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  • 1.  Ascending Aortic Aneurism

    This message was posted by a user wishing to remain anonymous
    Posted 11-14-2019 22:13
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  • 2.  RE: Ascending Aortic Aneurism

    Posted 12-04-2019 02:49

    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



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    Laura Calamuci
    Teacher
    retired
    Staten Island NY
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  • 3.  RE: Ascending Aortic Aneurism

    Posted 12-04-2019 02:57

    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



    ------------------------------
    Laura Calamuci
    Teacher
    retired
    Staten Island NY
    ------------------------------



  • 4.  RE: Ascending Aortic Aneurism

    Posted 12-04-2019 09:23
    Nicole,

    Does your cardiologist have you on a beta blocker to lower your blood pressure? I have an ascending aortic aneurism which I will be having surgery
    to fix on January 3rd. I discovered mine back in March of 2018 on a chest x ray. It was 5.1 cm at the time, and went down a bit to 5.0. I have been
    on a beta blocker since then which helped keep it stable. Is your cardiologist going to do a watch and wait until it reaches the point of having surgery?
    Looks like they recommend surgery when it gets to the size mine is currently at. ​

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    Scott Woodward
    QA Assistant
    Northrop Grumman
    San Ramon CA
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