ascending aorta graft

[Robfromwales]

I said I would update the community with the outcome of my surgery which I had on April 20. A reminder that I was diagnosed with a 4.9 cm ascending aortic aneurysm in sept 2021 along with a bicuspid aortic valve . Both were found as incidental findings. I was 61 at the time.

Was monitored by echo every 6 months. I was put on BP lowering meds and diuretic and due to one bout of 12 days AF I was on apixiban.

I did lots and lots of reading in order to be able to understand as best i could about the defects.

When tests confirmed that it was 5.0 -5.2 I was referred to a surgeon for consultation . My reading of recent evidence , especially the American Heart Association 2022 guidelines gives ‘ hinge points’ in diameter above which risks rise. The other thing I learnt was that 60 per cent of dissections occur at diameter levels below the normal diameter thresholds for intervention.

So surgery was agreed and this happened on April 20. The aneurysm was removed abd Dacron gear inserted. I had decided pre opp for Edwards Resillia if valve tonne changed but although biscupid , it wasn’t changed as large opening and no stenosis. It was felt that my own valve could well outlive a new tissue valve.

My left atrial appendage was clipped to reduce the chances of a stroke while in AF.

I had the op on the morning of April 20 and left on Monday April 24. In little general pain but sleeping very very difficult as have to sleep on back and not on front!

[Hidden]

Hello

I am glad you have had the operation done and it all went well x

[Dunandjam]

Hi Robfromwales, pleased to hear that everything went well for you. I do sympathise with you regarding not being able to sleep on your back, I’ve been in that position in the past and I didn’t sleep much.

Take care and look forward to hearing how you progress

Regards,

Linda

[jeanjeannie50]

Phew, hate to think how stressed you must have been before having that aortic aneurysm removed. It's great that it all went so well.

Jean

[MountainGoat52]

Pleased to hear all went well. Now the journey back to fitness starts. I wholly sympathise with the issue of sleeping on your back... it took me six weeks after my bypass to get onto my side and even longer to get onto my front, but eventually I managed it. Keep positive and you will soon be looking back pleased it is all in the past. 😀

[Czech_Mate]

Thanks for the update, Rob. Hope you're getting enough sleep. I always turn onto my right side as I fall asleep.

Keep us informed of your progress.

Cheers

[Safeangel]

Hi Rob I am so happy to hear you are now on the recovery stage and all went well. I am at the beginning of my stage with just being diagnosed at 4.8cm and a bicuspid.

I see consultant on 17th May.

I also have 2 relatives who have had aneurysms. My dad and grandad though these were brain.

I am so scared and want mine fixed now but think they will make me wait until 5cm.

I'm so glad to hear you have been fixed.

[Robfromwales in reply to Safeangel]

thanks for all your replies and best wishes

[Cliff_G]

Great to hear, Rob, thanks for the update. That's a remarkably brief time in hospital, which bodes well for your recovery.

[Smitty1956]

Hi, Robfromwales,

I am so happy that you were able to have your surgery, and that all went well! It sounds like you certainly did your due diligence with all of the reading preparation that you did prior to surgery! 👍

Hopefully, you will now be on the road to recovery and living your best life. My best wishes to you!

[SilverSurfer20]

Hi Rob, just read your post from 5 months ago and was wondering how you're doing now. Be great to hear an update, and know that you're doing well

[Robfromwales]

thanks silversurfer for checking in. I had my thoracic aneurysm at 5.2 cm repaired electively. Although I have a bicuspid valve that is operating really well so that wasn’t changed. Recovery was unremarkable and back doing everything as before. If you or anyone has any queries on a TAA would be happy to help if I can