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Ascending Thoracic Aorta Aneurysm , Part 2 of 2

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Posted 12/1/2010 3:49 AM (GMT 0)
Sorry - also, mine is 4.3 cm. Is it true they always grow?
Posted 12/1/2010 9:24 PM (GMT 0)
       

 

           Hi Pivan, Glad that you joined the group. I live in PA, and also have a ascending thoracic aneurysm, which measures 4.5 . I had a consult at the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio, and definitely would recommend you go there at least for a second opinion. I know it isnt real close to you, but it is worth a try. I too work out, and was told not to lift more than 50 pds. You didnt say what profession you are in, but I do pretty much what ever I did before being diagnosed, just watch the lifting and weights.  Keep in touch,  Margie

 

 

Posted 3/29/2011 1:48 PM (GMT 0)
Hello Fellow Ascending Aortic Aneuryism 'owners',

Thanks the Lord for this site. I stumbled upon it several hours ago and have read every post from parts one and two on this thread. March 17, got up, got ready to go to substitute teaching job, sat down with coffee and reading yesterday's paper which I am wont to do, and noticed every 2 minutes I was trying to catch breath. This was ongoing through monday. After telling my wife, and getting yelled at, she made an appt. for me at primary doc's office. Such a short notice, had to see nurse practitioner. EKG, D-Dimmer, Blow into tube, (forgot name of test), chest x-ray, all returned very good results. Shortness intensified through thursday. Called doc's office again, they recommended to go to emergency room. Ran more of the same tests, but while in emergency rm., getting some pressure by sternum. Nitro alleviated. That gave me auto-ticket for overnight stay for observation. Dr. Anderson who is the on-call that evening/morning, who is known as Dr. Anal for his thoroughness, ordered a chestal ct scan. Found a 4.5cm Triple A. Evidently and echo performed back in -06 revealed this and nobody mentioned this to me, either. Regular cardiologist was upset that he ordered ct scan. And brought a thoracic surgeon in for consult. Also had resting stress test pre and post pics., another echo card., cardio has yet to tell me results. My wife called him while we were still in hospital room and he stated, "It's 4.5cm, leaking, and it's no big deal".  I called primary yesterday. Dr. Davis is pretty aggressive and she by-passes her own hospital for cardio and refers to Northwestern Memorial or U. of Chicago. I had a pfo in heart closed with patch in -02 at North. and saw on their site they actually have a thoracic surgery center. Besides, the pfo was perfect and I was one of the first adults in nation to have it done via catheter.  Any thoughts?

Posted 3/29/2011 6:58 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Gymbo, Glad that you joined the group. I also have a 4.5 cm ascending thoracic aneurysm. It sounds like you are headed in the right direction with your consults. I had my consult at Cleveland Clinic, and that is now my primary cardiologist. The place is wonderful, and I will be going in May for my checkup. Keep in touch, and let us know how you make out at Northwestern, Margie
Posted 4/15/2011 2:58 AM (GMT 0)
Hi iam new here, I have spent the last couple of hours reading all of these posts since the beginning. Here is my story.......iam 46 year old male, I have a very stressful job and blamed that on my not feeling well. Over the last 2 years I have been dealing with high blood pressure and being very tired. Last Nov my doc ordered a stress test. The results were good saying I have a very healthy heart. I have continued to be very tired and short of breath when I would do anything physical. My mother told her cardio doc and I went to see him. After my consult with him he said he felt they wouldn't find anything but thought we should do a heart cath as a precaution. When they went in they found 100% blockage on the right side artery, as they were opening it up for stents it dissected causing a heart attack. They put in 3 stents in that artery leaving another vein blocked they couldn't stent and the left side of the artery on the left side with 99% blockage. They let me recover for 5 days then did another cath putting 3 stents on the left side. While they were in there they found a thoradic aneurysm at 4.7 cm. My doc does not seem concerned with it just saying we have to monitor the size. He told me I have very thin walled arteries and that is why the one dissected during the cath procedure. My concern is if I have thin walled arteries then my aneurysm is more likely to burst at a smaller size. He also tells me I will prolly have to have bypass when the do the aneurysm because of blockage they couldn't stent. So according to him I must wait up to a year to have surgery because the aneurysm isn't large enough to warrant fixing yet. I meet with him on April 18th and if he doesn't satisfy me I will seek a second opinion.
Posted 4/15/2011 10:19 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Scuba, Glad that you joined the blog. I dont know much about the stents, but after reading your entry, I think that I would have a second opinion before waiting another year. I agree with you that since you have the thin walls, maybe you would have a rupture sooner. I cant say for sure, I am not a dr, but it seems that would be the case. I go to Cleveland Clinic, they are wonderful. Give it some thought and keep in touch. Take Care, Margie
Posted 4/16/2011 3:22 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks Margie, I will keep everyone posted on my progress.
Posted 4/16/2011 4:48 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks, I go to Cleveland Clinic the first week of May for my checkup. I am starting to get a little nervous, hoping there has been no increase in size.  Say a prayer for me,  Thanks, Margie
Posted 4/17/2011 9:38 PM (GMT 0)

I have been reading the many cases of Thoracic Aortic Aneurysms in this Forum and I have learned a lot. So much so that now I AM VERY CONCERNED.

