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Post by mom on Jul 9, 2024 14:27:18 GMT
Update:
So I went with my dad this afternoon to his appoitnment and got more details. Thank you all for helping me brainstorm what to ask. I felt so much better walking in with a paper of questions than just trying to come up with my own on the spot. We had to wait over 2 hours (they worked him in) so I was already pretty frustrated when we were finally seen.
I did find out his aneurysm is considered rare because of its size. It's called a giant coronary artery anerusysm. Anyway, his cardiologist said he is not comfortable treating my dad so he is referring us to a group of doctors in Dallas. So now we wait on that appt. His Dr is pretty sure he will be seen ASAP so told us to be ready to head to Dallas whenever they call.
Dad was laughing - how unlucky is he? First breast cancer and now this. LOL
Anyway, thank you all for guiding me. I appreciate all your help.
_________________________
I need some help with what questions I should be asking my Dads cardiologist today when we go in.
The situation:
My Dad (80) has an aortic aneurysm. It was found when he had his Heart Cath and no Dr in my area will attempt surgery on it because of how risky it is. His cardiologist has said he only sees patients with aortic aneurysms like Dads once every 7-10 years. Dad and I are meeting with his cardiologist today so he can answer any questions we have and get a plan on how to deal with this. Which is great, but I am having a hard time coming up with questions. I guess I am just overwhelmed.
His cardiologist is sending his file to get a consultation from a surgeon in Dallas and one in Houston to see if he's even a candidate for the surgery, but I don't know if he will have those results back at today's meeting. I do know his cardiologist has said that if he qualified to get the aneurism surgery, it would be a 'big' surgery and require lots of down time as it is open heart surgery. Being that he is 80 with high blood pressure, I am doubting he will qualify for the surgery. He also has an artery that is 100% blocked but they aren't trying to do anything about that right now.
Here is my question list:
1. Activities to avoid so aneurysm doesn't move/rupter
2. How will this aneurysm affect his life on a day to day basis (shortness of breath? Heart rate change?)
3. He has had a stomach aneurysm in the past that went away, is one related to that one? Is it genetic?
4. How big is the aneurysm exactly?
5. Signs he should not ignore?
What questions am I not thinking about? I feel like there should be more. My siblings and Dads wife are all currently being zero help, so it's up to me to ask and advocate for my dad.
Thanks for being my sounding board and for any questions/thoughts I should ask.
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pilcas
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,239 
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Post by pilcas on Jul 9, 2024 14:49:29 GMT
Not sure if this is a question to ask but would blood thinners help?
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Post by mom on Jul 9, 2024 14:52:02 GMT
Not sure if this is a question to ask but would blood thinners help? Oh good question! I will add it to my list! |
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Post by jeremysgirl on Jul 9, 2024 14:52:15 GMT
I don't even know what to ask. I am not the person anyone wants in an emergency.
I just wanted to say to you that I'm going to pray really hard for you and your Dad. You did not need a single other thing added to your plate. I am sorry. All my good thoughts are with you. ❤️
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Post by scrapmaven on Jul 9, 2024 14:52:47 GMT
How stressful and scary for you to have to handle this w/o support from your sibs or his wife. I hope that you get clear answers and a path to keep your dad safe.
I am not a cardiologist, but I hope I can help to support you.
1. When does a bp reading or pulse reading necessitate an ER visit? What about a call to you?
2. Does he need full time care?
3. Changes in Diet/dietician?
Your list is a good one. May they find a way to treat your dad, safely and effectively.
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Ryann
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Love is Inclusive
Posts: 2,643
Location: PNW
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Post by Ryann on Jul 9, 2024 15:00:05 GMT
I’m not good with medical stuff so no questions to offer. Just wanted to say I’m sending positive vibes your way. I hope whatever the outcome it’s a positive one.
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Post by karenlou on Jul 9, 2024 15:03:41 GMT
So an aortic aneursym is caused by a weakening in the arterial wall....they do not go away on their own.
