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Welcome to the forum. Sorry to hear that you have so many issues, but what to do next regarding your aortic aneurysm is NOTHING, other than annual follow-ups with a good Cardiologist. As scary as aortic aneurysms are, they tend to grow quite slowly. 1-2mm/year on average, though some can grow...

Good for you and what a great message. I couldn't agree more.

FYI, I had a valve sparing aortic aneurysm graft done. So although I have no mechanical valve to tick, whenever I take a deep breath (really anything over deliberately shallow breathing) I feel my heart pounding. Perhaps my graft is pressing against my sternum, I don''t know for sure and the...

I had a catheter angiogram shortly before my surgery. The Dr. that did it said it was to evaluate my cardiac arteries for any blockages so they could be dealt with at the time. I questioned my surgeon about this and he said the real reason for it was so he could have as much information as...

Welcome, In the US, the guidelines used to suggest surgical intervention at 5.5cm generally, and at 5.0 cm for those with Marfan's, connective tissue disorder, or a Bicuspid Aortic valve. A couple years ago the criteria was revised to exclude Bicuspid Aortic valve from the 5.0 criteria as the...

I would bring up your concerns with your Dr's. I am not normally anemic but I was after surgery and was given iron pills for a time. It went back to normal within a couple months which was quicker than the Dr expected.

2. FYI, here are the 2014 findings by the American College of Cardiology: http://content.onlinejacc.org/article.aspx?articleid=1838843 So assuming your surgery included a prosthetic heart valve, based on these guidelines you should always take antibiotics prior to dental work. I would just...

Welcome. Best wishes on your surgery and speedy recovery. For me it was a relief to have it over with and get on with the recovery, which was not as bad as I expected.

I remember what a shock it was to hear that I would need OHS. Life is so full of surprises. Surgical procedures have advanced far beyond where they were in 1975. Depending on the approach you may still need 3 months for recovery but your issue can be fixed. While you are waiting learn what...

In my review of the literature that I could find (http://www.valvereplacement.org/forums/forum/active-lifestyles-cardiac-rehabilitation/42576-exercise-and-stress-with-aortic-aneurysm), generally moderate aerobic exercise is recommended for those with an aortic aneurysm. Strenuous exercise of...

My first thought is that perhaps the Dr's can clarify their position. Why does the local Dr. want to replace the root? Is it because of the size or simply because it is in between your aneurysm and your valve, both of which are to be replaced. Given that I imagine it is a much simpler...

Welcome to the other side. Glad it sounds like all went well. Enjoy the down time, before you know it you'll be fully recovered.

Glad to hear it went well. I'm sure your glad to have this over with.

When looking for a Dr/Hospital, while I listen to recommendations, I also look for objective information. According to US News, Emory University Hospital is nationally ranked in Cardiology & Heart Surgery, and higher ranked than Emory St. Joseph's...

Hi, I think it helps to focus on the positives in your life and to be thankful your problems are not worse. The good news is: you don't have cancer, you don't have a terminal disease, you didn't lose a limb, you are not handicapped; you have a condition that can be repaired - and for most of us...

Well first I will just say that everyone should always, ALWAYS, ask for copies of their test results. 3 Doctors failed to tell me that I had a dilated aorta. I found out about it when I read a copy of the report I asked for and then I looked it up on Google to see what it meant. Still, I know...

I've learned from experience that no matter how much I try to understand the numbers (and I have tried) I am not going to see the full picture clearly without consulting a specialist. If the PA is working with your Cardiologist then I would expect they should have a good understanding of the...

I think Cleveland will give you a second opinion remotely, based on your scans. So perhaps you can ask them if they think it is repairable without even traveling there. Perhaps UCLA or Cedars Sinai might be more open to the repair option?

Kaiser Permamente (on Sunset) is the 25th ranked hospital nationally for Cardiology and Heart Surgery: http://health.usnews.com/best-hospitals/search?city=Los%20Angeles,%20CA&distance=100&specialty_id=IHQCARD. You actually have 3 higher ranked hospitals locally (maybe not on your insurance?)...

Hi, Recovery is different for everyone, but I understand it generally goes much quicker for those with minimally invasive surgery. I had OHS and had help at home but still there were only a few things I couldn't have done on my own: drive, grocery shopping, lift a suitcase. You have someone...