Quick background: I am 65 years old. I live in Canada just outside of Toronto. I was on a vacation in Barbados in February when I fell ill with a Viral Infection. At the hospital, one of the tests they did was a CT scan that revealed I had a 5.5 cm ascending Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm.

I saw a Vascular Specialist a few days ago (April 13, 2011). He said that the radiologist in Barbados misread the scan and that the aneurysm is 5 cm and not 5.5 cm. The action that he has proposed is that I'll have a CT scan annually and I'll have surgery when the aneurysm is 6 cm.

My concern is that from what I have read in this Forum, I am actually ready for surgery at 5 cm (and I am not sure that I'm not already at 5.5 cm).

My son is insisting that I get a second opinion. Should I go back and ask the Specialist why wait for 6 cm or should I proceed immediately with getting that second opinion?   

Post Edited (KANtenah) : 4/17/2011 3:43:33 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 4/17/2011 9:57 PM (GMT 0)
Hi KANtenah, Glad that you joined the blog. I have been reading alot of articles on aneurysms since being diagnosed, and 5cm has always been the size where they will consider repair. I am not a dr, but I would get a second opinion just to be safe. I didnt feel comfortable with the first cardiologist, so I went for the second, and he is wonderful, and I feel much better just knowing that I am in good hands if I ever need the surgery. Mine is 4.5 and I go in 2 weeks for my checkup and another echo. Keep in touch, Margie
Posted 4/17/2011 9:58 PM (GMT 0)
Scuba

Welcome to HealingWell !  I understand your worries and would certainly get a second opinion.  Thoracic aortic aneurysm repair depends on its location. In the ascending aorta (in the front, near the heart) surgery is often indicated if the aorta reaches 5 or 5.5 centimeters (cm) in diameter.

I would certainly advocate for myself if I was in your position.

I wish you peace,

Kitt

Posted 4/17/2011 10:03 PM (GMT 0)
KANtenah

Welcome to HealingWell and the Heart Forum.

You certainly have a right to be confused by the two opinions re your Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm.

I know we are in two different countries but our standard seems to be intervention at 5 - 5.5 cm in diameter.

I have to agree with your son on this one, proceed immediately with getting that second opinion?   

Let us know and I wish you luck.

Kindly,

Kitt


Posted 4/17/2011 10:16 PM (GMT 0)
KANtenah,  Please dont wait too long to go for the second opinion, Let us know how you make out,  Margie
Posted 4/18/2011 2:01 AM (GMT 0)
KANtenah, I was diagnosed 3 weeks ago with a TAA like yours at 4.7 cm my doctor said they would operate at a 5.0 cm. I would definitely get a second opinion. I see my cardio doc tomorrow and I have a long list of questions for him. I have found most docs won't offer much unless the questions are asked. This forum has been a great place for me too read a lot of different experiences from some wonderful people. It has helped my worrying to realize there are so many people that have gone through way more than I have and are here to tell about it.
Posted 4/18/2011 2:58 AM (GMT 0)
Scuba, Kitt & Margie, thanks for your input. You were all in agreement with my son. So I will start arranging for that 2nd opinion ASAP.
Posted 4/18/2011 2:15 PM (GMT 0)
KANtenah

I am so glad to read you are going to see another Physician.  Keep us posted and remember we are here for you.  You are never alone.

