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Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm

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GreatDadAlways
GreatDadAlways

I learned over the weekend that I have an aneurysm.  It was found in a chest x-ray I was having to evaluate a nasty bronchitis.  I'm glad they found it but I'm scared.

It measured 4.3 cm and I don't know what to think right now.  I believe it's the result of rheumatic fever damaging my heart as a child along with 30+ years of intense running for the same time.

What questions should I be asking the cardiologist?  What are your suggestions for managing the condition and living a active life?

 

0 likes, 7 replies

7 Replies

  • steve11598
    steve11598 GreatDadAlways

    Posted

    Where is it exactly at ? I see a vascular doctor in Dec and still figuring out what I should ask. I would ask what precautions you should be taking. Sorry not much help and wish you the best.
  • Anonymous111
    Anonymous111 GreatDadAlways

    Posted

    Cardiologists are doctors - they dont deal with this sort of thing. Are you going to see a Vascular Surgeon?

    How old are you?

    Is the aneurysm saccular or fusiform?

    • steve11598
      steve11598 Anonymous111

      Posted

      Thank you Ben statements you made are helping me. I will ask vascular about whether mine is saccular or fusiform which I understand neither. I was told mine is in the aortic root at 4.4 cm and as well as ascending aorta. Cardiologist could tell me very little about it so after I had a cardiac ablation in Charoltte ,NC they set me up an appointment with a vascular Dr in Dec. I am 49 years old and just want some answers myself. Any suggestions greatly appreciated.
  • Tez23
    Tez23 GreatDadAlways

    Posted

    I had an ascending aortic aneurysm measuring 6cm and a smaller brachiocephalic aneurysm diagnosed in the Spring of 2015. Surgeon advised me not to drive, refrain from lifting anything heavy I.e avoiding undue strain. I also stopped working until surgery, though this essentially depends on your job. Underwent surgery in late June 2015 and within a month was walking four miles each day. 
  • Lifeisgood999
    Lifeisgood999 GreatDadAlways

    Posted

    Welcome! What other tests have you had? You should get an echo and possibly an MRA. Do you have symptoms? Other health concerns? Share everything with your doctor. And get a good cardiologist, they aren’t all equal.  Get one that specializes in TAA.

    Ask about: 

    Prognosis 

    Yearly testing

    Physical limitations and exercises 

    Travel restrictions 

    Diet

    We’re all in this together! 👍🏼

    Keep us posted. 

  • GreatDadAlways
    GreatDadAlways

    Posted

    All things I need to find out on Wednesday.  Surgery scares me but I have to accept that day will come.  I have no other medical issues.  I had rheumatic fever at age 7 but actually started running the same year.  I ran for 30 years straight but started having performance issues.  I trained 70 miles a week at 6:15 pace.  Racing was faster.  I suspect damage from childhood and intense running caused the issue.  When I saw a cardiologist at 37 said I had cardiovascular disease and advised that I keep running.  That was a failure because I couldn't perform at prior levels and hung it up.  Well last year at 47 I decided to start running again.  After being on the couch 10 years I was back to 7:15 pace over 4 miles in 3 months.  There's the problem as I see it, my stupid runner intensity got me again and I kept pushing.  And here we are, aortic aneurysm and I'm asking if I will be able to train again.  Is that even realistic?  So much for living a healthy lifestyle that eventually kills you.  Very frustrating!

  • Rg_1972
    Rg_1972 GreatDadAlways

    Posted

    I say, run have fun, if your heart rate is lowering and elevating normally, but I would strongly suggest to not strain when getting your workouts in and do not lift weights.
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