u/MeowsNSparklyThings

Edit: I doublechecked, and it is a cardiothoracic surgeon we’re seeing on Monday, not a cardiologist. My mistake.

My husband has been diagnosed with an aortic aneurysm, spotted on a CT scan, confirmed by the echo. It's at 5 cm, sitting right on top of his heart. We know very little, but we have a meeting with the cardiologist Monday morning. My husband is 68, reasonably healthy in spite of being a heavy smoker, and drinking a lot of beer. That's what prompted the CT scan, was looking for lung issues as a precautionary measure. His lungs are just fine.

His older sister had an AA that ruptured, about 5 years ago now. She was incredibly lucky that there was a paramedic unit closeby, and was in surgery very quickly. Although not all went well, and there were multiple surgeries, an air lift to a better hospital, long recovery, etc. We're told her surgery was "botched" but we really have no details. She is still with us, but you can imagine how this has all increased the anxiety level.

So we want to go into the meeting and have our questions ready. What questions do you wish you would have asked? The family doctor indicated possible surgery, but could not advise beyond.

Feeling rather clueless at this point, so thank you for any advice.