Hi Ben,
I agree 'Watchful waiting' is hateful, I was diagnosed earlier this year at 4.5mm, I'm 52, and like yourself I am not asymptomatic.
I regularly get chest discomfort/pain and when I do, I stop doing what I am doing, and rest to see if it passes.
What you have to watch for is: excessive pain and sweating, that's when to see the medics.
This happened to my uncle in 2010 when I was with him, he asked to be taken home which I did. He felt better later that day and didn't see the doctor.
The following month he collapsed and was taken to hospital with a dissection, and even after surgery died the next day.
I look back and just wish I could live that day again and get him to hospital.
This condition is real, don't take chances, do not stress your heart.
I am from Great Britain but my cardiologist has not mentioned Pears.
Take care,
Darren
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Darren Tebbitt
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Original Message:
Sent: 12-01-2021 14:51
From: Ben Schwarz
Subject: Looking for a forum for thoracic aortic aneurysm
New member here. Greetings all. I was just wondering if there is a forum dedicated to aortic aneurysm. Last March I was diagnosed with a 4.1 cm ascending aortic aneurysm. I've been running for 100 minutes/day on an elliptical for the last 13 1/2 years, weightlifting 3-4 days per week. I slowed down a little after diagnosis and discussion with cardiologist. I'm due for another visit with the cardiologist in a couple of weeks, but still have many questions.
I'm a 54 year old male, a gym rat, and absolutely hate "watchful waiting". Every little chest discomfort triggers a depressing "what if" thought stream, and mild chest discomfort is fairly common. Does anyone else ever get a momentary tingling or pin prick sensation in the chest, particularly during or after a workout. I wouldn't use the word "pain" but definitely some discomfort.
Also, has anyone heard of or done PEARS (Personalized External Aortic Root Support)? The procedure is not approved in the USA, but seems highly regarded In Great Britain and other parts of Europe and Asia, and is very appealing to me as an alternative to watchful waiting and/or standard FDA approved aortic repair surgery.
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Bernie Schwartz
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