HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

Ascending Thoracic Aorta Aneurysm, Part 1 of 2 - CLOSED

Support Forums
>
Heart & Cardiovascular Disease
✚ New Topic locked
1 23 4 5 6
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 6/12/2009 3:23 AM (GMT 0)
I'm 36 yrs. old and went for a regular check-up with my MD and he decided to give me an ECG exam and it came back saying that I had an enlarged chamber in the left side of my heart....He then referred me to a cardiologists and I had an echocardiagram done. Waited for my results and it came back saying I had a moderate to severe regurgitation in my mitral valve, so then that's when my confusion came cause they sent me to get a heart cath done so that's when they found that I had a thoracic aortic aneurysm. Measuring 4.1cm...I have been back and forth with so many tests and now my heart surgeon is telling me that I have to wait to have surgery done until my aneurysm measures 5cm...I am very confused and don't know what to do cause the waiting is going to seem like eternity.
Posted 6/12/2009 9:30 PM (GMT 0)

Hello all...

I am a 56 year old overweight, (on a scared sh__, diet) overstressed, New York City working gal, and was having shortness of breath problems, so I was sent on a mission, stress test which came out inconclusive, which led to angiogram (that was fun), wherein they found that I had an enlarged aorta with a spasm, which led to a cat scan that showed an ascending aneurysm 5.0 cm, and emphysema ( I stopped smoking 10 yeers ago). So, now I know why I am short of breath, but now I have a bigger problem. I am having anxiety attacks just thinking about it. It was "suggested" I see a surgeon, heck, I searched for the top thoracic surgeons in NYC,  and emailed him after no sleep the entire night. , he e mailed me back!  I am scheduled to see him next Wednesday at Mount Sinai (where I had my angiogram). I have had to run around getting cd's and VHS results of all of my tests, that alone is making my pressure go up. If he tells me "wait and see", I will probably have a stroke just with the idea that I can blow any minute....

I have no questions to ask...just needed someone to hear my frustrations.... smhair

Posted 6/13/2009 12:35 AM (GMT 0)
Hang in there Star54 -- the good news is that it was discovered before it dissected.   Your chances of a successful surgery and survival are much higher as a result.   Good luck.
Posted 6/13/2009 1:29 AM (GMT 0)
Thank's at this stage I never thought I would say that I can't wait to see the surgeon!
Posted 6/15/2009 10:34 PM (GMT 0)
Star54 please don't panic, aneurysms are more common that what you think and they are treatable, one meassuring 5.0 cm might not need surgical treatment at this time, but it will be watched by having periodic CT SCANS to see if it grows. Unless they messure 5.5 cm or more, surgery is usually not recommended. You will be advised to keep your blood pressure under control, to lose weight, to exercise, to avoid smoking or drink heavily and you won't be allowed to lift heavy objects or do extra-strenous exercise. If surgery is needed, the procedure has been greatly improved and it will "cure" your problem. Very few things are curable in medicine, but aneurysms can be repaired for good and you will return to being your normal self again. Be glad you have not been diagnosed with an incurable disease. I know about ascending aortic aneurysms, because I had one that was repaired surgically 3 months ago and I'm feeling fine.
Posted 6/16/2009 12:49 PM (GMT 0)
Hello "listener", a 4.1 cm aneurysm does not require surgery, the doctor will watch it with periodic tests and won't recommend surgery unless it grows to 5.5 cm. A 4.1 cm aneurysm is not likely to rupture or cause serious complications, you should keep your blood pressure under control and do not lift heavy objects. I know how stressful can be waiting, but there is nothing they can do at this time besides, the aneurysm may or not grow at all in many years. Ascending aortic aneurysms a curable with surgery when they reach a dangerous size, think about many other illnesses that aren't curable and you will feel better.
Posted 6/17/2009 1:20 AM (GMT 0)

Thanks cello,

I hope I do not have to have surgery, however, I am in a very stressful job and my pressure is often sky high, to top it off I now have emphysema and for the past 2 months trouble swallowing, dull ache in my breastbone,  and a 2 episodes of " chest pain"...so tomorrow is my visit with the surgeon, then I will know more, ...thanks so much for the advice and the information...I am glad that you are feeling fine!

Star54 

Posted 6/17/2009 3:45 AM (GMT 0)
Hi "Cello"

Thank u so much for your advise!! Do you mind me asking what size your aneurysm was? I have been back and forth with doctors cause they actually did a very theral study on my case, and they finally came to a conclusion that its all hereditary. Both surgeons that I have seen have said the same thing and that is that they usually don't see aneurysms at my age. I have been having feelings of withdrawal, but they seem to come and go. I try to make myself as strong as I can cause I have 4 children and I don't want them seeing me when I'm depressed. They will be monitoring my aneurysm and I will be having a CT done every 3-6 months depending if I have symptoms or not. He also told me that I have moderate to severe mitral valve regurgitation, so now that will be in question of what will happen.

