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Auburn Annie · 10-01-2002, 04:36 PM

TO Rob1956

If Gord's problem was an abdominal aortic aneurysm (triple A), that is a major, life-threatening illness. 50% never make it to surgery; postoperative mortality runs another 25-30% due to problems such as pneumonia, deep vein thrombosis, stroke and heart attack. Lung problems are the primary postop problem, and as a smoker, Gord will undoubtedly have issues with that. The "window" when most of these things happen is in the first month to 6 weeks post-op. The doctor alluded to non-specific obstacles that have happened and are being taken care of as they occur. Add in having the muscles of your stomach cut (in an emergency, I'm sure they didn't do laparoscopic surgery) and who knows how much blood loss, and you've got the scenario for a *very* long recuperative period.
I lost an uncle to AAA, and my late mother-in-law also had it, but died from bypass complications prior to surgery for the aneurysm. He's made it this far, so let's keep those good thought and bouquets of prayer headed his way.

10-01-2002, 04:36 PM	#9
Auburn Annie Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Upstate New York Posts: 3,101	TO Rob1956 If Gord's problem was an abdominal aortic aneurysm (triple A), that is a major, life-threatening illness. 50% never make it to surgery; postoperative mortality runs another 25-30% due to problems such as pneumonia, deep vein thrombosis, stroke and heart attack. Lung problems are the primary postop problem, and as a smoker, Gord will undoubtedly have issues with that. The "window" when most of these things happen is in the first month to 6 weeks post-op. The doctor alluded to non-specific obstacles that have happened and are being taken care of as they occur. Add in having the muscles of your stomach cut (in an emergency, I'm sure they didn't do laparoscopic surgery) and who knows how much blood loss, and you've got the scenario for a very long recuperative period. I lost an uncle to AAA, and my late mother-in-law also had it, but died from bypass complications prior to surgery for the aneurysm. He's made it this far, so let's keep those good thought and bouquets of prayer headed his way.