Comment from: daughter, 55-64 Male (Caregiver)Published: November 17
One month ago, my father, 55, complained of back and stomach pains. He began yelling out and turned white saying he couldn't breathe. We called 911 and he was rushed to the ER. We thought he was having a heart attack because he has suffered these before. A CT scan revealed that he had ruptured an unknown abdominal aortic aneurysm and would need emergency surgery. The vascular surgeon arrived and advised us to say goodbye. He gave us only 10 percent chance of survival saying he would try his best to save my dad, but it didn't look good. Eleven hours of straight surgery later and dad was wheeled into ICU. This began a 24 hour vigil because soon after his kidneys failed. Two days later we were told his legs would need amputation as the surgeon performed an operation, cutting huge gaps into his legs to drain fluid from them so they could get circulation. Parts of his digestive tract were damaged and removed. Every nurse, every doctor looked at me and my family with sorrowful eyes saying he didn't look good. It has now been one month. Dad is in physical therapy. He took 60 steps with a walker today. He urinated 200cc's. The doctors were amazed. His vascular surgeon in particular is an angel on earth. NEVER GIVE UP HOPE! And tell everyone young and old about AAA - its a silent killer!
Comment from: martin, 35-44 Male (Patient)Published: November 17
I experienced a bulge above and underneath my navel which grew to cover both sides of the navel as well. With antibiotics, the sides relaxed but top and bottom are still swollen. My navel did not pop. I don't think it is a belly bottom hernia. I do have a history of a hardened aorta where the right heart chamber is bigger than the left. My left ventricle is also leaking blood. Symptoms: Very feverish and uncomfortable especially when climbing stairs. I experience semi-impotency (perhaps due to high blood pressure and medicines). It feels as if I have been kicked in stomach from time to time. Sleeplessness, urinating often, a lot of water in system, swollen feet, etc.
Comment from: Kel, 25-34 Female (Patient)Published: September 26
I just want to try and make everybody as aware of this condition as I can! I am a 27-year-old female and am a very healthy and active individual. I went to the doctor with abdominal and back pain just last week because I could not take the pain anymore. He felt my abdomen and sent me off to get an ultrasound. He called me back into his office two days later and explained to me that I have an abdominal aortic aneurysm and that they were sending me to see a specialist. I was in complete shock! Had I not gone in for the pain, and if it had just gone away on its own, I would have had no idea! I'm still completely shocked at the news. As rare as it is that I do have it at this age, it still can happen. I encourage everybody to go get themselves checked out!
Comment from: Stan, 65-74 Male (Patient)Published: September 09
I am a 67-year-old male with a family history of high cholesterol and have had heart problems since I was in my early 40s. I have had three coronary bypass surgeries, and I suffered one heart attack about seven years ago. I also had atrial fibrillation about 10 years ago and had an ablation to resolve the problem. With all of my heart problems, I have been on Statins and Niacin for my cholesterol since my 40s. I am also taking Beta Blockers, although I never did have high blood pressure.
Seven years ago during a routine medical exam, my cardiologist commented that I had a "pulsating abdominal aorta." This did not mean much to me at the time, but over the next several years, he continued to check and measure in the area of the aorta on my abdomen.
About three years ago, I had a CT scan of my pelvis and abdomen done because I had a high reading on a PSA test. It turned out that the high PSA was caused by a bladder infection, but it also highlighted the aortic aneurysm and gave a reading of 4.5 cm. My doctors informed me that they would monitor the aneurysm with regular CT scans every six months. I have been getting these scans since then and the aneurysm is stable. My last exam this month showed it was 4.4 to 4.7 cm. My cardiologists say that I am a candidate for a stent if and when the aneurysm enlarges to 5.0 cm or larger.
I recommend a scan for everyone who is at risk for an aneurysm.
Comment from: Kavitha, 55-64 Female (Caregiver)Published: December 02
Two days ago, my dad complained of stomach and abdominal pain. He thought it was just some gas problem and went to bed. By morning, the pain developed rapidly and he had fits. We rushed him to the hospital, and they did a CT scan. He was diagnosed with an abdominal aorta aneurysm rupture. He went through an operation immediately. The doctor broke our heart saying that he had 10% chance of because he had a cardiac arrest during the operation. We were devastated. My dad is only 56, and he was just playing with my 2-year-old son before the pain started. It has been two days since then. He is smiling at us and says he will make it.
Patient Discussions are not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your physician or other qualified health provider because of something you have read on MedicineNet. The opinions expressed in the comments section are of the author and the author alone. MedicineNet does not endorse any specific product, service or treatment.