Thank u so much for your support.
Posted 6/18/2009 1:19 AM (GMT 0)
Well it looks like surgery for me on 7/31....
Posted 6/18/2009 2:37 AM (GMT 0)
Good luck Star -- I underwent my surgery in January 2005, my ascending aortic aneurysm was only 4.0 cm but I was symptomatic, surgery had to be done immediately. Let me know if I can answer any of your questions or concerns about the surgery.
Posted 6/18/2009 3:22 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks Miss Helen (that was also the name of my first dancing school teacher, many, many years ago). I will be asking you more questions as soon as this registers, I am still reeling and have to get ready for work tomorrow...
Posted 6/20/2009 8:43 PM (GMT 0)
Hello Listener and Star54
When my aneurysm reached 5.5 cm diameter my surgeon recommended having the operation, when he actually saw it it was 6 cm, larger that expected. So the surgery was done just at the right time because it would have bursted if not removed right away. The surgery took place 3 months ago and today I played tennis for the first time since last year. Of course I'm not not 100% physically fit yet, but I'm getting there rapidily. It's natural that nobody wants to have heart surgery, however an aneurysm of the ascending aorta can be fatal if left untreated, fortunately surgery will cure it. How you ever thought of the many medical conditions that have no permanent cure? My surgeon have told me that can forget about my aneurysm because it's gone and that I will be able to return to doing all the physical activities I used to do before the aneurysm. In a way, I'm glad I had the sugery because it took away my problem and I can now make plans the future again. This Fall I'll be entering an art school and I'm 76 years old.
Posted 6/20/2009 9:00 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Star54
When you have an aortic aneurysm, emphysema and uncontrolled high blood pressure, there is a higher risk that the aneurysm will grow dangerouly. It's better to have elective surgery than to wait until you develop complications because it will be more difficult to treat you then. Cardiovascular surgery is becoming more and more common nowdays and the new technology has made it relatively safe. Good luck and congratulations for facing reality and acepting the correct treatment for your current problem. You will see how your anxiety will improve after having made your courageous decision. Getting upset does not help, making the proper decision does. Once all is over, you will start making plans for the future again.
Posted 6/20/2009 11:35 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks cello...

I am still nervous but knowing that I will be cured once it is repaired is making it better. My heart in itself is totally clean. I have full confidence in my surgeon and his team, Dr. David H. Adams of Mt. Sinai in NYC. Now just the waiting period, but I have Xanex to take the edge off...

Art lessons! How cool is that...!

I had to cancel my yearly "Star Trek" Las Vegas convention, more importantly.......I will live to go to next years!

Ciao for now!

Posted 6/22/2009 1:10 AM (GMT 0)
Ciao Star 54 e buona fortuna. non ha paura tutto saro bene.
Posted 6/22/2009 2:59 AM (GMT 0)

Hello Cello,

I just discovered that my grandma has ascending thoracic aorta with maxiaml transerve dimsnesion of 4.3cm. She is 75 years old and seems to be in a similar situationa as you are. Therefore, I would like to know if you can recommend a good doctor for her or any hospitals that you would know of near the LA, CA areas. Thanks, your reply is greatly appreciated.

Posted 6/22/2009 3:30 AM (GMT 0)
Grazie cello, dalla bocca di Dio, le orecchie ...
Posted 6/22/2009 12:28 PM (GMT 0)
By reading other postings I see that there is a tendency to think that only the size of the aneurysm determines if surgery is warranted or not. Please be aware that there many other factors involved and your doctor is the best source of advise in this regard. I also noticed that there is discrepancy in the forum, about the limit on the amount of weight that one can lift. In general people who suffer from an aneurysm are advised not to lift any object heavier that 10 to 20 pound, I believe that the lower weight is the safer. The reason is that when lifting heavy objects, the blood pressure goes up and this is the main danger to an aneurysm. Anything that will increase the blood pressure in addition to lifting heavy objets is also contraindicated.
Posted 6/25/2009 6:56 AM (GMT 0)
Hello:

I had an ascending aortic aneurysm (Aortic Root). Now I have been reading most of these forums and I may be a bit of a miracle. Actually if you have caught the aneurysm before dissection your doing good. My aortic root was about 7.6 cm.  I am 41 years old and I play active hockey. I underwent surgery a year ago and I feel great. I have returned to playing hockey. I was given the choice between a pig valve and a mechanical valve and I chose a pig valve even though I will have to go for another surgery in 10-15 years due to calcification of the pig valve. This is a small price to pay for the 15 years I will enjoy with my 4 and 6 year old. I want to pass the puck on the ice with my son. I also am a handyman and wasn't ready to go on cumedin to thin my blood yet. I will tell you, I had no symptoms. Perhaps a few palipitations that I though I had all my life. I was extremely tired and when I went to get checked by the doctor we found it by fluke. In the words of the Director of Cardiology, "Your colagen wall was so thin, we don't know why it didn't disect" I had no chest pain whatsoever, ever. My cholesterol level is in the lowest risk category for a heart attack. I am very active and my aortic aneurysm is a mystery. I am a man of faith and do believe there is someone that wanted me stick around here just a liitle longer. open heart surgery is amazing. A side story. A friend of mine at work had a husband go in for shoulder surgery. Surgery was successful but in the recovery room, he died from a blood clot.  The precision of what the doctors can now do with heart surgery is amazing. By the way the mortality rate on an aortic root and valve (Bental procedure) is a low 1%. That's the stats on those that haven't dissected. When they dissect it's 50/50. Get it done!!!!

