Scared!!

Posted , 8 users are following.

I have just been diagnosed with an ascending aorta of 4.4cm. This was found during a routine ultrasound scan. The doctor told me that an earlier ct scan identified the aorta at 3.8cm and because the measurments were taken using two different methods he was unsure which was correct. So i am due another scan in 9 months. I would be telling lies if i didn't admit to being afraid of what the future holds for me. I am a 70 year old male in reasonable health.

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  • Posted

    Scared also! Just found out I'm at 3.8 cm at 52 y.o.

  • Posted

    Scared also! Just found out I'm at 3.8cm at 52 y.o.  

    • Posted

      Hi Dadsduck. The good thing is you're aware of it and it will be monitored but i know exactly how you're feeling. .like a ticking time bomb. Good luck and try not to worry....easier said than done. Cheers Roy

  • Posted

    im scared too..just found out mine is at 4.3.  was told that i could have open heart surgery if it gets over 4.5.  im a 43 year woman.  
  • Posted

    Hi, 

    Try and look at the positives, I know it is easy to say rather than actually doing it.  They have found it and can keep you closely monitored.  Changing lifestyle is the hardest part for me, I am 32 with a 4cm Ascending Aneurysm.  The scary thought for me is dying really young, I have a 6 year old daughter and the thought of her losing her dad at a young age breaks my heart (pardon the pun) but I need to look at the positive that I have the chance to stop that from happening.  I am waiting to have genetic testing to see if I have Marfan Syndrome.  I need to go back to my cardiologist to discuss my treatment plan but this is not until May.  It was my vascular surgeon which confirmed the aneurysm.  What I also find hard is what I can and can not do the information is different from site to site.  What is the bests diets, How much can you lift, how much can you exercise.  How often should you check you BP, why can I not have surgery now?  

    Hope the sleepless nights are getting better.  Take care we are all here to listen and talk.

  • Posted

    Hello Roy, I am in my 60's and am now post op 6 weeks. I had a bicuspid valve and a 5.7cm aortic root aneurysm, which they found early this spring. Your doctors will take care to monitor you. I was scared, especially the first few weeks. Once I digested the information and talked with others who had similiar diagnosis, the fear quieted for me. I hope you feel a little better now. I always took my cell phone to bed with me (my security blanket, I think...and I still do), and my iPad so I can fall asleep watching a movie. I found that helped reduce my anxiety. It seemed to take forever before I had my surgery. Just know that the surgeons know the risks involved, and they will make recommendations based on their knowledge and skills.

    All the best.

    • Posted

      Thanks Deb. Really pleased for you and very happy your surgery went well. Thank you for your reassuring words and yes my anxiety as lessened somewhat and going to concentrate on Christmas and let 2018 worry about itsrlf for the time being. How is your recovery going. Thanks again and have a very happy Christmas. Roy x
    • Posted

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      Have an amazing day! Deb

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