I was diagnosed as having a small abdominal aorta aneurysm (AAA) in 1997 (2.5 cm). I was placed on a monitoring program which amounted to a simple ultrasound every six months. During the monitoring process there was sporadic growth in the size of this "bulge". The last ultrasound taken in Dec/02 revealed the aneurysm had reached a size of 5.25 cm. Time for Action!
The procedure was performed at the London Health Centre in Ontario, Canada. The vascular team was led by Dr. Ken Harris.
I am 58 years old, 6 ft. 2", and 185 pounds. I am a non-smoker of 35 years, a very moderate drinker and considered to be in excellent physical condition.
Dr. Harris relayed to me that this procedure would be one of the great events of my life. He was so right!!
Aneurysms are silent killers! They are hereditary! A simple ultrasound will disclose their presence, their size, and their hidden dangers. If your family has a history...get yourself prepared. You can survive this procedure and recovery by being prepared.
I was well prepared physically and mentally for this journey. I was fortunate to have had sufficient lead time for the preparation. I became educated through various aneurysm information websites, physician information, and a lengthy information session with the vascular pre-op team. This educational process, I feel, is essential for all those scheduled for the procedure. Get familiar with all aspects of the procedure and what it takes to get through the recovery.
This is a battle, a war and the more you and your family know about it the better prepared you will be to survive "the battle of the bulge". Abdominal aorta repair is a large medical procedure and not without side effects.
During the procedure your stomach will "go to sleep". It will stop functioning! It doesn't like to be disturbed and consequently shuts down! Your stomach and intestines must be coached and caressed back into action. This may seem like a minor problem. Trust me, awakening the stomach/intestine functions is a major step to recovery. I am now in my eighth week of the recovery process. My stomach and related organs are now good friends again and we are processing regular meals and regular quantities of food stuffs.
The cycle of pain killers, laxatives, suppositories and straining to overcome constipation are now horrible memories and I never wish to go there again.
The sun is shinning brightly today and birds are returning to the North land.
My strength is returning, my wife is shopping, my children are healthy and prosperous. I truly am a fortunate man. A second chance...another chance at life!
To all those approaching this event, get prepared, rally your troops and keep the faith. I wish you well.
Update: 24 Jun 2003
I have just returned from my first...and last, post surgery appointment with my Triple A Surgeon. I have received a clean bill of health regarding my AAA repair and the surgeon informed me there is no need for any further follow up. Great news for myself, my family and our freinds.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank you and "The Maples Flock" for supplying me with the much needed crutch to make my journey. To those who wrote once or twice to ask questions. Thank You. I now know I needed those quieries to make me feel wanted and useful and I can only hope I gave a little back on each of those occassions. To the "OKLAHOMA KID". Thank You. You hung with me, all the way though the journey.
The BATTLE of THE BULGE can be won. It takes excellent medical staff, strong family ties, strong freinds and a group of individuals like those in "THE FLOCK". To each of you. I wish you well on your journey.