newly diagnosed with Thoracic Aorta Aneurysm
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My younger sister aged 50 was diagnosed with TAA of 5.1 cm in January and operated in February due to her small frame. She is recovering well which is encouraging. I have been meaning to go and have a check myself but kept putting it off. I went to my GP 2 weeks ago and he immediately picked up a murmur. Echo followed by a CT scan confirmed I also have an aneurysm but mine is still at 4.27 and I am 55 years old. Clearly we have a genetic disposition but mine is growing more slowly (so far) . I am in shock and still cannot get my head round it. I am fit, practise yoga, follow mainly a vegietarean diet, don't smoke, hardly drink and do not have high blood pressure. I am now now in 'watchful waiting' and will have another CT scan in 6 months time. I have been advised to take Beta Blockers and was wondering how patients react to them. I have a professional job in sales and need to keep my energy up. I have off course been considering giving up work but sitting at home waiting for my aneurysm to grow will not help me. I would also like to know if aneurysms always grow and if I need to accept that mine will be bigger by the time I have my next CT?
0 likes, 10 replies
derek76 mary-rose15619
Posted
Statins were at one time suggested by a consultant who was very quick to point out their side effects but beta blockers were never mentioned.
I did take statins much later when I was found to have aortic stenosis prior to having the valve replaced. I stopped started statins several times due to muscle pain and slight memory problems.
After my valve replacement I was prescribed a beta blocker as I had developed atrial fibrillation and was very glad to stop it after having a successful cardioversion.
I would try both drugs and see how they affect you. The majority of people do not have side effects.
But give up work? Why? You are not ill, you have a condition that fortunately has been discovered before becoming life threatening and is treatable.
mary-rose15619 derek76
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derek76 mary-rose15619
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I told the person doing my next scan about it. Ridiculous she said. If it bursts it will only cost them for the ambulance to take you to the mortuary:-)
I know a now retired elderly racehorse trainer whose aneurysm burst during the night and he was rushed to hospital and his life saved. He was back training and riding his Hack not that long afterwards.
You are never to old for the operation if otherwise fit. I spoke to a man recently who was nearly 90. He had discovered his own massive aneurysm from a large swelling in his stomach. He went to jhis doctor and was operated on within three weks.
mary-rose15619 derek76
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derek76 mary-rose15619
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When I moaned about insurance diffculties to my cardiologist he said you can go to NZ as they have a reciprocal agreement with us.
I told him that I did not want to go there again but that I wanted to go back to OZ who do not have a reciprial agreement. Most people take a chance on insurance.
marlborough mary-rose15619
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mary-rose15619 marlborough
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larry22567 mary-rose15619
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mary-rose15619 larry22567
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Lifeisgood999 mary-rose15619
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