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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