Cassie,
I DO understand your fear and anxiety.
I had an aortic stenosis and after 3 OH surgeries in my teens during the 70's I lived in anxiety.
What would happen to my heart? After the last OH, the prosthetic aortic valve I have now is still going strong after 42 years. I am 63 now and fairly fit, but many times I feel anxious about it.
Counseling is something I highly recommend.
It helped me tremendously.
I have learned process these thoughts. But I have a few questions, if you dont mind.
Is surgery for repair an option?
Have you gotten another opinion?
Cassie. Whatever it takes to either get the reassurance you need and DESERVE
I say go for it.
This site Is also so helpful.
Sharing your thoughts, like you did here is helpful to us all.
And you know, I wonder if YOU have the option for surgery. Take my word, surgery like this is so so advanced in cardiac care
Remember I had my surgeries pretty cell phones, pre computer s and pre just about everything....imagine an EKG machine the size of a desktop!
Please keep in touch, and acquire the assistance you deserve
Peace.
Ken
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ken levine
volunteer, retired
802-236-8186
kenpaullevine@gmail.comMiddlebury, Vermont
05753
United States of America
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Original Message:
Sent: 06-13-2020 07:45
From: Jean McMillan
Subject: Ascending aorta and aortic root aneurysm/ diastolic dysfunction
Cas,
My cardiac problems are different from yours, but I totally understand your anxiety, especially so soon after your diagnosis. It has taken me about a year to come to terms with the reality of heart failure, only to be confounded by the diagnosis of COPD. Things that have helped me adjust include connecting with other heart patients on Mended Hearts, a counseling program, journaling, and getting out of the house (though limited by pandemic precautions) to be with friends.
Hang in there!
Jean
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Jean McMillan
TN
Original Message:
Sent: 06-12-2020 14:09
From: Cassie Finley
Subject: Ascending aorta and aortic root aneurysm/ diastolic dysfunction
Hi, my name is Cas. I am 49. Last month I had a STV episode and after all the testing found out I have a 4cm ascending aorta aneurysm. After my echo found out about the diastolic dysfunction. Have been put on meds and told what and not to do. Even though they say the chances of it rupturing at this size are slim. It most doesn't help my anxiety. I try to stay busy, but it always finds it way back in especially at night. I'm afraid to sneeze, cough, bend over, etc. And the intimacy with my husband has definitely changed.
I went from a very active person to someone that I don't recognize.
I'm sorry I'm babbling, it's just that everyone I try to talk to about this always says. "Everything is going to be alright" They are all supportive and I totally appreciate them. They just don't understand the fear I live with ever day. Thank for listening ✌️❤️
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Cassie Finley
Wife, Mom, Nani
Family
Midland TX
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