aortic aneurysm plus kidney cyst

[tomtomm]

My 79 year old father was recently diagnosed with a cyst on the kidney, and a few days later during testing, found out he also has a small aneurysm on his aorta.  He has a history of angioplasty (18-19 years ago), and has been on blood pressure/heart meds for some time.  Otherwise, he is relatively healthy and happy, and lives a productive life.  I have a few questions.  (1) - I am worried that they will not be able to treat the kidney cyst if he has this aneurysm issue, or will they be able to treat this anyway?  (2) - I would like to know if he should be doing exercising and/or any lifting.  He lives on a hill on a lake, and takes daily walks down/up the hill to the house.  Is this advisable? and (3) what is the general prognosis for someone of his age/health having surgery for the aneurysm?  Thank you for any advice.  We are a bit shocked and scared.  

[lactac1224]

I agree that it is really nice to hear other stories.  My mom's AAA was not big enought to operate unti it was about 6 cm.  Has your father seen a vascular surgeon?  That is who would do the surgery.  My mom still sees hers for follow up since she has had 2 aneurysms and could end up having more.

I kind of felt that I wanted her to have the surgery and get it over with.  I didn't like the idea of her living with it.  But I have to say that after having gone throught the surgery I can see why they wait.  It isn't an easy surgery and they wait until the odds of having surgery are less than the odds of it rupturing.  So I would be patient.  I didn't let my mom do any heavy lifting or lawn mowing or anything of that nature just because I was a nervous nelly!

If you have any more questions I would be happy to tell you anything I know from my mom's experience.  Good luck!

[tomtomm]

Thank you so much for your Mom's info!  It makes me feel better.  His cardiologist is located in a large hospital, which is a respected cardiology hospital, so that makes me feel good, too.  He, too, like your Mom, lives near a local hospital, but I have no confidence in their abilities for the "big stuff"!  

His aneurysm is located in the abdomen, and is about 2.4cm.  He is at the cardiologist today finding out more details about what he can/can't do, and what his course of action will be.  He also has an appt. with a nephrologist this week for his kidney cysts.

Good luck with your Mom.  Thanks again for your reply.  Somehow there is comfort in numbers!  

[lactac1224]

How large is your fathers aneurysm and where is it located?  My mom had both a descending thorasic aortic and an abdominal aneurysm repaired.  They were both over 5 cm before they even considered surgery.  Has your father seen a vascular surgeon?  They would be able to give you much more info on what to expect.  

My mom was 73 when she had the thorasic repaired.  This was done endovascular.  The recovery from this was really easy.  The abdominal could not be repaired endovascularly because of its location.  This was done in an open repair and was MUCH more difficult!  She was 75 at the time and had some complications with her lungs.  She is ok now but the recovery from the open repair was very difficult.

My mom had both of her surgeries done at the Cleveland Clinic and they are absolutley wonderful!  I would not have had her go to our local hospital - even thought we have a great one.  The doctors told me it is just really important to go to someone who does lots of these!  Also, the doctors in my town did not even know that her thorasic aneurysm could be repaired endovascularly. They did not even know that was possible.  To me, this is a really big deal and I wanted her to have the best for her surgery.  I recommend going to a large hospital who has a great reputation for this type of surgery if it becomes necessary to repair the aneurysm.