New to Pre-surg have been in others

[elizsue]

Hello, my name is Susie and I do not have a date. I have an aortic aneursym 4.8 cm and need aortic valve replaced. I would like to know if anyone has this and do you have any pain related.
I would also like to know if your dr. has put you off because of weight, I am about 240 and 5'6.
I just want to get this over with and dr. has put me off for 6 mo.
I enjoy the website, because I think I am driving everyone crazy with all my worries.
Thanks

 

[Mary]

Is it the cardiologist or the cardiothoracic surgeon who is hesitant to operate? You can always get a second opinion and then try and arrive at a decision.

 

[Kate]

Welcome Susie!
Like you, I had an aortic aneurysm and stenotic aortic valve until both were repaired a little under two years ago. I had occasional sharp pains in my chest and other strange feelings (as if my heart was trying to turn over, if that makes sense). My cardiologist claimed these weren't related, but they disappeared after surgery, so you tell me?

I'm sorry to hear that you and your dr. have different ideas about when surgery should be done. Has he told you that the reason for the delay is your weight? I ask because I know 4.8cm is still slightly below when most drs recommend surgery for an aneurysm. Depending upon how bad your valve is, it may not be necessary to do surgery quite yet. That said, I understand your desire to get it over with and, as mentioned above, a surgeon may be willing to move forward even if your cardiologist isn't.

If your dr. has told you the delay is due to your weight, you are in a tough spot. Losing weight is hard at the best of times, but harder when you are under stress and perhaps worried about exercising because of your heart. Of course, you'll bounce back from surgery faster if in better shape but many of us have not been at our ideal weight or fitness and done just fine. I'd say, do your best to eat well and walk, but also consider getting a second opinion. You need someone who will work with YOU, not some idealized version of you that may or may not be attainable prior to surgery.

I wish you the best of luck! Kate

 

[Jkm7]

As always, Kate has given excellent advise and I agree with her. While it would be optimum if you were able to get in better shape pre-surgery, your doctor needs to recognize you are his patient the way you are. It is fine for him to encourage you to do all you can to get more healthy but should be realistic as well IMO

Good luck. Please let us know how things go for you.

 

[stevem9]

I also was just diagnosed with a aortic root anyursm or dilated aortic root at 4.4...I am a male, 43, 5'11"...not due to any marfans or hardening of the arteries...I have a repeat ct scan in July to see if it is growing...like Kate I do have occasional chest pain mostly in the middle but sometimes just to the left, but there was no evidence of dissection on my scan, and my cardiologist does not seem that concerned...maybe is is due to stress? I certainly hope so...I am just curious why you were already recommeded for surgury...I thought the usual timeline for surgury was 5...or is everybody different?

 

[Adam 12-21-05]

Hey there Susie,

Like you, I had to have my aortic valve replaced. I chose an operation known as the Ross Procedure. I'm not sure if you heard of it yet. (click link to learn more).

Anyways, regarding the pain you inquire about below I can tell you this.

There will be pain. I've talked to 100's of former, heart valve surgery patients. I have yet to hear from anyone that heart valve surgery was not uncomfortable at some point.

That said, I can coach you that any pain you experience will most likely be temporary.

In consideration of that reality, it conjures up the tremendous benefits of heart valve surgery. Your heart like mine was stressed. Give it a break.

The short-term pain will be worth the long-term gain!



Adam

 

[Granbonny]

I was age 61, healthy, female when I had my OHS..due to a 5.0 aneurysm..found after a Cath of heart...Cardio brought a surgeon to visit right after..wanted it done ASAP...which was 4 days later..did great..still doing great 5 years later. ..I had no pain.. before/after....The weight issue..maybe because the doctors want you up and walking the halls. very soon after surgery? Like the others have said..I think? the cutoff is 5.0..Bonnie

 

[67walkon]

5 to 5.5 is what I have read is the critical point. I'm at 5 and working on scheduling my surgery to replace the ascending aorta and my bicuspid aortic valve. My valve is down to 1 cm.

I have no symptoms. If you have symptoms, I suspect you need the surgery now, not later. I would get a second opinion.