If he has sudden onset back pain that would
be cause for alarm and an emergency room visit.
Ask if he would be a candidate for an endo vascular repair....which would mean no big abdominal incision.
They go in through the groins on both sides and pass the graft up into the aorta and deploy the graft ..much less invasive than
and abdominal repair.
All your questions are good ones to be asking...
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seaexplore
Prolific Pea
Posts: 8,887
Apr 25, 2015 23:57:30 GMT
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Post by seaexplore on Jul 9, 2024 16:01:36 GMT
No suggestions, just sending love and positive thoughts for you and your dad. Hope they can repair it. ❤️
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Post by grammadee on Jul 9, 2024 16:06:01 GMT
(((((HUGS))))), mom. I hope the cardiologist has some answers for the questions you articulate and others that don't get asked. |
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Post by worrywart on Jul 9, 2024 16:36:28 GMT
Pros and cons of the surgery.
If they do the surgery and it is open heart, should they do something about the 100% blockage when they are in there? is there a reason he has not had that stented?
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Post by Zee on Jul 9, 2024 16:50:56 GMT
I think a referral to a cardiothoracic surgeon would greatly help. Is this in the works? Ultimately they make the call about whether surgery would be of benefit. Just because he's 80 and has high BP doesn't mean he's automatically not a candidate.
It is important for him to control his high BP to reduce chances of rupture. Is it currently well controlled? Is he good about taking his medication?
That is the doctor to ask about pursuing open heart vs other means, and whether the blockage can be addressed at the same time, etc.
Aortic aneurysm repair is not the same as bypass surgery (obviously), and possibly he doesn't need bypass (there could be collateral flow to that area of the heart that makes a bypass or stenting basically unnecessary when the risks are considered).
Make sure the group has a good reputation in his area and that they are up on newer techniques, if you can. His age isn't an automatic no, but maybe he has other risk factors we don't know about since we didn't know his whole medical picture.
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snyder
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,348
Location: Colorado
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Post by snyder on Jul 9, 2024 16:54:15 GMT
Big {{{{Hugs}}}}
I will pray they come up with a great plan for your dad that will get him back to living a great life with no worries.
My aunt had open heart surgery at 88 and she is 95 now. She did go to skilled nursing for 3 weeks after the surgery, so I'm sure your dad would also if he has the surgery. So maybe ask what is typical for recovery. If he does go a skilled nursing facility, I'm sure they would wnat it to be at one that is near the hospital in case he would have any complications, he would be able to get back to where the surgery was performed quickly. With that, you would probably want to stay in the area with him for an extended amount of time.
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Post by mom on Jul 9, 2024 17:04:04 GMT
I think a referral to a cardiothoracic surgeon would greatly help. Is this in the works? Ultimately they make the call about whether surgery would be of benefit. Just because he's 80 and has high BP doesn't mean he's automatically not a candidate. It is important for him to control his high BP to reduce chances of rupture. Is it currently well controlled? Is he good about taking his medication? That is the doctor to ask about pursuing open heart vs other means, and whether the blockage can be addressed at the same time, etc. Aortic aneurysm repair is not the same as bypass surgery (obviously), and possibly he doesn't need bypass (there could be collateral flow to that area of the heart that makes a bypass or stenting basically unnecessary when the risks are considered). Make sure the group has a good reputation in his area and that they are up on newer techniques, if you can. His age isn't an automatic no, but maybe he has other risk factors we don't know about since we didn't know his whole medical picture. Thats on the list for today while I am at the office appt. He does take his meds and it is currently under control. He was just labeled as pre-diabetic, so I worried that would come into play as well. Thank you for posting! |
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Post by quietgirl on Jul 9, 2024 17:26:28 GMT
My best wishes and thoughts for you and your dad for the appointment and follow up care. Will keep you in my thoughts.
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Post by revirdsuba99 on Jul 9, 2024 17:37:51 GMT
mom hope you get some answers today. HUGS...
