topic Re: TAAA in Community Chat

TAAA

Buddha cat — Thu, 31 Oct 2019 00:58:20 GMT

I have a TAAA anuerism that has progressed to 5.1. I need to go back

to the surgeon in 6 months. If it gets larger I wil need an operation.

I don't know how to calm down. Can someone tell me if they have been

in this situation? I am 77 and so depressed. I humbly ask of you kind

ladies to please say a prayer for me. I am grateful for advice and prayers!

Re: TAAA

chloe66 — Thu, 31 Oct 2019 01:01:42 GMT

Prayers are being sent for you.

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Leggett28 — Thu, 31 Oct 2019 01:09:52 GMT

@Buddha cat So sorry this is happening to you. I don’t do a lot of praying but I will start with you. Maybe my prayers will be answered because I don’t ask for a lot.

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cotton4me — Thu, 31 Oct 2019 01:10:22 GMT

So sorry you have to go through this. Prayers are on the way. (((Hugs)))

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cherry — Thu, 31 Oct 2019 01:11:10 GMT

I will pray ,and so must you. It will calm you, and strengthen you

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gizmogal — Thu, 31 Oct 2019 01:28:29 GMT

Let's apply some logic to replace or quell hysteria, pessimism, and depression:

I can't imagine you're in immediate danger if your surgeon isn't needing to see you or check for change in your condition until six months from now. If it was a distinct threat to your life right now, the doctor wouldn't be giving you an April appointment! Think that over. Must you be overwrought for 6 months if your surgeon is less concerned?

Seek another surgical opinion. Get copies of all your films, test results or medical reports and go to a second surgeon for reassurance that the one doctor evaluating your has been accurate and within standard medical practices. When two Docs agree, you get more sure.

Though there are risks involved in TAAA surgery in terms of side effects or things that might get complicated, the survival rate and success rate of this surgery is quite good. Ask your surgeon how many of these operations he's performed. How were the outcomes? How many had complications? These are legitimate questions and surgeons routine,y answer these questions . You're hiring a professional to work on your body! You think he's just the same as hiring a plumber? Get his credentials and experience into your knowledge base to feel you have a solid skilled professional helping you. Ask the hospital for their statistics on TAAA surgery performed there and the mortality/ survival rate. Usually facts are more valid than made up reasons for terror.

There is huge power in positive thinking. If you can believe that the prayers offered by strangers can be effective and your own faith supports belief in your ability to survive, why not actually start with the assumption that this will go your way, you will get through it just fine, your age is not too old to bring you back to good health no matter how you have to treat this. Change your mindset and you'll avoid the next 6 months being stressed and terrified.

Do you choose anxiety or confidence? Age 77 should mean resilience and optimism acquired by life experience. Believe in doom only if you like the idea of it. Being brave doesn't mean not being scared. It means squaring your shoulders, drying your eyes, getting facts and information and facing life's threats and challenges with balance of intellect and courage against worry and depression.

Take a few days to find your stride. Do some Google searches to find out about TAAA from Web MD or Mayo Clinic articles or similar. get busy with a list of questions and meet with the surgeon again. Resist succumbing to anecdotes about someone's cousin's brother's girlfriend's grandma who grew two heads after this surgery. (or maybe it was after some other surgery, but you should still be scared??)

Wishing you peace of mind and a turn of good fortune for your health. Stay strong. Yes, i will pray for you.

Re: TAAA

Lucky Penny — Thu, 31 Oct 2019 01:36:42 GMT

This is excellent advice and I could not have said it any better. You will get through the next few months. Follow his advice. Take your medications religiously as thye will make a diffrence. Praying for you.

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gizmogal — Thu, 31 Oct 2019 01:51:46 GMT

Here's a head start in research to get you thoroughly up to speed. These sources are easy to understand, not overly clinical, up to date and complete:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/thoracic-aortic-aneurysm/symptoms-causes/syc-20350188

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17552-aorta-thoracic-aortic-aneurysm

https://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/heart-disease-aortic-aneurysm#1

The more you know, the better questions you can ask, and the better decisions you can make. Knowledge and choices go hand in hand with faith and luck.

Re: TAAA

1Snickers — Thu, 31 Oct 2019 01:59:15 GMT

@Buddha cat I'm sorry, and am not familiar with your situation. But you are seeing Drs. if you don't have to return to the surgeon until 6 months, you can enjoy those months and worry about it later. (Easier said than done)!
Sometimes when I'm worrying a lot I'll turn the worries over to God. Then I can rest awhile and sleep.

