u/Global_Cartoonist382

Yesterday I went for my 18-month aorta scan at Mass General. I’ve been followed there for about five years now.  The result came back stable at 4.7cm and has been stable (no growth) for over three years.   My anxiety always builds to intense levels in the weeks leading up to these scans, so the relief was huge when my doctor told me there had been no change.

I’m posting this because I think it’s important to hear that lifestyle changes, medication, and consistent monitoring can make a meaningful difference for some people. I take hydrochlorothiazide, rosuvastatin, valsartan, and atenolol to keep my blood pressure stable and low. I’m usually around 117/78. I also run/walk regularly and lift weights but carefully without overexerting.

Will this work for me forever? Maybe, maybe not.

Would this work for everyone? Not necessarily.

But I wanted to share a positive update and confirm that there are actions we can take to help manage this condition.  Obviously, everyone should follow their own doctor’s advice based on their own details, but stability is possible.

I’m 61M (turning 62 soon), still earning quite well (into moderate 6 figures) and between my wife and I, sitting on what most would call “responsible” retirement savings.  But here’s the uncomfortable question: why are we so conditioned to delay enjoyment?

Given my family genetics and pattern, there’s a very real possibility I won’t have a long retirement. So why keep prioritizing a distant future over experiences I can have now, especially with my kids while it still matters and while I can enjoy it?  I’m not talking about reckless spending. I’m talking about intentionally shifting some resources toward living now instead of preserving everything for “someday.”

At what point does disciplined saving become over-saving?  And is the bigger financial mistake actually waiting too long to use the money, besides inheritance aspects? [I have plenty of life insurance].

Curious how others think about this.  Has anyone consciously rebalanced toward spending earlier in life? Or do you think this mindset is risky?