Thank you very much for your post. To be honest, I have been scared to move lately, I have been out of my mind with worry.
your post has helped me a great deal
thank you very much
god bless
van
Dear Van,
My father has an a/a in his heart/abdominal area. He didn't know what it was and continued to go to a meeting. It could've been devastating, but you two are blessed. I know it is terrifying right now, but the good thing is, is it was caught. I have heard a great deal of times that it won't be caught and then it ruptures. My dad was very depressed for a few months, but is back to his old self. He doesn't take good care of himself, but please make sure you do. The drs will scan you and monitor this and watch the bp. Try to find the most thorough doctor you can, even if it means driving an hour to go for help. Some people don't truly understand a/a, and IMO some drs don't. Also, the a/a can kind of heal itself in a way or remain stable if you are taking care of yourself. Just don't do anything too stressful, stay healthy and follow your doctor orders. I have heard of some very succesful surgeries, but I know that they are very risky. If you are offered this and feel ready for this, I think it would be ok, but just watching the a/a will be acceptable as well. Best wishes to you.
The only way to know if it will be stable or grow is to watch it over time by regular imaging (every six months). This can be by CT or by MRI.
I think the post-surgical life expectancy depends on a lot of things, including the skill of the surgeon, how well the surgery goes, type of surgery, your general health, age, etc. If it is done properly, there is no reason you can't live a normal life expectancy, in my opinion. A lot of the reason for the high death rate is due to comorbidities like associated thoracic aneurysms, congestive heart failure, COPD, and other conditions that typically go hand-in-hand with atherosclerosis-induced conditions like AAAs. What I mean to say is that if you just have an AAA and no other major problems, and your surgery is done by a top-notch surgeon, I think you will live a normal life expectancy (barring any other problems).
For Jesus' sake
N