Nicole
i re read my response and saw many errors so this is the correct one. That's what happens when I type without glasses.
in May 2019 a 4.3 cm aneurysm of the aortic arch was found during a routine chest X-ray. Saw cardiologist the next day as we were leaving on a cruise 2 days later. He did an echo and it measured slightly smaller and he said to go on my vacation and enjoy. I have no symptoms, no family history, no hypertension,diabetes or high cholesterol. He said I had to see him every six months for echos. I spent the entire 10 day cruise researching this aneurysm and doctors to see and decided I was going to be proactive and make an appt with a thoracic surgeon at NYU. Their aneurysm program is all encompassing and you are assigned to a team of specialists; surgeon, pain management, nutrition, psychologist, social work, rehab, etc. The dr I saw is Dr Deane Smith. He will see me in April and do a CT scan with contrast to look at the inside of aneurysm for tears, holes or shredding
So no, I don't think it's premature for you to seek out a surgeon. He also told me I had a tricuspid valve which is a blessing.
my cardiologist has recommended Lenox Hill/Mt Sinai as they do closed chest procedure using fenestrated stents and you're home in 3-4 days and back to work in 2-3 weeks. He suggested I get a consult there because if and when I need surgery, why have an open chest if it can be done as a minimally invasive procedure
Btw, I am 69.
hope this helps
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Laura Calamuci
Teacher
retired
Staten Island NY
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Original Message:
Sent: 12-04-2019 02:48
From: Laura Calamuci
Subject: Ascending Aortic Aneurism
Nicole
in May 2019 a 4.3 cm aneurysm of the aortic arch was found during a routine chest X-ray. Saw cardiologist the next day as we were leaving on a cruise 2 days later. He did an e h and it measured slightly smaller and he said to go on my vacation and enjoy. I have no symptoms, no family history, no hypertension,diabetes or high cholesterol. He said ad o see him every six months for echos. I spent their 10 day cruise researching this aneurysm and doctors to see and decided I was goin* to be proactive and make an appt with a thoracic surgeon at NYU. Their aneurysm program is all encompassing and you are assigned to a team of specialists; surgeon, pain management, nutrition, psychologist, social work, rehab, etc. The dr I saw is Dr Deane Smith. He will see me in April and do a CT scan with contrast to look at the inside of aneurysm for tears, holes or shredding
So no, I don't think it's premature for you to seek out a surgeon. He also told me I had a tricuspid valve which is a blessing.
my cardiologist has recommended Lenox Hill/Mt Sinai as they do closed chest procedure using fenestrated stents and your home in 3-4 days and back to work in 2-3 weeks. He suggested I get a consult there because if and when I need surgery, why have an open chest if it can be done as a minimally invasive procedure
Btw, I am 69.
hope this helps
------------------------------
Laura Calamuci
Teacher
retired
Staten Island NY
Original Message:
Sent: 11-14-2019 22:13
From: Nicole Smith
Subject: Ascending Aortic Aneurism
I'm 47, petite and recently learned my Ascending Aortic Aneurysm increased from 4.0 cm in Sept 2018 to 4.4cm in Oct 2019 per echocardiograms. I also have a BAV with very mild regurgitation. I learned of my echo results online & I'm not able to get in to see my cardiologist until nov 29th. Dr note online indicates stable & did not indicate any restrictions. In the meantime my BP has been high so I got in with their nurse practitioner who prescribed BP Rx. I don't consider this increase in size to be stable. I have not felt myself in about 2months which I believe is due to my BP, these results & this waiting are not helping. Would it be premature to make an appointment with a surgeon? Mayo & Cleveland are too far & not in my insurance network. So I'm considering NY Presbyterian. Any feedback and recommendations of a surgeon would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
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Nicole
Allentown, PA
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