Hi guys...an update !!!

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EireCara

Well-known member
Joined
Oct 22, 2006
Messages
1,307
Location
Kilkenny, Ireland.
Hi there everyone, finally got some time to let you all know whats happening in my (our) very rocky lives.

We have decided to go back to Ireland..things just havent worked out here (VERY LONG STORY ) so we are going sooner rather than later so Thomas and Sarah can get back to begin the school year on time.

Since we got here in April Iv had to go to A&E 5 times, 3 of those I was admitted. Im not sure if its been the stress from the move and the general life stuff that has been happening since getting here, or whether my general health is deteriorating (sp).

The hospital Iv been going to is just a small general hospital and Iv been waiting for an appointment for 4 months to go see someone in a much bigger hospital in Bristol, but it looks like the waiting lists are as long if not longer here.

I have so much Id like to share with you all but its just to long to bore you all with at once, so I will end here and tell you all more some other time.

There is however one thing thats on my mind and I wonder does anyone have an opinion on it.....When the docs in the ER examined me they said to me ''did you know your aorta is enlarged??'. I had a ct scan done but they said there are no ''bulges''. I have constant pain/soreness and a very pronounced pulsating in my abdominal aortic area ????

I would value any opinions you may have !!

GREAT TO BE BACK....:cool: I hope your all doing ok.
 


Hi,

Sorry you are going through this. My neighbor had an abdominal aortic aneurism and had surgery for it. She is fine but it is the first time I have heard of that.

Any way, I just wanted to wish you well. Keep your chin up!!

Tom
 
Hi Jacqui,
When I mentioned that I had some pain and pressure under my sternum, I was told it was no big deal since I was having the AVR soon.
Then when I had a cath done 12 days before my surgery, they told me that my aorta was somewhat enlarged and they would decide what to do once I was open.
It turned out to be fine once they had replaced the valve and the pressure was reduced.
 
HI Jacqui. Glad to hear from you. Sorry to hear things didn't work out in England as you had hoped. Unfortunately I don't have any opinions to answer your questions, but glad you are back.
 
So sorry things didn't work out in the uk, wishing you luck in your move back to Ireland. Hope everything turns out ok for you and wishing you best of luck for the future, you have had such a rough time , take care Paula x
 
Hi......Just thought Id bring this thread back up in case it was missed over the week-end !!! Ok, the truth is Im anxiously awaiting someone in the ''know'' to tell me ''theres nothing to worry about''. Anyone.....??????
 
Hi Jacqui:

I'm sorry it didn't work out for you in the UK. You seems to be coping well with what had to be a whole lot of drama.

When the docs in the ER examined me they said to me ''did you know your aorta is enlarged??'. I had a ct scan done but they said there are no ''bulges''. I have constant pain/soreness and a very pronounced pulsating in my abdominal aortic area ????

This quote raises some questions: Were the docs in the ER palpating your tummy when they said your aorta was enlarged? If the CT scan showed no bulges, what did it show? Do you have measurements on a report? It seems to me this could mean the aortic enlargement the ER docs thought they saw was not there or it could mean the whole aorta is generally enlarged with no bulges. It would seem like they would have discussed some sort of monitoring schedule for your aorta if it meant the latter.

Constant pain/soreness is, of course, not good. The "abdominal aortic area" covers at least the area between the rib cage and the naval along one's midline. If it were me, I'd start treating myself with an over-the-counter stomach acid reducer to rule out stomach issues (and, if the pain stops, ease my mind). As for the pulsating, I know I've read both that this is a warning sign and that it's normal for the great vessel that comes straight from the heart to pulsate. In the meantime, why don't you get a copy of that CT. It will be useful wherever you next appointment is and maybe you can look at it yourself and see what you can see.

Anyway, it's good to hear from you!:)
 
Hi P.J. Yes the doctors were examining my aortic area between my navel and my rib cage at the time. It has happened on two seperate occasions, by two different sets of doctors. I was in hospital on 13th and the doctor in A&E called the senior doctor to have a look, and he agreed with what the 1st doc said. But a different set of docs had done a CT scan 5 or 6 weeks ago and they said there are no 'bulges' but the aorta is enlarged, and it pulsates very strongly even though my blood pressure is quite low, sometimes 75/35.

I dont actually have the CT results so I will contact the hospital tomorrow and hopefully get it as it could be very useful in Ireland.

If I stand for even 5 minutes or take a shower I get pain under my sternum and feel unwell. These last few weeks I have constant pressure/pain/soreness in my lower chest and abdominal area, from my navel upwards. Sometimes it comes right up my chest towards my throat and I get hoarse for no apparent reason, ie not from talking, it just comes on.

I have taken strong painkillers and a stomach tablet prescribed by the docs in the hospital for over 2 months, but they havent made any difference at all.

We are going back to Ireland on Thursday. Its a 4 hour drive to the ferry, 3 1/2 hours on the ferry, and then about 2 hours drive on the other side...I just hope my health holds out and I get us home safely. I will be praying A LOT for strength and courage.

Thank you for your reply....I hope I have explained things properly....(sometimes its difficult to put this stuff 'on paper' because it would take far too long to express every thing thats happening.)

:cool:
 
Hi Jacqui,

I can't help with the medical problems but just wanted to let you know I will be praying that your move back to Ireland is a safe and comfortable trip. All the best.

Mary
 
Jacqui,
I also don't have medical advice for you but wanted you to know it is good to hear from you and you are in my prayers!
 
My Mom had an AAA about 10 years ago. I would call and ask if that's what they are talking about, from what I know about AAAs you really have to watch them.
I'm sorry your move didn't work out as well as you hoped and now have to go thru the strss of another move so soon.Good luck with everything and keep us posted.Lyn
 
Hi again.....Well we made it back to Ireland safe and sound...its GREAT TO BE HOME. Both Sarah and Thomas are happy as Larry (whoever he is) ....so our stress levels have dropped waaaay down.

Im still having the same pulsating/pain..irr heartbeats etc, and still hoping for some replies from those of you who know about this stuff.

I am ''ever hopeful.''....Jacqui 9-)
 
I'm glad your stress has decreased and you will have my prayers that your medical issues are handled by the most qualified doctors this time 'round.
 
Hi Sue, We arrived back in Ireland Thursday night so I havent informed the hospital yet, but its 2nd on my list of things to do today....the 1st being setting up schools for my kids.

Thanks...hope your feeling well. :cool:
 

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