Confirmation and CT Scan

To confirm and measure the aneurysm a Chest CT was scheduled for Monday July 12 at Radiological Associates of Sacramento. The test is relatively simple. First you have an IV placed in your arm. Then you lie down, and an arch-shaped machine passes over you for the scan. During the scan you are asked to hold your breath for about 18 seconds. During one of the scans, die is injected through the IV line. They warn you that the die will make you feel warm and flushed, perhaps like you have wet yourself. This is a good description of what it feels like and the feeling passes quickly. After about 5 minutes you are done with the entire scan.

I met with Dr. M on July 16. He said my aneurysm was about 5 cm in diameter (normal would be 2 or 2.5 cm). As I understand it, ascending aortic aneurysms over 5.5 should be repaired surgically ASAP, due to the risk of a "catastrophic event." For aneurysms between 5 and 5.5, surgery is needed but not immediately. (The numbers are different for descending aneurysms and I am no expert on any of this.) Dr. M got me an appointment with a surgeon, Dr. I, the very next day. Dr. I suggested scheduling surgery at my convenience sometime over the next six months. He advised me to exercise minimally--walking and maybe swimming a 100 yards. Prior to surgery, I would need an angiogram also known as a heart catheterization or heart cath.