Kindly,

Kitt

Posted 4/18/2011 11:55 PM (GMT 0)
KANtenah, I am glad that I could be of some help. I consider myself very fortunate to have found this forum. I feel that everyone on here is my friend, and I have received alot of helpful info.  Keep in touch, and know that you will be in my prayers.  Margie
Posted 4/19/2011 12:13 AM (GMT 0)
KANtenah, glad to see your getting a second opinion. I met with my cardio doc today, he made me an appointment with dr. Kouchoukos with Missouri Baptist in St. Louis on the 28th of April. He worries with my artery dissecting during e cath procedure that I may have some issues with the wall strength of my arteries. He feels meeting with the thoracic dr. Is better sooner than later. It really put my Mind at ease to know this is going to progress soon.
Posted 4/20/2011 3:51 PM (GMT 0)
Wish you well Scuba.
Posted 4/23/2011 7:23 PM (GMT 0)
I've got an aortic root aneurysm at 4.2cm. It sucks but there's much worse out there. This can be fixed for good with a relatively low risk surgery (as surgeries go) and that keeps me happy =)
Posted 4/29/2011 2:39 AM (GMT 0)
Met with my aneurysm surgeon for the first time today. He told me what I figured he would. It is 4.7 cm and they don't operate until they reach 5.5.
The possibility of a rupture is not as concerning to me as everything he tells me is contradicting to what all I have read.
He says the lump in my throat and the bad upper back pain has nothing to do with my aneurysm. Also he says it is in no way shape or form caused because of my coronary artery desease. Everything I have read clogged arteries can cause aneurysms.
Iam very frustrated at this point as I feel much much worse than a month ago when I had these stents put in. My cardio doc did another stress test he says everything is ok. I ask why does my chest hurt, why does my back hurt? Why is three a lump in my throat and I feel like iam going to vomit all of the time.
His answer is "I don't know" if it gets bad enough go to the ER.
I guess that's why doctors are "practicing" medicine.
Steve
Posted 5/2/2011 1:43 AM (GMT 0)
This is my first post. What a wonderful group of people who are so willing to share. I have been researching and visiting numerous forums, and this by far is the best, so I decided to join. I have survived testicular cancer, and a frontal lobe infection that almost killed me. I am 50 years old, and have been fairly active for the past two years. 6-00, and 230 lbs. I was biking 20 miles per day, walking/jogging 3 times a week, and lifting heavy for my age. Six months ago I added swimming, and after the first practice, I didn't feel well. I went to my doctor the next week, and he wanted to do an echocardiogram. It showed an ascending aortic aneurysm of 4.7 cm, along with a dialated root. No more weight lifting, low sodium intake, and Simvastatin (lowered my total to 140 from 258). I am doing the wait and watch, with a CT scan 12 months from finding the aneurysm. My concern is having to wait the 12 months, as I have no baseline to measure against. What if this aneurysm just started growing a year ago? I know from research that it's preferred that an aneurysm grow no more than .1 cm/year. I have also kept a blood pressure log for the past 2 months, and my average is 132/82, Per the Cleveland Clinic, it is best to keep the systolic around 105 to 110. I think I should be on medication for my BP. I am thinking of finding a cardio-vascular surgeon for a second opinion. I am currently under care of an internal medicine doctor who specializes in heart studies interpretation. He also had me do a stress test, which raised my systolic to over 205. Didn't make sense to me, as I thought strict blood pressure control is a must. It is very difficult to not worry about my mortality daily. My wife doesn't understand why I'm so worried. This all very frightening to me, however I try to live day to day. Who knows, maybe it won't grow anymore. I'm sure the next CT will tell. Does anyone know of a good cardio-vascular or vascular surgeon in the Seattle area? I truly look foward to being active in this community. Thanks for creating this, John.

Post Edited (ferro) : 5/1/2011 7:47:24 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 5/2/2011 4:32 PM (GMT 0)
Ferro;; I understand your worrying, but do not let it consume your every day function. You have knowledge now, of a problem, that you can deal with. Use a little caution in doing "Real Life" things--heavy lifting, pushing heavy objects, etc. Life goes on and you need to make the best of each day. I had my TAA diagnosed in Dec, 2008, @ 4.5cm. I had a follow up CTA in February/2010, with no change. My Echo and Stress have always been good. I don't have any valve involvement. I am schedule for a follow up CTA this month on 5/27/11. I will be out of state the week before, traveling. I will be 71 on the 19th and I try not to dwell on what "Might Be". I take my time doing things, and try not to worry about a lot of things I use to. I pray for the best and thank God for every day that I wake and see the sun.
Stay positive, and keep reading and communicating with Family and Friends. Don't let anxiety keep you down.
Posted 5/2/2011 10:58 PM (GMT 0)
Welcome ferro,
I understand how it can consume your every thought, mine was detected about 5 weeks ago and it has absolutely drove me crazy. Mine is at 4.7 cm and I feel the same way, how do they know how fast MINE is growing, maybe mine isn't normal? I met with a thoracic surgeon he told me much different than I have researched. Nnedless to say I am seeking a second opinion. I have bad upper back ache with from what I have read can be from the aneurysm. My doc says it can't be from the aneurysm as there are no symptoms ever. Until someone can guarantee my pain is not from the aneurysm I won't give up.
It took me over a year to convince a doc I had heart problems and nearly died until they decided to do something, just because I didn't have the usual symptoms as a normal heart patient. So therefore you must listen to your body as you know it best.
Good to have you here, keep us posted of your progress
Steve
Posted 6/10/2011 2:22 AM (GMT 0)
Update:
After about 10 weeks of heart problems, 4 heart caths and 8 stints my doctor has decided I need quad bypass surgery, my doc treating my aortic aneurysm has agreed to do the bypass and fix the 4.7 aneurysm all at the same time, so the plan is to transfer from my current hospital to st.Louis Missouri baptist over the weekend and if they can get it scheduled to have my surgery on Monday. I hope this plan stays as it has changed so much over the last several days. Iam so excited to get it done but also concerned as it will be a large surgery. I will keep everyone posted.
Steve
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