Aortic Dissection

[Ricia]

Last year I had an aortic root dissection which subsequently dissected all the way down the aorta. The root was repaired . I just wondered if anyone else has this.

[Forumuse]

Hi Ricia, I don’t have exactly the same condition as you, but I did have a Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection, which caused my Heart Attack. I’m waiting to find out if that is as a result of a condition like Fibro muscular dysplasia, which can lead to tears and splits in all the major vessels like aorta or carotid arteries.

[Ricia in reply to Forumuse]

Thank you for your reply. I am sorry that you have problems. I really wanted to speak with someone who has had the same thing as me, to discuss symptoms etc. I wish you all the best.

[SecondOHS]

Hi Ricia, I had a David procedure recently to replace my aorta root, to prevent exactly that - a dissection or rupture. Not the same symptoms, but could be the same repair.

[GeorgeAlexander]

My husband had his Aortic Root replaced as his aortic root was dilated

[Ricia]

I just wondered what size your aneurysms were when you had the repair. Mine was 4.7 and was not considered large enough to worry about. I did have all sorts of tests to confirm this.

[Cliff_G]

Ricia, sorry to be late to this post, but anyway... Sorry to hear you have had this trouble. Myself, I dissected also when my ascending aorta was "ok", at about 4.8 cm and I had an emergency operation to repair me with a new valve, ascending, and arch grafts, and a Frozen Elephant's Trunk at the top of my descending. This was 2 years ago and I am still recovering slowly. I was incredibly lucky to have survived this as I had a heart attack with it (the AD caused it as a side effect). I had been monitored for 20 years for a slowly growing aorta, but they weren't too concerned as yet!

I joined this forum but found there were some but not many AD sufferers on here, but I try to keep a look out in case anyone else comes along. I can try and answer any questions you have, but you may also consider joining the fantastic Facebook group I am in. If you search Facebook for Aortic Dissection UK Buddies and ask to join. It's a private group so only members can see the posts.

You say you had a root repair, but then you dissected all the way down. Does that mean you are still being "medically managed" for the remaining dissection, or have you had further grafts or even an EVAR? (a big stent, basically).

I'd love to hear more about your case, and also I presume it was an emergency admission, so you did pretty well to get recognised as a dissection, it's not an easy diagnosis. Best wishes, Cliff

[Ricia in reply to Cliff_G]

Hi Cliff_G

Thank you so much for your reply. I have now applied to join the Facebook group you suggested. Perhaps I will find you on that site. It will be reassuring to talk to others who have experienced the same things.

[Cliff_G in reply to Ricia]

Great, see you there.

[Lola2011 in reply to Cliff_G]

Hi sorry to jump on your post but my mum recently suffered an aortic dissection cat b she spent 11 days on icu and it is being managed conservatively by keeping blood pressure low and lots of rest I’m looking for some support groups for her as I understand it’s very rare and think it would help her to talk to someone who’s been through similar

[Cliff_G in reply to Lola2011]

Hi Lola, sorry to hear this. A great support group is the Facebook UK Buddies group m.facebook.com/groups/63776...

[Lola2011 in reply to Cliff_G]

Thank you I have just requested to join it’s been so hard with all the Covid stuff to add to the mix not being able to be there has been awful just got sign posted to this group by BHF appreciate the help 😊

[Ricia in reply to Lola2011]

Hi Lola, I have just seen your post. Cliff also found me on this site and directed me to the Aortic Dissection buddies group . As he said they are a great support group. Not sure why BHF don't mention it, perhaps it's because it is a private group.