Well I've known I had one since I was 65,it has slowly got larger regular checks,it got to 4.5 just before Xmas 23 still no worriesno pain or symptoms.April came I was due another scan then the bad news it's grown quite a lot will contact hospital.About the middle of April had to go for a CT scan and then a meeting with the specialist to discuss the options,May came and went some more tests to check my health and fitness.The decision was made the Doctor would operate suddenly it became real but still not worriedDoc raid he'd see me at the end of Summer whenever that was.
July came shall we go away we didn't we sat having our lunch ashen the phone rang I answered it was the hospital they had a vacancy and could fit me in,in a fortnight.That was 10 weeks ago they did the op and I had 2 days in ICU then another 6 days on the ward and then home.
I've been home home 8 weeks now still get tired (wife has learnt how to cut the lawn) not walking the dog so far,my taste buds are just about ba k to normal.I have been to see the Doctor today he was quite pleased with my recovery but has still kept me on light duties for a while.He said he didn't want to see me again signed off.
A friend was asking me about the AAA what happens if it bursts do you feint no I said you die he was quite shocked,if you have been invited for a scan don't turn it down it could save your life.
I had a scan for it quite a few years ago now and was given the all-clear then.
A friend of mine had a burst one in a supermarket, but he was extremely lucky and survived thanks to quick response by the emergency services. Not sure if they would be able to respond so quickly today though. Unfortunately my friend is now no longer with us, but he died of a completely unrelated issue. He was well into his 80s though.
Hope you soon make a full recovery Zodd, and I hope people heed your advice to get a scan if one is offered.
All men get offered a scan after they turn 65. OH had his & won’t be offered another one because his “score” was low. They’re graded thereafter: monitor, operate now etc.
AAA used to kill so many men without warning, before screening came in. It’s good to hear that you’re recovering & thank you for encouraging other men to take it up when it’s offered.
Thank you for the good wishes regarding recovery I am trying to take it easy but the to do list is getting longer.However today I have had an appointment for a scan on my knees for a popliteal aneurysn which when googled can be quite serious
Just a comment on this thread. My father passed due to an aneurysm many years ago. I was advised by my doctor this can be genetic and I should be scanned and monitored. If you have an aneurysm it would be good to advise any children to get checked.
Quote: Originally posted by mnlatham on 17/9/2024
Just a comment on this thread. My father passed due to an aneurysm many years ago. I was advised by my doctor this can be genetic and I should be scanned and monitored. If you have an aneurysm it would be good to advise any children to get checked.
I'm not sure children can get checked, it's normally something offered to men aged 65. Might be worth having a word with a GP though.
My Husband had a RAAA (ruptered abdominal aortic aneurysm) aged 59. No early symptoms, just horrendous pain when it burst! Rushed into A&E and I was told he had a 50/50 chance of survival, as he was young to have this. He did survive, thanks to the fact there was a very skilled specialist surgeon on duty. Recovery was months, 6 weeks in ICU, then weeks in HDU then long rehab. Was an awful time. All men are offered a scan now at 65, but it wouldn't have helped him as he was only 59. Do take up the offer of a scan, if it shows you have an aneurysm, elective surgery is so much easier to recover from than emergency surgery when it ruptures.
Quote: Originally posted by mnlatham on 17/9/2024
Just a comment on this thread. My father passed due to an aneurysm many years ago. I was advised by my doctor this can be genetic and I should be scanned and monitored. If you have an aneurysm it would be good to advise any children to get checked.
Forgot to put that on my post. All children should get a scan at around 55 if a father /mother had an aneurysm.
Wishing you all the best with your recovery.
I'm on regular check ups due to a vascular dissection and on daily blood thinners after two TIAs. Hopefully the check ups will pick up any other abnormalities in the system as I'm only 58 and Ireland currently doesn't have an AAA screening programme.
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A good few years ago now, my father's cousin died from a AAA, so aware of the risks. When my routine AAA scan was offered at 65, I certainly wasn't going to decline it, and thankfully showed all clear, so no follow up scans required.
As 'tests' go, nothing to fear in the test itself, just a routine Ultrasound scan, over and done in no time, so no reason not to have it done.
I've been checked and was clear. My dad died suddenly from this at the age of 48 many years ago.Can only reiterate that you go for your scan when called.
OH had one at 65 and has a yearly check. The aneurysm doesn't seem to have got any larger in that time. However, it's a real red flag when trying to get travel insurance - I didn't even understand some of the questions asked! Luckily, we managed to get insurance which discounts existing medical issues.
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Quote: Originally posted by JoannaLesley on 22/9/2024
However, it's a real red flag when trying to get travel insurance - I didn't even understand some of the questions asked! Luckily, we managed to get insurance which discounts existing medical issues.
You do have to declare everything - “even his Athlete’s Foot?”, I asked Staysure. Yes, she said. I thought she was joking, but no. So there it is, on our policy document. How that might trigger his being evacuated off a cruise ship & triggering an insurance claim, I don’t know, whereas AAA might.
Quote: Originally posted by JoannaLesley on 22/9/2024
OH had one at 65 and has a yearly check. The aneurysm doesn't seem to have got any larger in that time. However, it's a real red flag when trying to get travel insurance - I didn't even understand some of the questions asked! Luckily, we managed to get insurance which discounts existing medical issues.
I realised that I phrased this badly. When I said discounts existing medical issues, I meant as in doesn't include. I hope that is clearer! We feel that our health issues are well managed and only need cover for the unexpected.
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