If you think you have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
Suggested Reading on Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm by Our Doctors
Abdominal pain is pain in the belly and can be acute or chronic. Causes include inflammation, distention of an organ, and loss of the blood supply to an organ. Abdominal pain can reflect a major problem with one of the organs in the abdomen such as the appendix, gallbladder, large and small intestine, pancreas, liver, colon, duodenum, and spleen.
Low blood pressure, also referred to as hypotension, is blood pressure that is so low that it causes symptoms or signs due to the low flow of blood through the arteries and veins. Some of the symptoms of low blood pressure include light-headedness, dizziness, or even fainting if not enough blood is getting to the brain. Diseases and medications can also cause low blood pressure. When the flow of blood is too low to deliver enough oxygen and nutrients to vital organs such as the brain, heart, and kidneys; the organs do not function normally and may be permanently damaged.
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a repeatedly
elevated blood pressure exceeding 140 over 90 mmHg -- a systolic pressure above
140 with a diastolic pressure above 90. There are two causes of high blood pressure, primary and secondary. Primary high blood pressure is much more common that secondary and its basic causes or underlying defects are not always known. It is known that a diet high in salt increases the risk for high blood pressure, as well as high cholesterol. Genetic factors are also a primary cause. Secondary high blood pressure is generally caused by another condition such as renal hypertension, tumors, and other conditions. Treatment for high blood pressure is generally lifestyle changes and if necessary, diet.
Diabetes mellitus is a chronic condition characterized by high levels of sugar (glucose) in the blood. The two types of diabetes are referred to as type 1 (insulin dependent) and type 2 (non-insulin dependent). Symptoms of diabetes include increased urine output, thirst, hunger, and fatigue. Treatment of diabetes depends on the type.
Sexually transmitted diseases, or STDs,
are infections that are transmitted during any type of sexual exposure,
including intercourse (vaginal or anal), oral sex, and the sharing of sexual
devices, such as vibrators. Women can contract all of the STDs, but may have no symptoms, or have different symptoms than men do.
Cholesterol is naturally produced by the body, and is a building block for cell membranes and hormones. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol is the "bad" cholesterol, conversely, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol is the "good" cholesterol. High cholesterol treatment includes lifestyle changes (diet and exercise), and medications such as statins, bile acid resins, and fibric acid derivatives.
Sexually transmitted diseases, or STDs, are infections that are transmitted during any
type of sexual exposure, including intercourse (vaginal or anal), oral sex, and
the sharing of sexual devices, such as vibrators. Although treatment exists for many STDs, others currently are
usually incurable, such as those caused by HIV, HPV, hepatitis B and C, and HHV-8.
Marfan syndrome is hereditary condition affecting connective tissue. A person with Marfan syndrome may exhibit the following symptoms and characteristics: dislocation of one or both lenses of the eye; a protruding or indented breastbone; scoliosis; flat feet; aortic dilatation; dural ectasia; stretch marks; hernia; and lung collapse. Though there is no cure for Marfan syndrome, there are treatments that can minimize and sometimes prevent some complications.
Drug addiction is a chronic disease that causes drug-seeking behavior and drug use despite negative consequences to the user and those around him. Though the initial decision to use drugs is voluntary, changes in the brain caused by repeated drug abuse can affect a person's self-control and ability to make the right decisions and increase the urge to take drugs. Drug abuse and addiction are preventable.
Smoking is an addiction. More than 430,000 deaths occur each year in the U.S. from smoking related illnesses. Secondhand smoke or "passive smoke" also harm family members, coworkers, and others around smokers. There are a number of techniques available to assist people who want to quit smoking.
A heart murmur is the sound generated when blood flow within the heart is not smooth. Causes of heart murmurs can be functional, congenital, or caused heart valve conditions. Symptoms of a heart murmur may be none, or may include chest pain, shortness of breath, and arm, leg, and ankle swelling. Treatment of a heart murmur depends on the cause.
Ehlers-Danlos syndromes are genetic disorders that include symptoms such as loose joints, tissue weakness, easy bruising, and skin that stretches easily. There are seven types of Ehlers-Danlos syndromes: Classical type, Hypermobility type, Vascular type, Kyphoscoliosis type, Arthrochalsia type, Dermatosparaxis type, and Tenascin-X Deficient type. Treatment for Ehlers-Danlos syndromes depends on which symptoms are present.
