Aortic Aneurysm

Posted , 5 users are following.

Hi everyone I need your help and advice please.

I have just had the correct diagnosis for my 75 year old mum and a) I can't come to terms with it and b) The fact that she will die.

I didn't understand what a stretched aorta was until the doctor told me it was an aortic aneurysm which means that, if it bursts, it will cause instant death.

I can't cope knowing this and it is making me ill. Please can someone give me some advice.

Michelle

0 likes, 11 replies

11 Replies

  • Posted

    Hi Michelle,

    Sorry to hear anout your mom's diagnosis. Yes aortic aneurysms are dangerous and the higher the age the person is diagnosed makes it a lot riskier. Any time during the anaesthesia or surgery the aorta can rupture leading to devastating results. 

  • Posted

    How big is her aneurysm ?
    • Posted

      I'm not sure Derek, but they said that they wouldn't operate due to her age.

      Michelle

    • Posted

      My aneurysm is only 4cm so has a long way to go before needing surgery and probably not in my lifetime as I will be 83 next week. However I did meet a man in his late 80's who had the operation and did well. When trying to get travel insurance once (refused) with Saga the call centre operator said that her grandmother had the operation when she was over 90 so age is no restriction if your health is otherwise reasonable.

      I had my aortic valve replaced when I was 79 and my neighbour had a triple bypass and his valve replaced at 82.

      I would ask your GP to get you a second opinion from a vascular surgeon who specialises in the procedure.

  • Posted

    Sorry to hear this, I had an open heart surgery last year, it was for my Aortic leaking valve, saying to goodbye before going to theatre, convinced I wouldn't come out of it, I am on Warfarin, and I thought this is too much for my body, but hey,here I am!! It takes a lot of strength to get back, I am 77, so your mum will be week, but time is a great healer,I'm sure she will, but an aneurism is a different case.My thoughts are with you both.....

  • Posted

    I'm sorry hear this. Are they going to do anything about it? Wouldn't it be better to try and fix it rather then something happen while she is out somewhere. Prayers for your mom and family.

    • Posted

      It is a very serious operation with a long recovery time but faced with the alternative I would want to go for it. Though we don't know how serious this one is and they are regarded not to be really life threatening until nearly 5.5 cm.

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