Ruptured Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
24 February 2005
I experienced a ruptured AAA last October while at work. Fortunately I work in a research lab connected with a major medical center and received prompt and wonderful treatment - I know that my experience is the rare exception and that if I had not been at work I would have died. I did in fact die prior to receiving medical help but was resuscitated by the internist who operates the laboratory across the hall (the excruciating pain that I felt upon rupture was correctly interpreted by this MD as a ruptured abdominal aortal aneurysm).
I was rushed into surgery at the hospital and, I understand, nearly died on the operating room table. Sixty pounds of fluids (blood and saline I guess) were required to maintain vascular function. The first few days were critical but I did recover full function relatively rapidly and I have been back at work full-time since January. I did not have any serious complications and have retained full cognitive abilities. I know that I am very fortunate - some of my co-workers consider me a miracle.
I am feeling more and more that my experience was unnecessary and that wide-spread screening for those over 50-55 would detect many aneurysms prior to rupture. This is such a preventable illness. I am also wondering just what contributes to the weakening of the arterial wall and if there has been any research into this area - I have no family history of aneurysms and so the causes of this experience still puzzle me. I was, however, a smoker. I am also wondering if you know of any long-term consequences to the surgical repair of the ruptured aneurysm - I have a dacron prosthesis. I am specifically wondering if these replacements have a tendency to become infected.
Discussion, comments, or questions: Mary Bassett
© Copyright 2004 Mary Bassett
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