Aortic Disection: I was diagnosed with... - British Heart Fou...

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Aortic Disection

Milexi profile image
28 Replies

I was diagnosed with AD in July 2018. I am too old for surgery which is very risky and could cause stroke, paralysis and even death, so basically I am living on borrowed time.

I have been given Amlodipine and Indapamide to keep BP below 120 and take my own BP readings. Apart from echos and dye included CT scans every three months or so I am just left......waiting for my aorta to pop!!

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Milexi profile image
Milexi
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28 Replies
Purpled profile image
Purpled

Omg, so sorry is there really nothing they can do and how old do they consider too old

Milexi profile image
Milexi in reply toPurpled

Hi, I was nearly 80 when diagnosed, and because they think I might have had a small TIA a number of years ago they were not happy to proceed with surgery

To be honest I would rather die in my own home than on an operating table.

Purpled profile image
Purpled in reply toMilexi

Yes I can totally understand your thinking, my husband in his late 60’s was offered a cure for a different condition which he took that left him bedridden and not able to do anything for himself and he wished he had taken quality over quantity x. Take care x

Healthyheart1 profile image
Healthyheart1 in reply toPurpled

Sorry to hear that Purpled. You just never know do you. Best wishes Sheena x

Milexi profile image
Milexi in reply toPurpled

So sorry things worked out that way, that is why I am not bothered about having the op, bless you for understanding X

thehypnotist profile image
thehypnotist in reply toMilexi

You seem to have a great attitude and I hope your thoughts are of peace too. I have been living with heart failure since 1986 and had a couple of strokes! Which fortunately missed the part of the brain that caused major problems! Bp through the roof for weeks now and nothing seems to work. Doctor said I'm on borrowed time!! So I really appreciate your post as I've just turned 67.

Milexi profile image
Milexi in reply tothehypnotist

Oh dear, I feel for you cos it's a horrible situation isn't it, take each day as it comes and try not to dwell on things, I know it's daft but I find consolation in the fact that I won't be ending up on a nursing home and that's to be thankful about isn't it? Take care and look after yourself xx

thehypnotist profile image
thehypnotist in reply toMilexi

agree very much, Regards

Bagrat profile image
Bagrat

It is so tough to be aware of such a situation. We are all aware that as we get older life is shorter for one reason or another. It sounds like they are keeping a good eye on you and can adjust meds accordingly. This is a heavy burden but do hope you have days when you can put it to the back of your mind .

Milexi profile image
Milexi in reply toBagrat

Thank you Bagrat, that's what I am trying to do .... Hard but getting easier because I'm getting a bit forgetful 😊

jimmyq profile image
jimmyq

Wow!

At one point I thought I was in this position but managed to get out of it.

Can I humbly suggest that you make the most of the time you have left: spend time with your children and grandchildren, do the things and go to the places you have always wanted to (with your doctor's agreement), read that book. Bucket list.

Milexi profile image
Milexi in reply tojimmyq

Lovely post jimmyq thank you...... Trying to do those things but limited by utter fatigue sometimes, but when I can.... I do! 😊 X

Milexi profile image
Milexi in reply tojimmyq

jimmyq. Why did you think you were in the same position as me and how did you avoid it, just wondering 🤔

jimmyq profile image
jimmyq in reply toMilexi

I had an occlusion in my left eye in Dec 2017. I was told that if it had been a few inches away it would have been a stroke and I could have been a goner. Tests afterwards showed that my left carotid artery was blocked. The consultant said that he couldn't operate because they might dislodge something and kill me. So I felt like I was just waiting for "something to happen" to finish me off. My doctor advised that I take early retirement, so I did.

Since March 2018 I have been following a WFPB (whole food plant based) diet after watching the film "Forks Over Knives". My BP, cholesterol, pulse and weight have all come down and I am now trying to get a job. I believe that my arteries are clearing themselves out, otherwise my BP would still be raised.

Milexi profile image
Milexi in reply tojimmyq

That's fabulous, I'm so glad for you, I would give that a try if I thought it would close up the tear in my Aorta but unfortunately I don't hold out any hope for that happening. Well done you!

I could do with losing weight cos I have put 2 stone on owing to restrictions on what I'm allowed to do.....but then I think what's the point? May as well have chocolate and occasional glass of wine etc. Not very sensible I know...but what the hell? I do a little bit of gardening between rests and housework the same. Getting more tired and breathless as time goes on. Keep well and take care c

Healthyheart1 profile image
Healthyheart1

That must be tough for you, my mum has alzheimers and I feel she is on borrowed time. Even though she doesn't know me or my step dad and my husband we spend as much time as we can with her. She's in there somewhere I know it. Best wishes to you. Xx Sheena xx

Milexi profile image
Milexi in reply toHealthyheart1

Thank you for your post and you have my deepest sympathy. My mum also had dementia and I know how heartbreaking it can be, stay strong, take care and look after yourself x

Ianc2 profile image
Ianc2

New developments happen regularly. You haven't told us your Age, but I hope you can keep all your lifestyle choices going well and can get out and about a bit.

Life can be very strange and probable events turn out not to be probable after all. Seize the day as far as you can, be gently active and enjoy what you are able to do.

Milexi profile image
Milexi in reply toIanc2

Thank you lanc2, I am trying to do exactly that. I will be 81yrs old in October so not doing so bad. Unfortunately my partner who is 84 has cancer so can't get about very well, but we manage, good days and bad are to be expected so we take and treat them accordingly. Just wish I could attack the dreadful weeds that are taking over my garden with amazing speed, must admit I have broken the rules and have gone in garden and uprooted the demons with relish even if I can only do a few mins at a time! Life must go on but that doesn't include weeds haha Take care 😊

Purpled profile image
Purpled in reply toMilexi

Just found a wonderful solution for weeds just pour some white vinegar on em diluted with half water dead in a couple of days 😀

Milexi profile image
Milexi in reply toPurpled

Really? Wow, must try. Does it affect the bushes and flowers in the same bed or is just the weeds? X

Purpled profile image
Purpled in reply toMilexi

If you pour it just on weeds it will only get them just make sure you do it when earth is dry. On paths and driveways just pour a bucket of diluted over. Works great

Milexi profile image
Milexi in reply toPurpled

Will try when stops raining and dries up, thanks for info, will let you know if it works...

can't wait 😀 x

Ianc2 profile image
Ianc2

I poured it on my garden and a big batch of chips came up...

Milexi profile image
Milexi in reply toIanc2

Haha, bet they tasted a bit vinegary, no salt? 😄

Purpled profile image
Purpled in reply toIanc2

If only 😀

Ianc2 profile image
Ianc2

Only the old ones that the slugs had been chewing on. I think that's what tomato sauce was invented for...

Milexi profile image
Milexi in reply toIanc2

That's cos there was no salt, that would have stopped slugs in their tracks 😂

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