024, I had a CT Scan with contrast due to the cancer and that was fine but I found out I had a 4.1 ascending thoracic aortic aneurysm, which caused me to freak out. My cardiologist had no concern, so I saw a Thoracic Surgeon who said since I’m short, surgery would be needed if it reached 4.5. Typically, they recheck in a year but since I was nervous I just had a CT Scan on 1/17/2025 w/o contrast. I just received the results today, is it really beneficial so see results populating in your portal before you speak to the doctor, not…. anyway… it is now 4.3 so it grew in 7 months. I retired to relieve stress, do Pilates, use my elliptical, increased my BP to 100 mg, I occasionally have a glass of wine or Cosmo at dinner once a week. I don’t have a good feeling about this and I’m trying to be positive but I’m really struggling today.

Are there any statics on how often aneurysms increase in size compared to no change? Are there any statistics on how many people who have surgery survive the surgery but die from complications, or life span after surgery.

I always look for a solution and not one to give up but not being able to fix this is making me crazy.

Also, it seems doctors have a cavalier approach because there really isn’t anything they can do, basically the odds are 50/50…maybe.

Any inspirational hope from anyone?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Aortic Aneurysms Support Group.

anthonytgbtg123 | @anthonytgbtg123 | Jul 14 11:38am

In reply to @dianelynn "Look into fasting! Dr Berg has videos on you tube that are very helpful. Mine increased..." + (show)

Thank you for sharing - curious, might you be open to sharing references or resources that offer “stop the growth and healing” - ? Much appreciated -

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dianelynn | @dianelynn | Jul 14 3:53pm

In reply to @anthonytgbtg123 "Thank you for sharing - curious, might you be open to sharing references or resources that..." + (show)

One thing I’m sure of alcohol may be worse than smoking- if you think about it - it’s a solvent.

Let me take a search in my extensive bookmarks and I would be happy to share them with you.
Until then,
I used duck duck go APP searched for “healing aortic aneurysms “
I have a few screen shot
One is dr. Livingood,he calls himself. Also has a book.

anthonytgbtg123 | @anthonytgbtg123 | Jul 14 4:44pm

In reply to @dianelynn "One thing I’m sure of alcohol may be worse than smoking- if you think about it..." + (show)

Thank you for sharing - much appreciated -

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carlwgordon | @carlwgordon | Jul 15 5:45am

In reply to @dianelynn "Look into fasting! Dr Berg has videos on you tube that are very helpful. Mine increased..." + (show)

Where did find out it is possible to heal a aorta aneurism.

perrybulu | @perrybulu | Jul 15 7:34am

In reply to @dianelynn "Look into fasting! Dr Berg has videos on you tube that are very helpful. Mine increased..." + (show)

How can you stop the growth ?

perrybulu | @perrybulu | Jul 15 8:31am

In reply to @perrybulu "How can you stop the growth ?" + (show)

Thank you. My aneurysm is at 4.8. Getting at bit nervous at 73 years old. After a Trimble bypass 3 years ago 🙏

deedth64 | @deedth64 | Jul 15 1:27pm

In reply to @dianelynn "One thing I’m sure of alcohol may be worse than smoking- if you think about it..." + (show)

You are correct alcohol and smoking should be stopped. I haven't smoked in 30+ yrs so that was not an issue however I did like my wine and I stopped that in 2023 when my dilation of the aorta was found. I just don't think it's worth the risk mostly because alcohol does affect your BP so I just don't and I am OK. I don't even think about it any more when we go out with friends most people don't drink anymore anyway so again non issue.

kathy9746 | @kathy9746 | Jul 15 1:40pm

In reply to @dianelynn "One thing I’m sure of alcohol may be worse than smoking- if you think about it..." + (show)

An aortic aneurysm cannot be healed or shrunk. We can only hope it stays stable with as little growth as possible

scotty45 | @scotty45 | Jul 15 4:49pm

In reply to @kathy9746 "An aortic aneurysm cannot be healed or shrunk. We can only hope it stays stable with..." + (show)

That is how i've heard it.
If someone had found a way to heal & shrink an aneurysm, i'm sure it would now be common knowledge, & we would all be following the steps to make it happen.

kathy9746 | @kathy9746 | Jul 16 8:36am

In reply to @scotty45 "That is how i've heard it. If someone had found a way to heal & shrink..." + (show)

Exactly!

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