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6 November 2003
My father (77 years young) had his first AAA March 2002. His local doctor thought it was gallstones until they did an ultrasound which revealed a massive AAA. They did emergency surgery on him and he recovered nicely. One year (almost to the week) later his checkup revealed another AAA this one 1 cm. bigger than the first. Again,emergency surgery, this one riskier than the first. Of course everyone, my father included was terrified and prayed for his healing. He once again came through this risky surgery and was recovered.
Three months after this second surgery, his CT scan (which is done as a check-up) showed a "false aneurysm". The doctor said this one is "EVEN RISKIER" and they feel he would only have a 50-50 chance of survival if they tried to remove it. So they have put him on high blood pressure meds (he has never been on any meds up until this year) and are watching it closely. His present aneurysm is 5 cm. It was 5 cm. 4 months ago when they discovered it. They are hoping with the b.p. meds, it will remain the same size. Of course, they tell us it could rupture. My father has no pain and is a very active, involved man. We all are so appreciative of every day that we have with him. Of course the fear sometimes overcomes us but we comfort and cherish each other.
This week we discovered the hospital in Manitoba where my father has been operated on is now trying out the endovascular surgery (going through the groin instead of the huge incision down the chest). My father was instantly intrigued but the doctor says "everything has to be perfect" for this type of surgery to go ahead. I'm not sure if they would try this surgery if they had to.
What they have told us is they will keep monitoring his aneurysm and if fate has it, my father could live many years to come just keeping the aneurysm stable. However, if he suddenly develops pain and the aneurysm starts to grow, they will "weigh the pros and cons" or whether to do the surgery.
I would like to know if anyone else out there has had a similar experience. This is so terrifying, if we let it be. However, prayer has been very helpful and is what gets us through.
Thank you for listening.
Update: 17 Dec 2003
My Dad is going in for his quarterly CT scan Dec. 29. He just found out yesterday. We are trying to keep optomistic - he has been feeling very well, takes his b.p. meds and doesn't overdo anything. We pray every day for his continued healing. I will keep you posted as to what his results show.
Last CT scan done in Sept. showed NO GROWTH - very positive indeed. Thanks for your support.
Update: 14 Jan 2004
Just wanted to let you know my Dad went in for his appointment to discuss his CT scan results - it appears his aneurysm is stable. No new growth. Thank you God, thank you God, thank you God.
And thank you to all those people who have contacted me with support and encouragement. It is very comforting.
Update: 3 July 2004
My Dad had his 6 month CT scan end of June, we went in for the results last week and wonderful news - his aneurysm continues to be stable at 4.6 cm. We continue to give thanks for these blessings and enjoy every single day. We appreciate so much everyone's prayers and good wishes of hope and encouragement.
Update: 30 December 2004
Dad had his 6 month CT scan - wonderful news - no change, no new growth. His blood pressure is down to a great level. His doctor says "I want to see you in 6 months". Praise the Lord!
We are feeling so bad for the people over in southeast Asia - we need to say a prayer for them. Continued thanks to this wonderful web-page. It helps so many people.
Update: 27 July 2005
Dad had his 6 month CT scan - the aneurysm remains stable at 4.6 cm. We are very thankful - God is good.
God bless.
Update: 10 April 2006
Dad had his 9 month CT scan and his aneurysm remains stable at 4.6 cm. We are so very grateful and thank GOD every day.
Update: 21 March 2007
Well, we continue to be so very thankful and feel greatly blessed. Dad went in for his 6 month CT scan and the results show NO GROWTH - aneurysm is stable at 4.8 cm.
Now Dad doesn't have to go back for one year! We thank God daily. I still read these narratives and can identify with everyone's story.
Blessings always.
Discussion, comments, or questions: Linda and Pat
© Copyright 2003 Linda
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