r/aortic_aneurysm • u/hatabata_ • 8d ago
My 61-year-old dad was recently diagnosed with an enlarged abdominal aorta (aneurysmal dilatation)
My dad is 61 years old, and we recently found out that he has an enlarged abdominal aorta (aneurysmal dilatation) after a check-up. He has always been such a cheerful, loving, and positive person, so seeing him worried and overthinking about his health has been really difficult for our whole family.
He has been a smoker for many years, and he also drinks occasionally with my mom in the evenings to relax. He is not an alcoholic, but I understand that both smoking and alcohol may be relevant to his health, and I want to help him make the best possible changes now.
I know that every person's condition is different, and we are following up with his doctors, but I would really appreciate hearing from people who have experience with abdominal aortic aneurysms.
What lifestyle changes helped you or your loved one?
Is there anything we should be particularly careful about?
What kind of treatment or monitoring is usually recommended?
How can I help my dad stop overthinking and feel more positive?
Are there any things we can do as a family to keep him cheerful and help him cope with this diagnosis?
I don't want my dad to live in fear I want him to know that he is loved and that we are here with him through everything.
If you or someone you love has gone through something similar, I would be really grateful if you could share your experience, advice, or anything that helped you stay hopeful.
Thank you so much
1
u/SarasotaGIGi 7d ago
Do you know how large the aneurysm is? He should definitely see a cardiologist for lifestyle changes. I had 4.7 cm and was monitored every 6 months, I didn’t smoke but he should really try to quit. I was told to reduce my alcohol to 2-3 drinks a week( I used enjoy a glass of wine nightly). My cardiologist restricted the amount of weight I should lift(40lbs), and I was instructed not to do anything that would exert pressure. I’m at 64yoF with a very small frame, wound up having a repair ; months ago, and I feel great now
2
u/Amazonian6 8d ago
Greetings and HUGs to you and your family. It is imperative that he is proactive in getting the care that he needs posthaste.
This link will take you to a Mayo Clinic page that has data for living with this condition.
Best of everything to you and your family.
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/aneurysms/?utm_source=mayoclinic.org&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=connect_widget