I underwent surgery to repair an ascending aortic aneurysm in early November of 2025. My recovery has gone well, other than having issues with my lungs. Xrays ...Read more
I underwent surgery to repair an ascending aortic aneurysm in early November of 2025. My recovery has gone well, other than having issues with my lungs. Xrays are showing that my diaphragm in one of my lungs has not come back to its original shape. This is causing issues with my speech, and curious if anyone else has experienced anything like this and if so if there was any way to remedy. Thank you!
Marie Myers I did not experience this, but it sounds like the phrenic nerve might have been adversely affected by ... Read more
Marie Myers I did not experience this, but it sounds like the phrenic nerve might have been adversely affected by the surgery. What does your cardiologist say about this?
J Alexander Lassally Mark - from my understanding they manipulate the lungs quite extremely to gain access to the heart (i ... Read more
J Alexander Lassally Mark - from my understanding they manipulate the lungs quite extremely to gain access to the heart (inflation/deflation manipulation). I'm guessing some nerve damage from this manipulation. What exact procedure did you have?
Richard Munson When you have a collapsed lung they inflate it. Can’t they do that with your diaphragm ? Just curio ... Read more
Richard Munson When you have a collapsed lung they inflate it. Can’t they do that with your diaphragm ? Just curious.
Hi Team - new to the group and my first post. I took the step today to schedule surgery to repair my ascending aortic aneurysm. I also have a bicuspid ...Read more
Hi Team - new to the group and my first post. I took the step today to schedule surgery to repair my ascending aortic aneurysm. I also have a bicuspid heart valve, but that is in ok shape right now, so I'm going with the option to repair the aneurysm and do a TAVR on the valve several years down the road (hopefully). Super nervous about the surgery, and if anyone has insight or tips into the process or recovery, I'd appreciate the input. And thank you to all who have shared your stories here. Cheers!
Rose Madura Mark, I assume you've discussed with the surgeon or your cardiologist and they have approved you for ... Read more
Rose Madura Mark, I assume you've discussed with the surgeon or your cardiologist and they have approved you for a TAVR? If not, I'd make sure that's an option because sometimes, bicuspid valves are not good candidates. And don't forget about getting a second opinion if you haven't. That's unsolicited advice.... To answer your question, the surgery is not as bad as our minds make it out to be. It's normal to be nervous. Just have confidence in your surgeon and facility. And do your due diligence on everything. Hope this helps.
Valerie Allen This is true, what Rose said about a TAVR for BAV, as the new valve pushes the old valve over in a TA ... Read more
Valerie Allen This is true, what Rose said about a TAVR for BAV, as the new valve pushes the old valve over in a TAVR and the seal sometimes is not great. Discussed that option fully with the surgeon to be sure he/she thinks it is the best. Another opinion may be warranted as well.
