AAA chech: I am going for a second scan... - British Heart Fou...

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AAA chech

gilreid1 profile image
23 Replies

I am going for a second scan to check aortic aneurysm. This is a recall as the first scan a year ago showed an enlarged area. Not sure what expect any advise would be grateful.

I don’t feel unwell or anything else.

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gilreid1 profile image
gilreid1
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23 Replies
soppysokes profile image
soppysokes

any enlargement hiwever small is normally checked by scan every year if no changes then its an annual scan, if and when it starts to enlarge they become 6 months, 3 months if reaches 5 referral to see if repair would be on the cards.

gilreid1 profile image
gilreid1 in reply tosoppysokes

Thanks for replying. The letter I received explains that but what is involved if you require repair ?

Thanks

soppysokes profile image
soppysokes in reply togilreid1

the repair can be done by conventional op or by a less invasive one. Look up EVAR (Endoscopic vascular Aneurism Repair)A AA repair and it will explain clearly.

gilreid1 profile image
gilreid1 in reply tosoppysokes

👍were you given the choice?

soppysokes profile image
soppysokes

alot is dependent on persons general health and other conditions.

If after its got to large size its decided it is the ‘type’ that can be done by EVAR and risks of general anaesthesia are such that the less invasive EVAR can be done,then EVAR is usually recomended.

Cariad-y-Mor profile image
Cariad-y-Mor

Hi gilreid1 . Do you have a thorasic aneurism or an abdominal one ? My husband has a thorasic anuerism which measures 5.7 at last scan. He has already seen the surgeon and is waiting for a date for the actual operation. He has been told it will be open heart surgery. It cannot be done by the vascular route. Hubby is a fit 72 year old .

gilreid1 profile image
gilreid1 in reply toCariad-y-Mor

My scan was abdominal. My first as it has newly been itruduced for 66 year olds in Scotland. I had a triple bypass October 2019.

Cariad-y-Mor profile image
Cariad-y-Mor in reply togilreid1

Yes my hubby had the scan for aortic aneurism when he was in his 60's....but it was clear. He subsequently had 2 procedures to deal with an erratic heartbeat. It was when he had a scan after those procedures that they found the thorasic aortic aneurism. They were surprised it seem to have developed so quickly.

Gosh you have already had a triple by pass....you are one of the brave heart warriors. Keep well. 🦋🦋

soppysokes profile image
soppysokes

They do go through in quite alot of detail before any proceedure is agreed on so you have the opportunity to find which is best to go for. the EVAR is usually less time in hospital if all straightforward and is shorter full recovery period to heal. Ours was done in a dedicated hospital in which the ops are quite routine and they very knowledgeable on their subject. If the time evr comes, and it may not, try to get it done in those places .

gilreid1 profile image
gilreid1 in reply tosoppysokes

You say ours ? Are you in the UK.

soppysokes profile image
soppysokes in reply togilreid1

yes, in Kent

BeKind28- profile image
BeKind28-

Hello :-)

I was only thinking the other day I had not seen you in a while on here and now you have posted

I do not have any advise but I really hope everything goes well and you will let us know :-) x

gilreid1 profile image
gilreid1 in reply toBeKind28-

Be kind thanks. If I am honest there was some really negative comments towards some of my posts and replies so thought best to take time out. But people like you always keep me interested.

🤗

BeKind28- profile image
BeKind28- in reply togilreid1

Hello :-)

I am sorry to hear that I just thought you were taking a break and doing well shows me not to presume

For what it is worth I had noticed you were not about and thank you and I really would like to know how you get on :-) x

Still_Breathing profile image
Still_Breathing

When mine was discovered it was on the 'sweet spot to be repaired, think it was 6.6, I was 55 at the time.I had the ascending aorta repaired with a new mechanical aortic valve fitted as well and was done with OHS. The valve was damaged due to the expansion.

The Consultant gave me 3 to 5 years at the time if nothing was done and basically said it could pop in front of him and he very much doubt he could save me.

As others have already stated they will monitor yours and tell you if / when you hit your 'sweet spot'

gilreid1 profile image
gilreid1 in reply toStill_Breathing

👌thanks for replying

sandandkev profile image
sandandkev

I have a friend who has had an AAA for over 20yrs,it gets measured every year,he lives life normally and has given it a name

gilreid1 profile image
gilreid1 in reply tosandandkev

That’s reassuring thanks

Bingofox007 profile image
Bingofox007

My dad has a sub-renal AAA. He used to go for 6 monthly scans as it was quite a size but he’s not in good health snd bedbound, last review he managed he saw anaesthetist and cardiologist too and all the multidisciplinary team advised against surgery due to his co-morbidities. If he presents in A&E with symptoms of ruptured aneurysm they said they’d operate but he wouldn’t likely survive so we just live life as best we all can and don’t really think about it. It’s not causing pain. Wishing you well and good luck. 🦊x

gilreid1 profile image
gilreid1 in reply toBingofox007

I am lucky that I have good health and fitness. Really hope your dad enjoys his time and having a caring family will help.

🤗

Bingofox007 profile image
Bingofox007

thank you 🦊x

Jillybean160391 profile image
Jillybean160391

My husband's was enlarged and they monitored it's size for over 2 years then he had surgery . He's great now. They put a stent in the enlarged area which is weaker than the rest of the aorta then all is well. It is a big op. But all well after

gilreid1 profile image
gilreid1 in reply toJillybean160391

That’s great glad everything went well. All the best 🤗

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