Mended Hearts Open Forum

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  • 1.  Aortic Aneurysms surgery. When is it needed?

    Posted 10-12-2021 14:13
    Hello, I am 28 years old (female) and I have an ascending aortic aneurysm (4.6cm aortic root aneurysm, and bicuspid aortic valve.) I am 100% asymptomatic and I am very healthy. I spoke with a Cardio Surgeon who told me I need to get the surgery done in the next few months for an aorta replacement and biological valve replacement. (My valve is a 3/4 mild severe regurgitation). I am very confused because all of the research I read suggests I can wait till 5.0-5.5cm before a surgery is needed. Plus my valve isn't severe yet and all research suggests to get the valve replacement when it's severe. The second opinion I got says I can wait until 5.3cm since the aneurism is moving slowly. These are both from the top Cardio Surgeons. So it is odd I am having very different advice. Does anyone else have experience on when is the right time to get the survey? Thank you so much I am very lost.


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    paige Granata
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  • 2.  RE: Aortic Aneurysms surgery. When is it needed?

    Posted 10-13-2021 11:54
    Hi there, I'm 41 almost 42 and I also have 4.6cm and was told I have mild regurgitation and that I will be monitored. They told me they don't do surgery until 5.0 or 5.5 cm depending on how it is doing? Maybe your valve is not functioning properly? Have you been able to get a second opinion if you feel you should?

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    Shannon Leitch
    Yucaipa CA
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  • 3.  RE: Aortic Aneurysms surgery. When is it needed?

    Posted 10-13-2021 12:34
    Hi Shannon, 

    Thank you for your reply and sharing your story. May I ask if your valve is also a Bicuspid valve? My valve is only category/ level 3/4, when it reaches a regurgitation of level 4 is when they want to replace it, so it's still working just fine. He seemed more worried about the aneurism. But that's good to hear that your cardiologist thinks one can wait till 5.0-5.5.

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    paige Granata
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  • 4.  RE: Aortic Aneurysms surgery. When is it needed?

    Posted 10-14-2021 15:30
    My heart goes out to you! You are so young to be under this cloud. what caused you to find out about this heart condition ????
    While i had a different problem ( mitrovalve prolapse) it was diagnosed 6 years before my surgery. I was told to wait until my symptoms became worse before having the surgery as technology and techniques were always improving. My family history is full of heart patients but no one took my diagnosis seriously, so I didn't either. And i didn’t follow the advice to lose weight and exercise. I am an example what not to do. ( However, I did see the cardiologist every 6 months, and eventually had the surgery… i am 9 years post op). Your youth is to your advantage. Please continue to get checkups and medical advice regularly. Maybe a third opinion is called for. Do not rely on internet medical advice. Family history is very important!!! Continue good nutrition and exercise, quit smoking, reduce sodium and Caffeine Etc
    Please accept my apology that my message to you is very “do this, do that” bossy. Truly, as a group we are all very concerned for you; please keep in touch.

    Marilyn B. Rosenhouse
    Mobile: (214)850-0655




  • 5.  RE: Aortic Aneurysms surgery. When is it needed?

    Posted 10-14-2021 15:48
    Very good comment and your advice is helping me too.
     Thanks 🙏 

    Long Tran

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    Long Tran
    Omaha
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  • 6.  RE: Aortic Aneurysms surgery. When is it needed?

    Posted 10-14-2021 15:50
    Thank you for sharing, I pray 🙏 and wish all the best and luck coming to you.
    Long

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    Long Tran
    Omaha
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  • 7.  RE: Aortic Aneurysms surgery. When is it needed?

    Posted 10-15-2021 03:25
    Paige, you are asking all of the right questions.  Before proceeding with surgery, I would make sure the surgeon answers any questions you have and you are comfortable with his/her answers.  For example, if your regurgitation is 3/4 and your aneurysm is not yet 5.0 then what's the rush?  Keep in mind, there are times rules of thumb need to be violated.  I have heard that moderate regurgitation (3=moderate) sometimes indicates surgery.  For example if you are having symptoms or your heart shows structural changes in response to the moderate regurgitation, then surgery may be indicated.  But, again your surgeon should explain all of this to you.  Don't be too confused about experienced surgeons differing.  Its not uncommon!    In the end, you will make the decision, not the surgeon.  Sorry to say, these decisions can be stressful.  There is no better comfort than knowing why you have made the decision you have made.  Good luck with your journey.

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    Ed M
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  • 8.  RE: Aortic Aneurysms surgery. When is it needed?

    Posted 10-19-2021 13:57
    I don't have any advice about your surgery.  I just wanted to say that I can relate to the fact that doctors have difference of opinions or diagnosis.   One cardiologist (in the same practice) said I didn't need a stent, another advised that I did.  The good news is Medicare covered this.  I was worried they wouldn't.

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    Clara Spiegel
    VA
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