Appointment with Cardiac surgeon

[KathyH]

I finally stopped dragging my feet and called my Primary Care Provider to get a consult to a cardiac surgeon. I saw my cardiologist a couple of weeks ago and she said the CT scan showed my ascending aortic aneursym to be about the same- the one last March was 4.7 x 4.3 and the one in Nov was 4.7 x 4.6- but it said the difference could just be a techique difference. When I asked her about surgery she told me no one would do surgery yet, but she agreed that if it would make me feel better I should go to Boston and see what they say. I had told her since Boston is only 1 1/2 hr away and they have the 3rd rated heart hospital, I would rather have a consult out there. Believe me, I don't want surgery until I need it, but I don't want to have it to burst either! The other day I emailed the Dr that did Mamsram's surgery just to see if he thought I should see a cardiologist there, or a surgeon. He emailed me back that I should see a surgeon...So I have an appt Feb 11.
From what I have read on line, different Dr have different measurements that they feel is the "right time". I have read that diabetic pt have 25% more chance of a rupture, but I have a normal BP, so I know that is good. I just feel that if I talk to someone who actually does the procedure, he will know the right thing to do. If he tells me no problem just keep watching it, that's fine, at least I will have connection if things start changing. Can you tell I am alittle stressed by all this. Sorry to go on so, just trying to convince myself, I guess.
Kathy H.

 

[ALCapshaw2]

I would do EXACTLY as you are doing Kathy, i.e. get a consult with a Skilled and Experienced Surgeon. Anyone else is 'just guessing'. The surgeons have 'been there, done that' hundreds if not thousands of times. GO FOR IT !

'AL'

 

[Nancy]

You have a very good plan for yourself. I'm glad you took the bull by the horns.