About Me (In My Own Words)
I am 58 years old and was diagnosed with a thoracic aortic aneurysm (size 4.6cm) in December of 2015 (at age 57) during a CT scan for chest pain (unrelated) at Stanford Hospital. Interestingly, a previous CT scan (May 2013) also detected the TAA at Kaiser Permanente (Redwood City), but they failed to mention it. Scary to think I have been walking around with this and didn't know.
After the Stanford diagnosis, I met with the surgeon (in January 2016). Apparently, they won't operate until it grows to be 5.0-5.5 cm. Until then, an annual CT scan will help the doctors figure out how fast it is growing.
According to the surgeon at Stanford, my aneurysm is on the arch - placing me at higher risk during surgery. Going in through the groin will not be an option for me.
I have read that family history is a factor in deciding about surgery. I have a family history of aneurysms and a personal history of TIA.
Shortly after my diagnosis, I received a job offer too good to refuse and left the San Francisco Bay Area for Southern California. After sometime, I was able to get my medical records and make an appointment with a surgeon at Cedars Sinai (selected them because they appear to have the best outcomes for this kind of surgery).
I met the doctor (Ali Khoynezhad aka Dr K) at Cedars Sinai a few weeks ago and frankly, am not sure what to make of it. This doctor didn't seem concerned at all. I finally convinced him to do another CT scan in December - at the one-year anniversary of the last CT scan so we can determine if it is growing and if so, how much and how fast.
Dr. K told me I need another cardiologist to monitor my BP and manage my cardiac care. I found one in Pasadena - a Dr. Soldo who looks like he specializes in this kind of cardiac issue.
Dr. K also gave me 3 Don'ts: 1) Don't do anything where you might fall, 2) keep blood pressure down, 3) No heavy lifting (nothing over 40 pounds).
I'm hoping to connect with others who can maybe help me understand more about this. Your blogs and journals are inspiring - thank you all. I look forward to learning from you all and cheering you on! <3
More Info About Me & My Heart
More About Me
I am from: La Verne, CA