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Post by Delta Dawn on Jul 9, 2024 17:51:03 GMT
Ok but my dad just had 3 surgeries in one day and one was an aneurism. He had 4 bypasses and and a valve replaced and he is back to golfing 2x week. It can be done. My dad is 82 and doing very well. He takes beta blockers.
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Post by Delta Dawn on Jul 9, 2024 17:52:10 GMT
I can text you my email if you want to discuss this further.
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Post by Zee on Jul 9, 2024 17:59:17 GMT
I think a referral to a cardiothoracic surgeon would greatly help. Is this in the works? Ultimately they make the call about whether surgery would be of benefit. Just because he's 80 and has high BP doesn't mean he's automatically not a candidate. It is important for him to control his high BP to reduce chances of rupture. Is it currently well controlled? Is he good about taking his medication? That is the doctor to ask about pursuing open heart vs other means, and whether the blockage can be addressed at the same time, etc. Aortic aneurysm repair is not the same as bypass surgery (obviously), and possibly he doesn't need bypass (there could be collateral flow to that area of the heart that makes a bypass or stenting basically unnecessary when the risks are considered). Make sure the group has a good reputation in his area and that they are up on newer techniques, if you can. His age isn't an automatic no, but maybe he has other risk factors we don't know about since we didn't know his whole medical picture. Thats on the list for today while I am at the office appt. He does take his meds and it is currently under control. He was just labeled as pre-diabetic, so I worried that would come into play as well. Thank you for posting! Pre-diabetic isn't a disqualifier either (generally neither is diabetes, though they want strict glycemic control and healing is more of an issue) so hopefully they will come up with a plan for him that can assure you both that it's as safe as can be with his set of circumstances. Wishing you both all the best and that he can get these things taken care of and get back to his usual quality of life quickly! At 80, the surgery will of course have more risks, but I have seen plenty of 80 year olds who are still active and sail through surgery. ❤️❤️❤️ |
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peabay
Prolific Pea
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Jun 25, 2014 19:50:41 GMT
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Post by peabay on Jul 9, 2024 19:47:42 GMT
My mom had one - it was NOT what caused her death, just want to throw that out there.
She had to keep her heart rate at a certain level - it changed her exercise habits, so I would ask about that.
She had to have an MRI regularly to watch the growth of it - whether it was every 6 months or yearly, I can't remember, but I would ask how they will track his status.
Definitely signs he should not ignore - that was something hammered into her by her cardiologist.
But honestly, it didn't change her life that much. She traveled the world with it; was very fit - did water aerobics, and power walking.
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TXMary
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And so many nights I just dream of the ocean. God, I wish I was sailin' again.
Posts: 3,039
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Post by TXMary on Jul 10, 2024 3:44:58 GMT
Sending lots of prayers and good thoughts. Hopefully you find answers in Dallas.
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Deleted
Posts: 0
Nov 27, 2024 2:24:42 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Jul 10, 2024 4:16:32 GMT
I don’t have anything to add to the wonderful advice you’ve received from other peas but I want you to know you’re both in my thoughts and I’m sending well wishes for your dad. I hope the referral goes through as expected and he’s able to see the specialist in Dallas soon!
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Post by scrapmaven on Jul 10, 2024 14:28:29 GMT
Thank goodness you have a cardiologist who is doing the right thing and passing your dad's case to experts. That's a doctor that I would trust. I'll think the best thoughts for your dad. ((((HUGS)))).
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Post by crazy4scraps on Jul 10, 2024 14:56:38 GMT
No advice but sending positive thoughts your family’s way. Hopefully you’ll get more answers after he sees the other specialist.
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Post by mikklynn on Jul 10, 2024 16:31:42 GMT
It sounds like you have a handle on things, so I'll just say I hope it goes well!
My FIL had aortic aneurism surgery at maybe 70? He did well. It was a fairly long recovery.
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Post by quietgirl on Jul 10, 2024 17:29:10 GMT
I hope things go well, and he gets in quickly. Ill keep you and him in my thoughts and wishes.
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