Life Is Good
In May 2001 I had a AAA repair (beyond 5cm). The surgery took four and one half hours. The post surgery issue has been another matter.
I had gone to the doctor because of pain in my right hip. Thinking that "arthur" had finally gotten to my 57 year old joints. An MRI showed a small piece of the AAA. When I got the call they had scheduled me to see a vascular surgeon! That was the first I had heard of a AAA.
Post surgery day four my heart rate went to 120 and irregular. It was stopped and restarted with success, but not for long. The culprit was now my thyroid which had some nodules that did not come at birth. In addition the side effects from the post surgery antibiotic caused bleeding from my bowels. Neuropathy invaded my legs and in particular my left lower leg. I lost 40 lbs. in five weeks. I could stand the loss.
Radioactive iodine and Tapazole are taking care of the thyroid, but as it declines the weight is coming back. I will have a lifetime of synthroid coming up. At least I hope it is a lifetime. I was also advised I had an enlarged heart and the pulse rate is being controlled by atenolol and warfarin. But I smell a pace maker in the future if the heart does not slow down. Most noticeable now is the lack of energy, shortness of breath and headaches from the low bp. 83/50 with a pulse of 94 is not uncommon when at rest.
I had remarried only months before the surgery, but I am alive. The doctor who performed the surgery is following me every six months, and the first of those visits is this month. From all the reading I have done, I am trying hard not to live like I am a short timer on earth. Some of the literature and experiences noted by people is truly sad and I hope they, the family members, have survived well. From the other side of the coin, the AAA, the pain, the recovery has been something else. I try to play golf. Not sure I should, but you can't sit around waiting to die, even if your sure it is not far away, or any minute.
Some neuropathy remains in both legs and several nerves do not respond at all to electrical stimulation. I have a cane when it gets really bad, but most days I do not need it. Some fluid build up in the lower legs is now infrequent, but still occurs. Less so as the thyroid gland dies. Not sure of the connection, maybe none. Life is good. Without the surgery, I probably would not be here. General repair and artificial material is beautiful as far as I am concerned. Even if it gave me a few more months, years or several decades.
Update: 27 Apr 2003
Not Yet!
Next month will be the two year anniversary of my AAA repair. Just came back from my checkup with my surgeon. His advice was simple, "Have a nice life."
Post surgery complications resulted in some irregular heart beat, due to a hyperactive thyroid. I now have no working thyroid and take Synthroid daily. I have put on weight, no thyroid! The surgery left me with very little muscle strength in my abdomen, but golf is a great exercise for the paunch, not to mention, temper control.
My bp runs a routine 120/60. The pulse still bounds now and then, but I have a wife ten years younger!!!, I am now 59. There was a time I thought I would never make it. Some other left over issues from surgery - neuropathy in both legs - the rubber hammer to the knees and ankles produces no response, but I can still walk. Running is fairly much out of the question with the nerve damage. I was in surgery almost five hours, so it was an anticipated outcome. I must admit, not as bad as anticipated. I find my responses to colds is something less than desired. Four days in the hospital recently for pneumonia was almost a real problem. It just seems to take longer to recover from just about everything. My suggestion is to go to your doctor with any breathing problems combined wit h a high temperature, immediately. With the SARS scare, it's doubly required.
My wife says, "Thank God and Dr. Averbook for the last two years." I might also add the staff at First Health Hospital in Pinehurst, NC. were an exceptional group. I left after six days inpatient and within thirty days I was back at work (desk job). Weak, shaking, tremors, sweating, and all the other fun things, but work was a cure from the "couch potato" disease and I got my energy up in the long run.
I was lucky, my AAA was found by my wife insisting I find out what was making my right hip hurt...An on the job MRI technician, excellent medical care and great information from the support network that helped me face reality and make the right decision. I was told after the surgery that I was perhaps a month or two from a rupture and certain death.
Faith and hope are a wonder bestowed by God on man, He also gave us the wisdom to do what needs to be done in crisis and appreciate the skill and devotion of our fellow men. I am forever thankful to those whose skill made it possible for me to live a little longer...It just was not my time...yet. God bless.
Update: 4 October 2004
I had my AAA three years ago and my surgery went well and I returned to a near normal routine. Since that return I have had further complications. The most serious has consisted of a seperation of the abdominal muscles that were cut for the AAA repair. All told seven hernias in the abdomen. I now have a pactch, after several more hours of surgery that measures about 6 X 7 seven inches square. That was four weeks ago and the surgery is still draining. I am now on a diet to get rid of some very excess weight and continue to go work everyday, but have to change dressings three or times a day. The drainage has slowed to a trickle, and I will get better.
I have been told that the AAA repair is barely visible and believe me I have had enough people look at me with MRI's and CAT scans. My doctor did an excellant job, but the muscle structure for such a large opening for the triple A, about10 inches, just was beyond the muscles to recover and playing golf continues to be my goal as well as turning 60.
If you survive the AAA, the worst is over, but I have found it is not all over. Continue to see your physician and regualr check-ups. Complications could include hernias, diverticulitis, heart murmers, thyroid problems, acid reflux, (in particular if you smoke) and neuropathy in one or both legs. I still continue to work everyday, but you have to adjust as time goes by, not just because of age, but it's not the same body. Thank God for my wife and family and their prayers.
Update: 4 January 2005
Dr. Averbook and First Health/Pinehurst Surgical Clinic did my AAA repair 4 years ago this coming May. I received a letter from him stating he was leaving medical practice due to medical health reasons. He was/is an excellent surgeon. If any prayers are laying around after the New Year I would ask that a few go his way. I would not be here today except for his excellent diagnostic and surgical skills. I am sure many others who have spent half a day in the operating theater under his skills feel the same way. God Bless Him.
Discussion, comments, or questions: Douglas Litton
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