Story about Aortic Dissection .

acute ascending aortic dissection type A

Nov 22, 2019

By: Gabriela

Year Condition Began: 1918


I had an acute ascending aortic dissection unexpectedly in the office on a Monday right after giving a presentation to my colleagues. I had felt fine that day, had been jogging for about 30 min, as I usually do, before driving to the office. I had felt stress and pressure as I had worked through the entire weekend attending a conference abroad.
My blood pressure was slightly elevated but not dangerously.
I felt a sudden pain in my upper torso, neck and jaw, a bit like something was ripping and I knew this was not normal. I needed to lie down and agreed when my colleagues wanted to call an ambulance. The pain was bearable.
My condition was not clear but the medic called my GP and he ruled out a heart attack because of my level of fitness and healthy life-style. In short, the medics and doctor diagnosed the aortic dissection and informed the hospital staff who prepared the emergency operation and were ready when I arrived in the ambulance.

They saved my life but it was very close and the mayor operation extremely weakened my body. I had the open chest operation and after the surgery, my lungs collapsed due to access fluids.

I stayed in hospital for 10 days and then transferred to a rehab facility for another 4 weeks. I was still very weak when I was released, could not walk for long periods, could not carry anything and not even drive the car in the beginning.
I was given an appointment at a genetic research centre in Zurich and what had been suspected was confirmed. My condition is hereditary, a connective tissue weakness, rather than due to other risk factors. This means that my 3 children are potentially also at risk and will be screened regularly from now on.
I am still recovering and cannot work full time. I have suffered a trauma due to the sudden onset and the unexpectedness and see a psychologist regularly.
I am told that there is a risk that this might happen again because of the tissue weakness and I am being screened at regular intervals. This is the worst as I know, I need to be careful with my blood pressure and cannot risk overexerting myself. I have therefore not dared getting back on my street bike and doing tours, which I used to love. On a positive note, I have shifted my activities slightly doing more walking and yoga now, which has helped me to get some of my strength back.
Story about Aortic Dissection

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