Scared of dying, need to know
Posted , 2 users are following.
Can anyone with an aortic aneurysm hear a bruit sound when they open their mouth?
I've noticed a slight pressure sensation just below my sternum and when I'm laying down with my mouth open I can hear a sound. I keep telling myself it's either anxiety, stress or digestive issues but I can't shake this sound nor this feeling. I've gone to the doctor for my physical but I can't bring myself to ask about this because I'm too scared. I'm 27 5' 3" at 177 lbs. I know I shouldn't be googling my symptoms but its driving me crazy not knowing what's going on in my body.
0 likes, 6 replies
JulianM EF4468
Posted
I have an ascending aortic aneurysm, 4.5cm, no symptoms at all.
I'm still waiting for my first official cardiology appointment in January, but I have read a great deal in preparation and joined a couple of Facebook groups which have been very helpful in getting perspective.
Everyone on the Facebook groups agrees that it's really important that we do share information about our symptoms and our feelings with our doctor(s).
I find that the more I've learned, the less scared I have become, but I know everyone is different about these things. Nonetheless, to find out you have an aneurysm BEFORE there's a medical emergency is a huge advantage in dealing with it. Small sensible precautions like avoiding very heavy lifting and dealing with high blood pressure (which can sometimes be harder, of course) make a big difference.
How were you diagnosed, where is your aneurysm, how large is it, and are you seeing a cardiologist/vascular specialist?
EF4468 JulianM
Posted
That's just it, I don't know if I have one or not.
JulianM EF4468
Posted
In that case you need to talk to your GP and if there's a family history or any other reason to suspect one, get referred for an ultrasound scan as the first step.
EF4468 JulianM
Posted
I get family history, but what else should I keep an eye out for?
JulianM EF4468
Posted
At your age, to be honest, an aneurysm would be extremely unlikely unless there were signs of a genetic problem with connective tissues, which you'd already be aware of. But there might be some other illnesses - again, they'd be severe, and you and your doctor would know about them - which could also increase the risk of an aneurysm. I am not a doctor, I couldn't give you the full list ... Unless you are planning (for example) to compete at power lifting, then there wouldn't be much reason to look for one in the absence of a family history.
EF4468 JulianM
Posted
Could body weight and stress/anxiety play a part? I apologize for asking all these questions on an internet forum but its driving me crazy that there aren't any definitive symptoms for this, having anxiety and working a stressful job doesn't help. As far as family history is concerned I do not believe anyone in my family has had an aortic aneurysm. I'd ask my doctor about it but I'm frightened and embarrassed, especially if whatever tests I go through turn up nothing.