Aneurysms Support Group

I was typing and this page refreshed and what I typed was lost - or maybe it went partially done. I have to start over - I had brain surgery a month ago in St. Paul, MN at the National Brain Aneurysm Center at St. Joseph's Hospital by Dr. Eric Nussbaum. My aneurysm was only between a 3 and 4 as well - but this doctor believes in fixing them if they can be fixed - irregardless of the size. Now I have no idea if the location of your husband's is doable - but I do know that many have told me that Dr. Nussbaum is one of the best in the country. His office is in Minneapolis and his office number is 612-374-0177. I googled him and there is a lot of information on him. This surgeon will talk to him! Best of luck to you. I know what you are going through. Love, Debbie

I had 2 in the same area. I had surgery 5 years ago.I also had more surgeries for 3 more.In different areas.I came out ok. I know this is a hard time for you. I have been there. You will be ok. I did have a great doctor. If you want I will give you the name. Hang in there.

Hope everything goes well. I dont know about how bad your husband's annies location are. If open head surgery is NOT an option, have you considered endovascular? In NYC NYU medical center there is a new method called Pipeline stent. I hope you go thru this.

I would like to thank all of you for your advice. Hubby has low blood pressure, is a non-smoker, is of perfect weight, his cholestrol is great, and has this evil monster growing inside of him with no way of stopping it. I don't like knowing you all have experience with it, but it's nice to know we aren't alone. I am so confused, and so is he. Hopefully, all the correct answers will fall into place before they are needed. If anyone else has anything to offer, please do so. Thank you, again very much.

Hi I also have an ascending aortic aneurysm. It is now 4.7 cm. It was dicovered in March of 2006. There are surgeries for these when they grow fast or reach 5.0 or greater. If I keep my b/p low watch what I lift and keep my choesterol etc in check hopefully I will never have to have surgery. I am 59 at present and never smoked my b/p was usually low I was about 20 lbs overweight but I now walk daily and watch my diet anything to put less stress on my heart and arteries. Please tell your husband that even though the aneurysm is dangerous a few precautions and he might not need surgery. Hope this helps feel free to e-mail me anytime. Mine di enlarge at first about .2 cm but hasn't changed in almost 3 years. Good luck

I know how your husband feels, I have been monitoring a Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm for the past three years, upon my last check up it had grown to a 4. I was having symptoms that really didn't fit that area Thursday had another scan, they found a Thoracic Aneurysm at a 5. Not sure what they are going to do, but this and I am sure with many other serious illnesses, just hangs over your head. I am told that surgery will be very dangerous. That is why I am here, for support and to make new friends that understand.

I will also recommend my dr. for you
Dr. B. Gregory Thompson at the U. of Michigan. My brain aneurysm was 4 about the size of a 1/2 dollar. He too can and will talk to him and see him.

Good luck My Prayers are with You and Your Hubby.
Please keep me updated

Thank You
Sandra

My son, Aaron age 23 was diagnosed a year ago with an ascending aortic aneurysm. The size at that time was 5.5 cm.(55mm X 57mm) We were devastated with this news. He had his first aorta repair at age 8. He had a coarctation of the aorta. He also has a bi-cuspid aortic valve. He was monitored by a pediatric cardiologist until this past year when he changed to an adult cardiologist. The new Dr found the aneurysm, and just told us that we would just watch it. He really gave him no restrictions, except to try to keep his BP between 130-110 on the top number.He is on beta blockers. We have had a difficult time doing this. I will also tell you Aaron is not an average size person. He is 6'3" and about 300lbs. He farms, cattle, works in our family farm supply store, volunteers with two fire depts., and loves life. Just recently had surgery to repair a ruptured disc om his back.

Now, with the history told...everyone that treated AAron through his back surgery were just terrified about his aneurysm! In turn this has really upset me. I need to know any information out there on how to take care and when repair is needed. Any advice anyone can give would be greatly appreciated. Thank you

My mom had a 5cm triple A and the only way they found it was because they were doing a grafting procedure on her legs. They said it was about read to burst and if it has she would have bled to death. I would have your husband have the surgery because it is going to save his life.

Hi there! I am new to this group. Just read Paige's post. I know it is scary stuff to walk around wondering if this is "the day". I did it for 5 years. I also started out at 4cm and then went to what they thought was 5.5, but after opening me up, found it to be larger. The Dr's words were, "my days were numbered". He went as far to say that he could have probably counted on his hands!! I was monitored very closely during the years before my surgery. I had an Ascending Aortic Graft w/ other repairs to a hole in my heart (patent foramen ovale), and an aortic valve replacement.

If there are any questions that I can answer for you, you can reach me here. Start researching the Drs that do this type of surgery. I do believe that there is a difference in the skill level. You want someone who can do this in their sleep. Mine was Dr Coselli in Houston, TX (I live in Illinois).

Hang in there!
Tina