u/Sylvia_Whatever

I‘m 34f, 5’6 and have a 4cm aortic root right now. I understand that it can remain stable or grow and I’m supposed to get annual scans to monitor.

i guess I just don‘t really understand like…how likely is it that I’ll need heart surgery at some point? How many years away would that probably be? It seems like I have (hopefully) a long time left for it to potentially grow so I’m wondering if surgery is inevitable or if it can really stay stable for the rest of my life. What is average or expected?

No symptoms, but got scanned after my dad was recently diagnosed with one as well. So I do think it's probably something I'm more prone to, but I do wonder whether long-term vyvanse use contributed and feel like it probably did. Still on it for now. But be careful out there!

I'm 34f, 5'6, 127 lbs and recently found out my aortic root is dilated to 4.0cm. No symptoms, just got testing done after my dad and his sister were diagnosed with larger aortic aneurysms.

My doctor referred me to a "thoracic aortic aneurysm monitoring clinic" through Kaiser and they just messaged me a welcome letter and list of things to do and not do. Some of the activity restrictions seem a little extreme to me? Like I really can't rock climb at all or do a push-up?? They also told me to avoid "high-impact contact sports" altogether and I'm worried my Krav Maga hobby might fall into that category.

I want to do what's best and listen to my doctors but I'm wondering if this list is overly cautious given my aneurysm size? I mean, I didn't even know about it until recently and have been doing all these things seemingly with no issues. And my blood pressure in general, when measured in office, is great. Last reading was 101/76.

Was recently diagnosed with an aortic aneurysm and my doctor says they're enrolling me in this clinic so they can follow-up with me as needed.

Does anyone have any idea how it works? Do you think they'll reach out to me once the referral is processed? Is there a physical location for this clinic? For others with smaller, pre-surgical size aortic aneurysms, how often did Kaiser recommend you get scanned to monitor growth? Are you ever connected with a cardiologist or specific doctor through this clinic?

Appreciate any info on how it works!

Does anyone have any tips?

I recently graduated physical therapy for my ACL and the advice I got there was in order to really build muscle, you need to be lifting heavy and should use weights heavy enough that you can do max six reps.

Unfortunately I just discovered I have an aortic aneurysm and my doctor advised only lifting things I can easily lift 10-12 reps of to avoid putting strain on the aorta.

I've been really trying to weight lift more and build muscle but now I'm like...is it still possible? Can you even build muscle without straining and lifting super heavy?

Does anyone else not use them?

I have a couple but I keep them in cabinets and almost NEVER get them out. I just saw a post from someone saying Pop the Pirate has been her most used game for 20 years and I can't IMAGINE playing that game for twenty years! I know these games are so popular with other SLPs though I almost feel like I'm doing something wrong?

I feel like they're too distracting and kids are not focused on their actual questions/artic trials if I try to implement like "Say 'shark' five times then take a turn". When I do use them, it's like, just for fun at the end of session and we just go around with no trials.

Honestly I prefer handing kids like some interlocking toys (or like pattern blocks) after each turn and letting them build something on their own than playing group games at all, if I am structuring session in a turn-taking way like that rather than doing a book, worksheet, or other group activity. Am I alone? I think I would actually go insane if I had to play pop-up games daily at work.

Anyone with a dilated root/aortic aneurysm on stimulant ADHD meds?

I‘ve been on 30mg Vyvanse for 14 years and was recently diagnosed with a 4cm dilated aortic root. I submitted my prescription for refill for the first time since getting the results and the authorization has been super delayed and I’m highly concerned my doctor is going to stop prescribing it. I DO NOT have high blood pressure (it usually reads low) so is there even a reason to stop the medication? I’m honestly worried I’ll lose my job without it.

Not sure what to do. Last week I got the radiologist report from a heart scan I got done, and my doctor said she would message me about the results within 2 business days. It’s the middle of the seventh business day and I’ve heard nothing. I also messaged her a bit over 48 hours ago just to check in/ask some questions about the results myself in case she forgot and haven’t heard back. Also, I submitted a refill request for a prescription that requires authorization at 6am Monday and it hasn’t been approved yet, though it says when submitting allow up to two business days for approval and of course it’s been longer.

What should I do? I don’t know what’s going on. I feel like in the past when she’s been out of office I can see it when I message her, or someone filling in for her will answer in a timely manner. I want to be patient but I’m just anxious about the results and getting my prescription.

34f and just got my MRA results. Got the scan because my dad has a 4.8cm aortic root aneurysm per his echo (he’s still waiting to get an MRA) and aneurysms + cardiac issues run in his family. My echo showed an aortic root dilation of 3.6cm.

Anyways, the MRA (no contrast) shows my aortic root at 4.0cm at the widest point. Probably not huge for some people but I do have a smaller frame. Also says there’s a left aortic arch with bovine branching, which I looked up and I’m worried could make future heart surgeries more complex. I’m still waiting for my primary care doctor to message me her interpretation of the results so I guess I’m just not sure how worried to be at this point? Should I ask for a referral to a cardiologist for monitoring or just let my primary care doc handle it for now? I’m with Kaiser.

I guess I should wait and see what they tell me but I’m just a bit worried. Don’t have high blood pressure or anything so not really sure what I can even do about it. I am still more worried about my dad! But any advice/info is appreciated!

Got an echocardiogram yesterday because my dad was recently diagnosed with 2 aortic aneurysms, and two of his siblings have one as well. So really just to check, but I honestly wasn’t expecting issues. I’m 33f.

The results came back and the aortic root is dilated to 3.6cm. They recommend a CTA or MRA given only partial visualization of the aorta and a referral to the “thoracic aorta surveillance registry“ and wrote “econsult cardiac surgery.”

I guess I’m not sure how concerned to be? my blood pressure usually reads low and cholesterol levels are good. I am on vyvanse which I hope they keep prescribing but I‘m concerned they won’t? I am more worried about my dad than myself obviously but that’s for a different post. Tbh I’m not sure about telling my parents as I don’t want them to worry.

I don’t know. Thoughts? Advice on anything? As of now I only have the actual results so am still waiting for a doctor to reach out about them.