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My understanding is that your cardiologist measured your ascending aorta at 4.3cm via echo test. Margin of error is high for echo vs. MRI or CT scan. Prior to my surgery, my echo showed a diameter of 4.5cm when in fact a more accurate 64 slice CT scan showed it was dilatated at 5.1cm. Did you...

I've read wrapping instead of replacing the diseased aorta is common in very old patients (>90 yrs) but not a good idea for younger patients. It is about as effective as wrapping a weakened bicycle tire tube with Duct tape....won't last. I don't understand why your surgeon even suggested this.

Symptomatic aortic insufficiency or stenosis may be the primary indication for operation. When replacing or repairing a diseased valve a decision must be made regarding the moderately dilated aorta. Michel et al 89 reported that 25% of patients undergoing surgery for aortic insufficiency who had...

Just do what you enjoy in life..exercise, run, swim, fish, golf, work, whatever...you'll be fine. Maybe stop reading this forumfor 6 months to a year. All my best, MrP

Depending upon which two cusps are "fused" together out of three possibilities, I believe studies show only one combination at high risk of aneurysm, although lifestyle choices may affect anyone (smokers, ,etc). And all BAV patients have larger sized aortas than the normal population. As we age...

Looking for a medical ID bracelet, I found this website with really nice looking medical ID bracelets and ordered a few. Quality is excellent. N-styleid.com has many attractive medical bracelets of various designs and price ranges...very affordable ones. I thought I'd pass this on to those of...

hypertension and increased bp will contribute to growth rate of aneurysmal dilatation of the aorta. A beta blocker such as Atenolol will help reduce bp and growth rate of your aorta.

Jeff, Margin of error is small for both CT and MRI of your aorta. Since your last measurement this past summer, your aorta has increased in size with a very concerning growth rate. All my best, MrP

Dr. Michael Coady called me in 2004 after I emailed the Yale study authors with a list of questions, and based upon my moderate-severe BAV regurgitation, ascending aortic aneurysm at 5.1cm, and most importantly, my sharp chest pain, he recommended surgery at that time and also reassured me that...

Equusz, Pain trumps aortic size....see this article and Q&As. Hope this helps you. http://www.utmem.edu/cardiology/articles/thoracic%20aneurysm.pdf Also, the bicuspid foundation website has some really good information you may find useful, and I believe there's also a really cool video of an...

I'd go with Stanford's advice. You definitely don't want to rush into this surgery, and real recovery time is much longer than 3 months even in a very healthy individual, although you will be able to work. My experience was that it took at least a year before beginning to feel really and truly...

You'll find a great deal of useful information at: www.bicuspidfoundation.com All my best, MrP

Will be a good idea to get a 2nd or 3rd opinion. You'll want to avoid another surgery to replace your aorta, especially if you are a BAV patient with already enlarged aorta. Suggest you see an experienced thoracic surgeon. see www.bicuspidfoundation.com for more information.

Pain control meds will help, like vicodin.....especially so soon after surgery.....it takes time to heal and the pain will gradually diminish. This was my experience.

We're all pulling for you. All my best, MrP

In case you have not already found the website for The Bicuspid Foundation, here it is. http://www.bicuspidfoundation.com/

With BAV and ascending aortic aneurysm, five years ago I decided on a mechanical valve with composite Dacron graft to greatly lower risks for another sugery down the road. I most definitely do not want a redo operation. Valve repair and aneurysm resection will most likely mean a redo operation...

An experienced surgeon will have good reasons for recommending surgery in your case or advising you to wait and monitor. I think I recall reading one of your posts that said the surgeon advised waiting but would not object to surgery sooner than later to give you peace of mind. Your decision is...

Perhaps I overlooked it, but the article you referenced, although really an excellent article, did not mention that for those who undergo successful elective aortic valve replacement and aneurysm resection, their lifespan is pretty equivalent to a normal lifespan. In contrast, similar patients...

Regarding timing of surgery, this article from Yale may prove useful. http://72.14.203.104/search?q=cache:PiVQ1Ldma34J:www.utmem.edu/cardiology/articles/thoracic%2520aneurysm.pdf+bicuspid+aortic+valve+aneurysm+yale&hl=en&gl=us&ct=clnk&cd=9 All my best, MrP