Mended Hearts Open Forum

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  • 1.  Aortic aneurysm

    Posted 05-10-2021 11:27
    Hello. I'm a 58 year old living in Las Vegas. Until age 55 I was unhealthy, high BP, AFib, Cholesterol drugs. at 55 I became a Vegan and lost 110 pounds. Began exercising seven days a week, over five miles a day, yoga, weights. My aorta has gone from 3.8 to 4.3 in five years. They are currently in a wait and see territory. I, of course, am terrified. All I seem to think about is the upcoming surgery, even thought two doctors say I may never, ever need it. My BP went to normal with no drugs, but now they have me on Ibresartan 75mg and it is now 110 to 125 over 60 to 70 with a resting pulse of 55 to 60. The group has helped me already seeing people surviving and thriving. The internet simply scare the hell out of you. The complications from the surgery, death, paralysis, heart attack, clots, on and on. But many of you have lived, survived and thrived. I want to live. I want to live at least in to my 80s! I am hoping I never reach 5.0, or it takes years so more advancements can be made. I have a five year old dog, and I worry that before she passes, over the next 12 or so years, that something will happen. She's a service dog and we have never been apart, as in, not more than three hours. Can you believe what we worry about? So, I see cardio June 1 for six month follow up. Probably an echo. Then in January if echo is OK, CT with contrast. That's how they caught it a few years back. I have been VERY imaged over my life time, but luckily have no real issues (Kidneys, liver, all good, no tumors, no cancers, no signs of stroke or anything from my past. You have helped me turn this around from a possible death sentence, to my plumbing needing repair so I can live a long life. After reading I feel less like it's a final Hail Mary to a major tune up to help me live out my life. THANK YOU for sharing. And I plan on reading this forum often. Now, 30 mins of lifting 10 pounds weights, then a 90 minute five mile walk/jog with my little 14 pound girl. She needs dental work June 2, and I seriously and more concerned about her anesthesia risk than any upcoming surgeries of my own! THe stats say only 85% live and thrive after TAA surgery, but guess what, I see those stats are wrong! And change with every year. So, you have given me some hope. Thank you.

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    Charles Bouley
    Las Vegas NV
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  • 2.  RE: Aortic aneurysm

    Posted 05-10-2021 17:27
    Charles,

    Have you ever had any kind of major surgery?

    Michael Hinderlie

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    Michael Hinderlie
    Port Charlotte FL
    (941) 421-0482
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  • 3.  RE: Aortic aneurysm

    Posted 05-19-2021 11:33

    Glad you're feeling encouraged! I am new to this forum as well and read it often. My daughter Suggested finding a group of peers who understand the emotional struggles associated with having an aneurysm...I have a prosthetic aortic valve that is starting to stiffen/ wear out  ( open Heart surgery in 2011). The prosthetic valve needs to be replaced soon - so I am in the wait and see period as well. I also have a thoracic aortic aneurysm - Ascending 4.2. I talked to my original surgeon when I found out about the aneurysm 2 years ago, and I'm getting a second opinion this month just to be more informed and educated. I wish they could repair the aneurysm at the same time they have me open for repairing the aortic valve, but my cardiologist is saying that might not be the case. 

    Stay positive! 

    debi :) 



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    Debi Ries
    San Diego, Ca
    AVR / Open Surgery 2011/ TAAA 4.2 cm / Afib
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  • 4.  RE: Aortic aneurysm

    Posted 05-20-2021 09:41
    Hello Debi and Charles

    I'm writing to both of you to wish you well as you develop more specific
    plans for your health that may involve major surgery. It's always easier
    to look back on a major procedure than to look forward to one. I'm just
    as glad that my OHS happened somewhat quickly.?? I encourage you to think
    about the nature of hope, resilience and adaptation as you learn more.??
    We hope that our surgeries will go exactly and successfully according to
    the pre-op plan.?? But if not, then resilience comes into play;
    resilience that facilitates your moving from disappointment or anger to
    adapting to what your revised plan of care must be.?? That worked for me
    when I had post-op complications, needed to change hospitals and had
    another procedure.?? It's still working for me today 8 months later as I
    tend to the twenty (20!) meds I have to take pretty much from here on
    out.?? It's ok....I can do that.

    Gratefully, hopefully, joyfully

    DE




  • 5.  RE: Aortic aneurysm

    Posted 05-20-2021 12:48

    Thank you for the encouraging words, Doris! Yes the ability to adapt when plans change is s key / not an easy process... but certainly do-able! I've already considered my mortality since none of us are getting off this planet alive, LOL. What I'm pressing forward towards is my family,  especially my husband, and youngest grandkids. I like what someone on this forum said: "You can roll over and play dead until you are, or you can get out and live until you are not!"
    I thank my God and Savior for always being there- ahead of me and with me. I don't even deserve all that he has done for me.    ❤️🙏🏼❤️

    PS 20 meds. WOW !! 



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    Debi Ries
    San Diego, Ca
    AVR / Open Surgery 2011/ TAAA 4.2 cm / Afib
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  • 6.  RE: Aortic aneurysm

    Posted 05-21-2021 07:32
    Your faith and your attitude are great assets which help you to LIVE every day.
    Wishing you well and stay in touch
    DE

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    Doris Edwards
    Retired RN
    Dublin, Ohio
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  • 7.  RE: Aortic aneurysm

    Posted 10-20-2021 01:09
    lol Debbie I still don't know why god let me live it's strange but I guess he has plans for me maybe for my wife or kids I guess it's not for me to know . Im on eight meds now.

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    jon klingler
    Roseberg OR
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  • 8.  RE: Aortic aneurysm

    Posted 10-20-2021 12:20

    Hi, Jon
    I'm certain your wife and kids need you and are grateful you are a survivor!! You have so much purpose to live-out on this side of Heaven… just tune in, He's only a whisper away. 
    You've got me beat with 8 meds! I take 2…
    God bless you and your family!
    Debi :) 



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    Debi Ries
    San Diego, Ca
    AVR / Open Surgery 2011/ TAAA 4.2 cm / Afib
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  • 9.  RE: Aortic aneurysm

    Posted 10-21-2021 06:07
    Hello Charles:
    I live in Las Vegas and was recently diagnosed with a 4.2 cm. prominent ascending thoracic aorta. My cardiologist said he would begin monitoring it and not to worry, I would be fine. But, when someone tells you not to worry you seem to do just that. I had a CT originally and then he did a echo. I will get results from the echo soon. He started me on Metopropol 25 mg so my blood pressure now runs about 128/87 at its highest in the morning and 107/66 (at bedtime) at its lowest. I walk daily to try to reduce the am numbers. I'm 75 and in good condition so I've decided to work on staying positive and praying that the aneurysm will not get any larger. I encourage you to do the same. I try not to think about it by staying busy. That seems to help. Stay strong.

    Judye Conner

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    Judye Conner
    Retired PE Teacher
    Las Vegas NV
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