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thoracic aortic aneurysm

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Posted 3/26/2014 8:45 PM (GMT 0)

Just found this forum today, have read posts in the past about thoracic aortic aneurysms but they are very old. I am 37 and have a 4.3 aneurysm at the root of my aorta. Also, have a right to left shunt and just recently had an ablation for A-Fib. I'm 6'1" 170lbs and like to run, but am scared to... I'v seen several different doctors and some say to run and some say not too... this is frustrating, feels good to run, but get paranoid.. I used to lift weights to stay strong because of back issues, but with the aneurysm I have stopped, and now the back pain is worse than ever... Need to exercise more to stay healthy and ease the anxiety, but don't know... life is miserable!!

Posted 3/26/2014 8:46 PM (GMT 0)
also have chest pain ALOT!!!!
Posted 3/26/2014 8:53 PM (GMT 0)
Hi BBF and welcome!

I am sorry to hear about your dilemma. I see the catch-22 of wanting to exericise, but feeling anxiety about reaching a certain activity level.

What has your speicialist...the one who deals specifically with your condition (aneurysm) have to say about exercise?

Could you perhaps start of with moderate activities such as walking and/or biking instead of a full out run?

Having a chronic condition/illness certainly can be a trigger for anxiety...so know that you are not alone, and are welcome to post with us anytime.

Check out our Resources, get to know the forum...and talk with us anytime. We look foward to getting to know you better.;)

Scaredy Cat
Posted 3/26/2014 9:01 PM (GMT 0)
I have seen a aortic specialist in Houston, he says to keep running as long as my BP stays down.. I have started riding a bike, but the back issues are severe now and riding a bike bent over makes that pain unbearable some times. The doc in Houston said I can still use light weights, but I get paranoid. I need to run and lift weight to stay strong and healthy, but have trouble with the anxiety. I feel good exercising, but the next day wonder about the aneurysm after pushing myself a little the day before... thanks for the welcome
Posted 3/26/2014 9:06 PM (GMT 0)
I have a 17 year old that I used to enjoy playing baseball with, I cannot swing a bat now, the rapid upper chest movement I was told could disect the aneurysm because of the pressure of swinging a heavy bat hard.. everything I do now makes me paranoid...
Posted 3/27/2014 2:24 AM (GMT 0)
Quick question how were you diagnosed with the aneurysm?? Was it something they just found or were you having symptoms and will they do surgery to remove it??
Posted 3/27/2014 2:47 AM (GMT 0)
docs are just going to monitor it for now. I had an afib episode that put me in the hospital and they found the aneurysm while doing an echocardiogram. Iv been seeing the same cardiologist for 10 years for afib problems and hadnt had an echo for some time. dont know when my aorta started to dilate, didnt know until it was already a 4.3 at the root.. very frustrating it was not seen sooner. long story.. seen a genetic doc in houston and a aortic specialist to test for marfan syndrome and they are 99% sure that is not why my aorta is dilated.. since then have found a hole in my heart, a right to left shunt.. rambling, sorry.. for you question, i was in the hospital for atrial fibrillation and found the aneurysm.. glad they found it, i was a runner and worked out with heavy weightss that would have killed me if I had continued to lift the heavy weights... still nervous and worried all the time...
Posted 3/27/2014 3:42 AM (GMT 0)
Bf.,

Have you considered seeing a therapist to help you deal with your fears?

Health anxiety can be relieved with therapy such as CBT in particular. It teaches you coping skills and equips you with tools to combat the negative/scary thoughts that fuel our anxiety.

It can be as easy as talking with your doctor about your fears, and allowing him/ her to make a referral for you.

I really recommend this if it is a possibility.

Keep posting with us.

S.C.
Posted 3/27/2014 1:13 PM (GMT 0)
yes, thank you.. I have talked with my doctor and tried Paxil, but made me very dizzy when I jogged and had to stop it.. im usually OK, until I have chest pain then a panic attack starts and I cant control it. My heart rate and BP goes through the roof.. reading posts here helps..
Posted 3/27/2014 2:10 PM (GMT 0)
Good Morning baseball fan, The many symptoms of anxiety goes on forever however when you have a known dx of a heart problem it is hard not to become anxious. From what I have read, it is often difficult to be certain as to whether chest pain is of cardiac or non-cardiac cause.   Symptoms that may indicate acute coronary syndrome (ACS) include: Pain in the chest and/or other areas (eg the arms, back or jaw) lasting longer than 15 minutes. Chest pain with nausea and vomiting, marked  sweating  and/or  breathlessness , occurring frequently with little or no exertion is more likely to be heart related.   When in doubt, do call your clinic or present yourself to the ER.  Has your Dr. ever tried nitroglycerine tablets under the tongue to see if the chest pain is resolved by this medication?  This is not a med you should be prescribed for chest pain caused by anxiety but sometimes Drs. will try NTG as a simple test to see if this medication makes any difference in your chest pain.   Many people with heart disorders have fear of a sudden event that would be an emergency. Aneurysms do not typically cause pain.  Do not beat yourself up for your fear but perhaps seeing a therapist will help you learn how to deal with your fears.   We also have great resources in our Resource Thread at the top of this page.   I am going to post a few here for you.    Health Anxiety - A Self Help Guide:   http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hypochondria/pages/introduction.aspx Helping health Anxiety   http://www.cci.health.wa.gov.au/resources/infopax.cfm?Info_id=53 Health Anxiety- The Super Scanner http://www.get.gg/docs/SuperScanner.pdf   Wishing you a peaceful day, Kitt    
Posted 3/27/2014 3:58 PM (GMT 0)
thank you so much for the reply, Im working on just that. Have talked to several docs and just trying to beat the anxiety...
Posted 3/27/2014 4:07 PM (GMT 0)
You can do in Baseball fan!  I have a Stage IV cancer and I force myself to keep busy to keep my mind off of me.

Yes, I do breakdown and anxiety or panic takes over as well as there are times when I feel fear so deep I am paralyzed; times I cry all day but my family and this wonderful site support me so I spend my time here with friends and others that understand anxiety.

Blessings,

Kitt

Posted 3/28/2014 12:50 PM (GMT 0)
oh my, your right. Spend alot o time talking and tinking about me til you talk to someone who is having a much harder time than you are. thinking of you!!!
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