Mother from German, French ancestors. Father from English decent. Both second or third generation U. S. citizens. I grew up on a small farm in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Was very active as a child. Taught the work ethic, and enjoyed outdoor life, hunting and fishing, with moderate interest in Sports activities. Joined the United States Marine Corps in 1940 and was discharged seven years later. Participated in the war in the Pacific. Was of good health upon discharge from the Marine Corps. Lived a normal life, travelled extensively for a Manufacturer of Automotive Parts for 30 years. Did not suffer any serious health problems until January 1985 when I started to have exercise generated Angina pain in my center chest, left forearm, and left jaw. Underwent a 4 way CABG in May 1985. I was at the time retired so I was doing a lot of fishing, and considerable world travel. The Aortic Aneurysm was discovered by accident when a Sonogram was being performed in search of minor pain coming from my lower left abdomen in August 1996. until in August 2001 the aneurysm reached 5 cm. By December it was 5.1 and I was directed to Surgery. After three CT scans it was determined that I was a candidate for the Ancure Endograft System
On April 29, 2002, I underwent a stent installation in the abdominal aorta. The aneurism had been "tracked" for more than four years via Ultra Sound review. Over the 4 years it grew to 5.1 cm at which time I was directed to the Surgeons.
I feel very fortunate that I was able to accept the latest stent procedure versus a full blown abdominal surgery procedure. At age 80, while in good physical condition I still had underwent a CABG (4 way) in 1985, and had suffered no problems with angina attacks following.
The most recent installation of an abdominal stent was using Guidant Corporation's latest innovation, the Ancure Endograft System. Three weeks following the procedure the stent was locked in place, and there was no seepage.
My Doctors advise me that I will be having semi annual CT scans for the rest of my life. I can tolerate that if my health continues as it has been since the procedure was performed 60 days ago.