I'm 77 also and practice tai chi. I used to do classes, but now I do it for relaxation and stress relief. It's similar to meditation but slow movements. When I do it I can't think of anything else.
Take deep breaths, then lift your shoulders up and roll them. Gently roll your head in a circle. (That move is called rolling the egg). Don't do it if it would bother you. You can do it in your mind also. The breathing helps. A walk helps.
You are in my prayers!

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happycat — Thu, 31 Oct 2019 01:59:35 GMT

Praying for you, @Buddha cat.

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Buddha cat — Thu, 31 Oct 2019 02:05:49 GMT

Thanks to all for prayers and advice. It was truly uplifting and

made me feel not so alone!

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NicksmomESQ — Thu, 31 Oct 2019 02:16:45 GMT

@Buddha cat You're not alone. You have friends here. I hope you have a speedy recovery.Think positive thoughts. I will keep you in mine .You'll be fine!! 💐

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dulwich — Thu, 31 Oct 2019 02:26:56 GMT

@Buddha cat Lots of good advice posted here - do try to relax if you can sending during the next six months. Sending you hugs and prayers.

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DianeJ2 — Thu, 31 Oct 2019 03:36:18 GMT

Dear @Buddha cat I will keep you in my thoughts&prayers! Sending you comforting hugs! Excellent advice others gave you here. I'm so glad it's made you feel better. I'm so sorry you're going through this and feeling down and scared. I know the waiting, it is alot to deal with.

My dad had an aortic aneurysm along with a leg one. He was watched for 6months, just like you are being,. We were nervous too about waiting but he had no issues with the aortic one growing. It stayed the same at 4.1 centimeters thankfully. He did eventually have surgery on his leg ones due to PAD issues and he did well. I thank God for his cardiothoracic vascular surgeon every day. He was so amazing and really guided us well. Keep asking questions of your specialists and if you need check in appointments at the 3 month mark or whenever to make you feel less anxious demand that. Here anytime you need to chat...hope you feel better tonight 💖

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denisemb — Thu, 31 Oct 2019 03:55:31 GMT

@Buddha cat

Am sending positive energy your way and cannot add to the advice/suggestions given by these good folks.

Now depression? That I am familiar with and humor sometimes helps. I assume you like cats from your name, so hope this brings you a smile - "I got a million of them" said in my best Jimmy Durante voice.

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Still Raining — Thu, 31 Oct 2019 14:41:05 GMT

I am sorry about your diagnosis and trust that you are following all the doctor's instructions.

i have had a brain aneurysm for several years which was found following a stroke. Feel sort like waiting for a piece of fruit to ripen.

Sometime after this I saw a woman on the ground outside of the mall doors. It is true what Mr. Rogers said, "Look for the helpers". What you can do is to make sure you wear ID.

The other thing which is calming is to decide, with your doctor, about a DNR order. I also have two kinds of cancer and only one has been deemed under control. An aneurysm is not the worst thing.

Sounds morbid, but here we are and we can only plan for what we can control.

Then just be at peace and life will go on.

Best wishes to you.

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patbz — Thu, 31 Oct 2019 15:03:40 GMT

@Buddha cat : DH had a huge aneurysm about 10 years ago. After they located it during a routine cardiac exam (with a handheld wand) and confirmed it with an MRI he was rushed into surgery. I didn't do any internet research and we trusted our longtime cardiologist. The surgery went very well and he is fine but I'm glad I didn't know more about what was going on in that instance (I did check after successful surgery); DH has had a range of cardiac related issues including quad bypass, so this wasn't our first rodeo. Try to relax, talk to your doctor and follow his or her instructions. Good luck!

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Ketra — Thu, 31 Oct 2019 15:18:57 GMT

I’m sending you prayers and positive thoughts today. I know the Lord has heard them and is sending immediate help your way. I’m also sending you warm greetings from my Callie that I hope will put a smile on your face.

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fancy pantsy — Thu, 31 Oct 2019 17:10:29 GMT

i feel like the support and encouragement you have found here must be of great help. i will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

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vermint — Thu, 31 Oct 2019 20:11:36 GMT

@Buddha cat I'm so sorry you are dealing with this. Sending prayers for your peace of mind and your comfort.

It's easy to say "don't worry" but it's much harder to do!