Thoracic Aortic Dissection Awareness – Living With Aortic Disease Can Be Tough!

Timo's dog

We all need a support crew – here is one of Timo’s supporters. Timo is another great Aortic Warrior, linked to this image.

If you survive an aortic dissection, or another, less stressful form of aortic disease, such as in my case, an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), you’ll need support from people who understand. Here are some people who understand – The Aortic Warriors Organization.

I can often forget that I have an aortic aneurysm, due to the life-saving, and constant activity of Rupert, my magical Cook Zenith Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Stent Graft (watch the linked video, if you don’t believe in magic).

Aortic dissection is a different thing entirely, and apparently the survival rate is only about 20%. I’ve had my stent graft for over 5-years, and I continue to train for Ironman races. I am one of the lucky ones. Many people with an AAA, or an aortic dissection, are initially misdiagnosed as having muscle or spinal pain, or even indigestion. They are unfortunately sent home by their medical staff, only to die of aortic rupture, at home or during a frantic attempt to reach the emergency room.

Awareness of these conditions by first responders is critical, be they a family member, a local doctor, ambulance crews, emergency room staff, or anyone else in the diagnostic pipeline.

It’s great that Aortic Warriors are bringing this issue to people’s attention.

Please consider supporting them with a donation.

Wishing you happy trails.

FitOldDog

 

Comments

  1. Connstance Rodriquez says

    Hi Kevin,
    I remember fresh out of the hospital, I signed up or followed your blog for a bit. I’m trying to get back in to running but am like most survivors who used to be fit: scared as hell! It’s been over two years since my Type B Aortic Dissection. I dabble in working out but have yet to commit and maintain a plan. I would like to follow you again. Perhaps I can find some way to overcome my fear of exercising to be fit. I know I NEED to for long-term quality of life as well as maintaining the stability of my dissection. I look forward to your insight.
    Thanks for your inspiration!
    connxtance

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Disclaimer: As a veterinarian, I do not provide medical advice for human animals. If you undertake or modify an exercise program, consult your medical advisors before doing so. Undertaking activities pursued by the author does not mean that he endorses your undertaking such activities, which is clearly your decision and responsibility. Be careful and sensible, please.