Recent content by Mike C

Your aneurysm developed most likely due to a genetic defect and will need to be repaired. Most will tell you the cutoff of is 5.0cm as its when the benefits outweigh the risks. You are very close to that number and If I was in your shoes, I would begin preparing for surgery. Dacron is much...

I hope this helps a little to know that it is extremely rare for aortic dissections in kids, and in one sense its good you know so you can monitor as he gets older. its most dangerous when you do not know or are not monitoring. This is a disease that, although you are born with it, it...

I am not convinced one way or the other in regards to chances of future aneurysms. My recommendation, get a baseline ct scan after recovery and then periodically thereafter (3-5 years?) Regarding the wrap, are words being misused. If not, my understanding is that it was not working and they...

Hobbysdad, you are in the age range where you could make arguments to go either direction. It looks like you are doing good research and thinking it through. to all...I would think tissue people would stick around more than mechanical because they are most likley going through it again and I...

I remember visiting a cardio many years ago when i was ignorant of issues. He had pics all around his office of wrestlers, bodybuilders, etc, who saw him for valve issues. He walked in and caught me looking and said knock off the heavy weight lifting. (i didnt and pretty glad my aorta didnt...

You may want to ask for losatran. its a blood pressure mediciation but als has shown some positive resutls in marfan mice with anearyusms. its approved for blood pressure and it just may make your aorta a little more stable. mike

http://www.ahrq.gov/consumer/coumadin.htm this is a new guide published by DHHS, the prevent injuriesis ois ver the top, basically fear knives, scissors and electric razors. Too bad they didnt talk to people on coumadin.

For your daughter, ask cardio about taking a beta blocker or losatran to slow growth. Make sure those close to you, know symptoms of an aortic dissection (just in case-pays to be prepared) and dotn take no for an answer from hospitals.

I do not recommend relying on this information. Nothing against this person or company, as I do not know either. Its about the clinical trial business...Think of the financial difference to the company related to results of the trial.

nice pic. time for surgery. when talking to on-x, remember they make their living on selling the valve. Mike

Make sure he/she does

Ill be interested in your decision and how it goes. Im uncertain to the answer. I havent had any lifestyle changes with exception of playing organized hockey which had dropped off anyway before surgery. Doing lots of skating and now with summer, will start rollerblading. a little uncertain...

they actually do not cover but replace the damaged or weakened area of aorta with a dacron graft and others said it will outlast you. Your tissue actually grows (probably not right terminlolgy) inside and outside of it. it is possible, although unlikely you will develop aneurysms elsewhre in...

I agree with others but also wanted to add a possiblilty of a pleural or pericardial effusion which could also cause shortness of breath. Any signs of fluid in your followups? Mike

I suggest you go back and take the earlier week. That is a big aneurysm which could easily disect. I had my surgery at MGH at 5.2, my cardio said over 5.5, meaning 5.6, he wouldnt elt me go home. by the way, the first comment from surgeon was abotu how thin my aorta was. are you on a beta...