Syphilis, a sexually transmitted disease, is caused by a microscopic, wormlike bacterial organism called a spirochete. There are three stages of syphilis. The first involves the formation of the chancre. The second stage often includes hair loss, a sore throat, white patches in the nose, mouth, and vagina, fever, headaches, and a skin rash. The third stage can cause extensive damage to the internal organs and the brain, and can lead to death. Though early infection often resolves on its own, treatment usually varies based on the stage of the infection at the time of diagnosis.
Medical shock is a life-threatening medical condition. There are several types of medical shock, septic shock, anaphylactic shock, cardiogenic shock, hypovolemic shock, and neurogenic shock. Causes of shock include heart attack, heart failure, heavy bleeding (internal and external), infection, anaphylaxis, spinal cord injury, severe burns, chronic vomiting or diarrhea. Low blood pressure is the key sign of sock. Treatment is dependant upon the type of shock.
Relapsing polychondritis is an uncommon, chronic disorder of the cartilage that is characterized by recurrent episodes of inflammation of the cartilage of various tissues of the body. Tissues containing cartilage that can become inflamed include the ears, nose, joints, spine, and windpipe (trachea). Tissues that have a biochemical makeup similar to that of cartilage such as the eyes, heart, and blood vessels, can also be affected. Nonsteroidal antiinflammatory medications (NSAIDs) is used as treatment for mild cases of the disease. Steroid-related medications also are usually required.
Takayasu disease (also referred to as Takayasu arteritis) is a chronic inflammation of the aorta and it's branch arteries. Takayasu disease is most common of Women of Asian descent and usually begins between 10 and 30 years of age. Symptoms include: painful extremities, dizziness, headaches, chest and abdominal pain, and a low-grade fever. Treatment for Takayasu disease includes cortisone medication to suppress the inflammation.
Loeys-Dietz syndrome is a syndrome is an inherited genetic syndrome characterized by aortic aneurysms in children. Children with Loeys-Dietz syndrome are at a greater risk of dying from the aortic aneurysms, because the aneurysms are prone to rupture at a smaller size than other aneurysms. Physical characteristics of the syndrome include early fusion of the skull bones, widely spaced eyes, and split uvula or cleft palate. Treatment includes surgical repair fo the aneurysms.
Cholesterol occurs naturally in the body. High blood cholesterol levels increase a person's risk of developing heart disease, heart attacks, strokes, TIAs, and more. In addition to medication (fibrates, statins, bile acid sequestrants, and niacin), lifestyle changes can be made to lower blood cholesterol levels
What are STDs and how can their spread be prevented?
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are infections that
are transmitted during any type of sexual exposure, including intercourse
(vaginal or anal), oral sex, and the sharing of sexual devices, such as
vibrators. In the professional medical arena, STDs are referred to as STIs
(sexually transmitted infections). This terminology is used because many
infections are frequently temporary. Some STDs are infections that are
transmitted by persistent and close skin-to-skin contact, including during
sexual intimacy. Although treatment exists for many STDs, others currently are
usually incurable, such as HIV, HPV, hepatitis B and C, and HHV-8.
Furthermore, many infections can be present in, and be spread by, patients who
do not have symptoms.
The most effective way to prevent the spread of STDs is abstinence.
Alternatively, the diligent use of latex barriers, such as condoms, during
vaginal or anal...
If you think you have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately.
Digestion RSS
Healthy Living Tips
One month ago, my father, 55, complained of back and stomach pains. He began yelling out and turned white saying he couldn't breathe. We called 911 and he was rushed to the ER. We thought he was having a heart attack because he has suffered these before. A CT scan revealed that he had ruptured an unknown abdominal aortic aneurysm and would need emergency surgery. The vascular surgeon arrived and advised us to say goodbye. He gave us only 10 percent chance of survival saying he would try his best to save my dad, but it didn't look good. Eleven hours of straight surgery later and dad was wheeled into ICU. This began a 24 hour vigil because soon after his kidneys failed. Two days later we were told his legs would need amputation as the surgeon performed an operation, cutting huge gaps into his legs to drain fluid from them so they could get circulation. Parts of his digestive tract were damaged and removed. Every nurse, every doctor looked at me and my family with sorrowful eyes saying he didn't look good. It has now been one month. Dad is in physical therapy. He took 60 steps with a walker today. He urinated 200cc's. The doctors were amazed. His vascular surgeon in particular is an angel on earth. NEVER GIVE UP HOPE! And tell everyone young and old about AAA - its a silent killer!
Related Reading: heart attack | CT scan | abdominal aortic aneurysm