Scheduled For Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm Surgery Soon


Apr 30, 2016

Approximately 8 years ago, doctors discovered a 4.6cm aneurysm in my aorta during routine testing in preparation for an upcoming surgery. Fast forward 8yrs later my aneurysm has increased in size to 5.8cm so everyone in these forums know what that means...its surgery time! I've had echoes and CT Scans every 6 months as this appears to be the wait and watch approach when aneurysms are under 5cm.. My aneurysm was slow growing until the last 18 months. At least 3 CT scans were missed and the echoes didn't clearly show growth. Now, I am terrified out of my mind about having an "open repair". It has been brought to my attention that because of the location of my aneurysm, I am not a candidate for an "endovascular repair". Imagine my disappointment. My anxiety level is at an all time high and I am symptomatic. Chest heaviness and back pain coupled with migraine headaches. Apart of me realizes that these surgeries are done rather routinely now but that still doesn't stop the horrendous fear I have. I have had severe allergic reactions to meds in the past. I'm not a good sleeper generally and now its worst. I have to schedule my surgery by June, to have at least 6 months of recovery time before my family cruise in Dec.. I am a 56yr old female veteran. I used to run least east 3 miles a day and Jazzercise at least 5 days a week until I was told to stop by my cardiologist. I have since gained about 15 lbs in these last 8yrs but other than that, no high cholesterol, high blood pressure or diabetes. My doctors assure me that I am a perfect candidate and shouldn't experience any complications but the idea of my sternum being cut open and just the entire procedure is frightening. What's more concerning is once you have aneurysm in one place, another could eventually show up somewhere else in the future. I've also been told that these repairs can require maintenance in the future! Its all just a little too much but knowing the alternative..carrying around a ticking time bomb, I have to have the surgery. I know people that survived a couple yrs after the surgery, had to have some type of maintenance and never truly recovered and died. My niece fiancé was life alighted to the hospital in mid March with a dissection, he is currently and the road to recovery. I have a lot of family support but of course they are all concerned as well. The saga continues..

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Diagnosed With 4.6 Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm

I had a 2D echo last week and found 4.6 thoracic aortic aneurysm.

Cardiologist has prescribed blood pressure medicine. Shall I go ahead for surgery or wait till become 5 cm. I am 37 yrs old. I play volleyball every day. Is it ok to continue or stop?

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Cardiovascular :: Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm And Faulty Heart Valve

I have recently been diagnosed with an thoracic aortic aneurysm and a badly damaged left ventricular valve.  The aneurysm is 5.9cm and on the arch at the top of my heart.  It was found by accident when I had a ct scan for difficulty swallowing then further tests followed which found that the 'murmur' I was diagnosed with 7 years ago had deteriorated so badly the left ventricular valve would have to be replaced with a mechanical one.  At the moment I am waiting for a final visit with the surgeon before being given a date for the op.  The thing is I feel perfectly fine, I have no pain, no shortness of breath, have as much energy as always and in fact feel fit as a fiddle.  I am 58 and have kept as upbeat as possible about all this, but my family are distraught with worry about the 10 - 15% chance that I won't make it through the surgery (national statistics) and the possibility of stroke or paralysis.  My dad had an aortic aneurysm (unknown to him) and it ruptured, he survived the surgery but died 3 months later having never left the hospital.  This was only 4 years ago and my mum is now sick with worry, literally, about me.  I am  worried that I will never get back to how I am now, that I will become reliant on family and friends.  Its usually me who helps the family with the children and my mum.  I live alone but have family close by and my ex husband (who is my best friend) has been a great support.  My family, bless them, are fussing around and not letting me do anything and I know I would be the same if I were in their shoes but I feel like an invalid although I should be grateful for their concern.  I am feeling so confused, I refuse to cry about this and I am holding myself so tightly together but seeing my families tears is breaking me up.  I am putting my 'healthy self' up for a life threatening, painful operation.  Has anyone else been in a similar position and could give a few words of encouragement?

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Hi!

I am a 54 year old female who underwent a thoracic, abdominal aneurysm repair surgery 8 months ago.  The aneurysm was 5.5 to 5.6 centimetres and essentially the aorta was repaired from my heart to my kidneys.  I would like to discuss my recovery.  I am still not up to my usual level of energy in that I still have to rest if I have not taken it easy.  During the surgery the left side of my ribs were clamped open and I find myself still favouring that side of my body. eg: protecting my ribs with my hands if I am in a crowded area.  But, what has really stumped me is a feeling of panic and anxiety.  I had imagined that after the aneurysm was repaired that I would feel relieved.  I AM most grateful  but sometimes I feel dissociated from my body and I feel depressed a lot of the time...which was not a usual occurrence before the surgery.  It feels as if for the 18 years that I knew about the aneurysm I lived in a mild state of anxiety as to whether or not it would rupture or if and when I would have major surgery.  Now, that it's repaired I feel like I have to learn to live in a different way....kind of like when I was a child and went skating all afternoon and then took off my skates.  It felt strange to walk in boots.  I know it's a silly analogy but it feels like I have to learn to walk again.  Is there anyone else that has felt this panic or does anyone have symptoms of PTSD following their surgery?

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