Guidant Ancure® Aortailiac Bifurcated System
I'm a 65 year old retiree, married for 44 years with three children and three grandsons. I spent 20 years in the U.S. Navy retiring as a Chief Radioman. I then went to work for the U.S. Border Patrol, retiring again after 21 years as a Supervisory Electronic Technician. My hobby has been raising English Budgerigars (parakeets) for over 30 years. I now judge them at shows throughout the United States.
12 August 2002
My aneurysm was discovered accidentally. I hurt my back at work and the doctor asked for a x-ray of my back. Since I'm 6'5" the technician had to take overlaying x-rays. It was she who noticed the aneurysm and informed my doctor. That was in 1992 and the aneurysm was 3.2 in size. I was monitored yearly, having ultra sound tests until 2002 when it was determined that corrective action was required.
I previously asked for comments in June of this year (2002) from people who have had an endovascular repair. I would like to thank those who replied with their experiences concerning this procedure. Their information was very helpful for my mental thoughts concerning this issue.
On July 3, 2002 I had an Guidant ANCURE® Bifurcated System Implant done. My AAA diameter was at 5.6 cm in November of 2001, I'm sure it had increased in size prior to the operation. The anesthesiologist gave me a epidural due to concerns with cardiac and respiratory issues. The surgery lasted about four hours. I did not require any blood transfusions, but the doctor had me donate two pints of blood just in case.
I was discharged the next day on the 4th of July. I had no infection in either incision. The only thing that has been an issue is the numbness in my left leg, along with some pain. I have seen my doctor and he said everyone has a different healing process and was not concerned with it since I had a good pulse in both feet. I'm awaiting the results of my CT scan taken on on the 1st of August to see if everything is ok. I have been walking and basically feel good, but tired. My reason for going with the bifurcated implant was in 1979 I had a four way by-pass and felt this procedure would be the less aggressive for me with my past medical history.
I must commend the individuals who started this web site. I know it has helped me through a very trying period in my life. If anyone needs moral support from me as I had asked for,please e-mail me. Again thanks to everyone.
Update: 14 Aug 2002
On August 14, 2002, I received a call from my Doctor's nurse that my CT scan I had after my procedure indicated there were no bleeders, and he will see me in one year. I'm now ready to get on with my life!
Update: 25 Mar 2003
In December of 2002 I went to my Vascular Doctor to see why I was still having the same numbness and having serious pain during physical exercise in my left leg along with some discomfort above my incision on my right side. After some discussion he felt I should see my Internal Medicine Doctor for further evaluation.
My Internal Medicine Doctor recommended a Barium Enema to make sure they was no issues in that area and sent me to a Physical Medicine Doctor who after checking my body movements and noticing no physical problem, recommended an MRI. The result from the MRI showed no problems that would cause the numbness and pain with the left leg, and the only thing the Doctor saw was arthritis in my spine. On March 24, 2003 my six month CAT scan results were given to me by my Vascular Doctor and everything was normal and to schedule a CAT scan in one year.
The bottom line is always check out you ache and pains, but sometimes you just have to live with it and get on with your life being grateful that your alive.
God bless all on this site. I will update case in one year!
Discussion, comments, or questions: William A. Porter
© Copyright 2004 William A.
Porter
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