Posted 6/25/2009 7:41 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Zaboss, congratulations for the successful surgery. Aneurysms occur for various reasons, some of them are genetic, hypertension and old age. A young person like yourself usually develops an aneurysm from genetic factors. I agree, the surgery to repair aneurysms is amazing, like a plumbing job, they change one deteriorated pipe for a new one. My aneurysm was caused by chronic hypertension which went untreated for many years because I wasn't aware of it. I was so caught up with my job that I never had time for myself and never went to the doctor. I hope this will be a message for those who have no time to visit your doctor. Nothing in life is more important than good health. I was fortunate enough to have my aneurysm repaired just in time 3 months ago, yesterday I played for the first time 2 hours of doubles tennis, I thought I wasn't going to be able to play tennis again in my life. For those who will have to face surgery sooner or later, the message is: don't despair.  
Posted 6/26/2009 8:07 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Zaboss, may I ask how long it took you after the surgery to go back to playing hockey? My surgery was three months ago and for the first time I played tennis (doubles) for two hours this week, however I don't feel 100% fit yet. My doctor said that I should have no restrictions for doing physical actiivity, I hope he's right because I'm an active person.
Posted 7/1/2009 8:21 PM (GMT 0)

I had ablation surgery in January for atrial fibrillation. As I was checking out with my Afib cured, they told me about the aneurysm. How do you consider if your aneurysm is "symptomatic"? I have a 4.6 cm aneurysm with a bicuspid valve. They tell me I will probably have to have the surgery soon because the bicuspid valve is associated with a weak aortic wall.  How bad is the surgery? Am I in for a world of pain when I wake up?

Now I'm having problems with hoarseness and a lump in my throat. Is that what they mean by symptomatic? I am being checked out now, but really worried. Have 3 daughters and really want to hang around.

Posted 7/2/2009 11:56 AM (GMT 0)
Watching and Waiting -- The symptoms I presented in the emergency room were -- difficulty swallowing, a bulging swelling in my neck that pulsated, and my mechanical heart valve wasn't "clicking shut" (the aneurysm had thrown a clot which lodged on my mech valve).   I'd certainly get it checked out.   As I've said before my aneurysm was only 4 cm, but because I was symptomatic they did the surgery immediately.

The aneurysm repair surgery was more difficult then my first open heart surgery back in 1993.   But in 1993 I was only 35 years old and in perfect physical condition.   The surgery itself is much more successful if you have it done before the aneurysm dissects, so good thing your docs are on top of it.  

The surgery will take about 4 or 5 hours.   Recovery in the hospital is about 5-7 days.   You'll go home with instructions on lifting and physical activity restrictions until you've totally recovered.   My first open heart surgery I was driving after 6 weeks, the second open heart I was driving after 2 months.   For full recovery you can probably count on 2-3 months.   Pain after surgery is easily managed.   As a matter of fact the pain after surgery on my broken arm was much worse then pain after the open heart surgery.   Good luck.

Posted 7/2/2009 1:06 PM (GMT 0)
Miss Helen, Thanks for your response. From what you describe, I am glad I am getting it checked out too. Is it true that once this is done succesfully and fully healed, you can go back to lifting and full physical activity as before? For months I have felt like the Sword of Damocles has been hanging over me and it is hard to keep my spirits up. Also, the beta blockers have knocked me down so much that they have now given me something called Provigil so I don't fall asleep during the day. Life is not much fun these days. In a way I hope that I have to have the surgery right away as living like this is very difficult. I have huge work responsiblities and they have definitely been effected by this. I have 3 girls ages 15, 12, and 8 and they know something is up.

Good luck Star54 on your upcoming surgery.

Does everyone find it difficult to cope with all this? My life wasn't easy to manage when I thought I was fine!
Posted 7/2/2009 7:43 PM (GMT 0)
I have no physical limitations placed on me. There were of course immediate restrictions, but once I got the all clear I'm back to my normal routine. Because of the nature of my disease I must continue to get yearly cat scans in an effort to detect any further aneurysms. I'm sure your doctor will require follow up after the surgery to ensure you continue to stay healthy.

We all cope differently. I've had heart disease since birth so I think I've learned to cope pretty well over the years. Although I admit to being extremely frightened after hearing the word "aneurysm". This wan't too long after John Ritter died of an aneurysm so the word was pretty scary. Good luck.
✚ New Topic locked
123456