Aneurysms and screening
Discussion
Would appreciate some advice here.
My maternal grandfather died of a ruptured anterior aortic aneurysm aged 63.
My mum actually had a ruptured anterior aortic aneurysm aged 63, which she survived (much to the amazement of all - it happened at Silverstone, so loads of medics around, she ended up in Northampton general, an 8 hour op, 18 units of blood and 6 weeks in intensive care).
After this, and knowing her brother (my uncle) also has an aneurysm, I asked my current doctor if I could be screened. I was told no, not until I was 50 (I was 41 at the time), so mentally made a note to raise it at aged 50.
In March, my mum died as a result of another triple A. I turned 50 in June. I’ve now been told (different doctor, I moved), that I can’t have a screen until I reach the ‘routine screening’ age of 64.
I’m not happy about this, as we have a direct family history of keeling over from this at a relatively early age. It would appear that on the surface I am in a high risk group based on family history.
If it really comes down to it, I’m in the fortunate position to say ‘sod it, I’ll pay privately’, but I don’t think that’s ‘right’ that I would benefit from my own situation when others less fortunate wouldn’t.
So, in essence, anyone else been through a similar situation, and what should I do? I’m not a natural ‘kicking off/complaining’ person, but this is my life we’re talking about, and I have dependents,
Thanks for any advice.
My maternal grandfather died of a ruptured anterior aortic aneurysm aged 63.
My mum actually had a ruptured anterior aortic aneurysm aged 63, which she survived (much to the amazement of all - it happened at Silverstone, so loads of medics around, she ended up in Northampton general, an 8 hour op, 18 units of blood and 6 weeks in intensive care).
After this, and knowing her brother (my uncle) also has an aneurysm, I asked my current doctor if I could be screened. I was told no, not until I was 50 (I was 41 at the time), so mentally made a note to raise it at aged 50.
In March, my mum died as a result of another triple A. I turned 50 in June. I’ve now been told (different doctor, I moved), that I can’t have a screen until I reach the ‘routine screening’ age of 64.
I’m not happy about this, as we have a direct family history of keeling over from this at a relatively early age. It would appear that on the surface I am in a high risk group based on family history.
If it really comes down to it, I’m in the fortunate position to say ‘sod it, I’ll pay privately’, but I don’t think that’s ‘right’ that I would benefit from my own situation when others less fortunate wouldn’t.
So, in essence, anyone else been through a similar situation, and what should I do? I’m not a natural ‘kicking off/complaining’ person, but this is my life we’re talking about, and I have dependents,
Thanks for any advice.
NHS screening info here: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/abdominal-aortic-ane...
Kick up a fuss, you have family history to support an early scan.
Kick up a fuss, you have family history to support an early scan.
My wife had hers at 22, 30 years later we still see some effects from it, and she was very lucky. 2 weeks ago the next door neighbour almost knocked the front door down, He and my wife worked for almost half an hour with CPR, then when stabilised was transferred to hospital, 3 days later she was declared brain dead. She was one of very few donors this year at the age of 53. If they can investigate I certainly would try to.
Yep, spoke to family doc today, a screening is no go until I’m 55, but he says he’ll ‘try and make an exception’.
Other thing he said is they only screen family risk once someone is 55, *or* within 5 years if the age a family member was diagnosed. My maternal uncle was diagnosed aged 50 (same age as me), so I’ve mentioned it.
Private option is £70, but would require me travelling a 120 mile round trip to Newcastle. Ultimately, if it comes to it, I’ll do that, but it seems a bit silly when there is a clear risk.
Other thing he said is they only screen family risk once someone is 55, *or* within 5 years if the age a family member was diagnosed. My maternal uncle was diagnosed aged 50 (same age as me), so I’ve mentioned it.
Private option is £70, but would require me travelling a 120 mile round trip to Newcastle. Ultimately, if it comes to it, I’ll do that, but it seems a bit silly when there is a clear risk.
ChevronB19 said:
Just a follow up - after actually speaking to a Dr rather than him texting me, I’m booked in for an NHS screening
Good news. Given your family history and your concerns, most GPs would do the same. The cost of scanning an extra patient in a clinic must pretty marginal especially as they're bound to get some no-shows
I had mine done a while ago. There are three grades of enlargement found on screening (my categorisation, may have changed now)
None or minimal: no further follow up needed during your lifetime.
Medium: regular follow up monitoring
Large: surgery needed
Luckily, mine was ‘none’
Good luck. OP. Wishing you well.
None or minimal: no further follow up needed during your lifetime.
Medium: regular follow up monitoring
Large: surgery needed
Luckily, mine was ‘none’
Good luck. OP. Wishing you well.
How did you get on OP?
My brother had the routine triple A screening at age 65 a couple of days ago - his result was very bad.
Has an 8.3cm bulge and is booked in for an operation early next week. The nurse told him, his siblings also need to be checked - females don't get screened for a triple A, so will need to ask the GP.
My brother had the routine triple A screening at age 65 a couple of days ago - his result was very bad.
Has an 8.3cm bulge and is booked in for an operation early next week. The nurse told him, his siblings also need to be checked - females don't get screened for a triple A, so will need to ask the GP.
condor said:
How did you get on OP?
My brother had the routine triple A screening at age 65 a couple of days ago - his result was very bad.
Has an 8.3cm bulge and is booked in for an operation early next week. The nurse told him, his siblings also need to be checked - females don't get screened for a triple A, so will need to ask the GP.
Still waiting on a date, but will chase. Hope your brother is ok.My brother had the routine triple A screening at age 65 a couple of days ago - his result was very bad.
Has an 8.3cm bulge and is booked in for an operation early next week. The nurse told him, his siblings also need to be checked - females don't get screened for a triple A, so will need to ask the GP.
Just because I hate it when people don’t return to threads to give the outcome, I thought I would say I had an ultrasound on my aorta (the NHS also chucked in my kidneys and liver as a freebie!) and all is ok.
Given my family history (see above), I am *massively* relieved (and I am by no means a hypochondriac), so would like to thank you all for your advice and support.
Given my family history (see above), I am *massively* relieved (and I am by no means a hypochondriac), so would like to thank you all for your advice and support.
ChevronB19 said:
Just because I hate it when people don’t return to threads to give the outcome, I thought I would say I had an ultrasound on my aorta (the NHS also chucked in my kidneys and liver as a freebie!) and all is ok.
Given my family history (see above), I am *massively* relieved (and I am by no means a hypochondriac), so would like to thank you all for your advice and support.
Great news.Given my family history (see above), I am *massively* relieved (and I am by no means a hypochondriac), so would like to thank you all for your advice and support.
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