Enlarged aorta

[kt11]

I've just been diagnosed with an enlarged aorta (heart, not abdomen) I don't know who to talk to as I don't want to worry family, I am supposed to have a CT scan to see the size of it, but I guess it will be a while, I don't know much about it, it has come as a complete shock. I live in Wales, there are no Lupus specialists in the country, my rheumatologist is a waste of space. Any advice/suggestions? Take care all x

[Barbs51]

hi kt11, I have Sjögren’s syndrome and also a enlarged aorta (heart) that was found during a routine scan 6 years ago. My rheumatologist referred me to a cardiologist and I am seen by him every 18 months. Funnily enough I’m off to an MRI scan this morning. Try not to worry it should be monitored by a cardiologist and treatment is keeping blood pressure in check. If it’s any comfort mine hasn’t grown much in 6 years. Take care and best wishes 🌺

[kt11 in reply to Barbs51]

Hi Barbs51, thank you so much for your reply, I am feeling reassured by it, thank you!

All the best for your MRI scan. Take care and best wishes to you xx🌸

[honeybug]

Hi kt11 😊🌿🌸🦋

I’m so sorry to hear that there are no Lupus drs. In Wales.

You should definitely see a cardiologist for your enlarged aorta. This is their specialty. They should also have some knowledge of how other conditions effect the heart.

Mention you don’t have a lupus specialist and maybe the heart doctor can arrange an internet consultation with you and forward his/her findings so the lupus doctor can help you.

There is hope. We live in an amazing era of technology that can reach very remote places and do wonders.

Please take care and best wishes for for future.

Love and prayers.

EJ 🤗♥️🥰🙏🕊🌿🌸🦋

[kt11]

Hi honeybug. Thank you very much for your kind reply and your advice, I do feel more positive today. Thanks again and take care 🌸xx

[corinusha]

Hello, the most important part is to see a cardiologist and have a heart CT , so you can have a starting point measurement. I would consider communicating with your family, if aorta ruptures it is a medical emergency and the operation has to be done on the spot, so people around should be aware of the condition. I also have an enlarged aorta, which I monitor regularly, operation has been recommended, but I decided to wait for now. Also, if monitored right, sometimes absolutely nothing happens for years. My cardiologist said to me, if I have a pain in my chest like a 9 or 10 on a scale of 1 to 10, I should call the ambulance, also not to get extremely tired, not to go on roller-coasters or anything that can scare me awfully. I am supposed to keep the blood pressure low and the pulse also on the lower area, also keep my weight down ( the hardest part : ) ). Take care and best wishes!

[kt11]

Hi Corinusha, thanks so much for your reply and for your sound advice. I will tell my family. I agree that the hardest part is keeping weight down! I absolutely love chocolate! Thanks again and take care, all the best x