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Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Screening
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An invitation to go for an ultrasound scan got me thinking. Could the abdominal aorta be likened to a bicycle wheel inner tube where, in the case of an aneurysm, it can succumb to inner pressure and ruptures?
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Sandy, If you have had an invitation to go for a screening, then for God's sake, GO.
In 1996 my doctor's surgery sent an invitation for this screening to all patients over 60. I accepted (as it was free!) and had a simple tummy scan by a nurse which was recorded on a computer and then later checked by a surgeon. It turned out that my aorta was 2 cm. larger than normal and I later had the operation which obviously saved my life as the aorta can stretch and burst at any time like a cycle inner-tube once weakened.
Unless you are actually on the operating table when it bursts, you have no chance of surviving. The surgery has never repeated this invitation so I'm eternally grateful that I accepted the first time it was offered.
I'm still around to reply to you 17 years later, so, if you like the life you lead, then please accept the invitation and go.
In 1996 my doctor's surgery sent an invitation for this screening to all patients over 60. I accepted (as it was free!) and had a simple tummy scan by a nurse which was recorded on a computer and then later checked by a surgeon. It turned out that my aorta was 2 cm. larger than normal and I later had the operation which obviously saved my life as the aorta can stretch and burst at any time like a cycle inner-tube once weakened.
Unless you are actually on the operating table when it bursts, you have no chance of surviving. The surgery has never repeated this invitation so I'm eternally grateful that I accepted the first time it was offered.
I'm still around to reply to you 17 years later, so, if you like the life you lead, then please accept the invitation and go.
AAA screening is not a problem. Before the scan you are shown a GOOD picture of the "tube" that is 2 straight lines. Then shown a BAD tube with an hour glass figure, where the waist is very narrow, but this is an extreme example.
The nurse explains all then a little liniment is applied to the tummy and scanned. Anything shown will be sent to your doctor.
Your innertube analogy is spot on!
The nurse explains all then a little liniment is applied to the tummy and scanned. Anything shown will be sent to your doctor.
Your innertube analogy is spot on!
@Sandy Male to Female ratio for AAA (Abdo Aortic Aneurysm) is around 4:1, for not entirely understood reasons.
"Clinically, multiple risk factors are associated with the development of AAAs, including increasing age, positive smoking history, and hypertension. Male gender is also a well-established risk factor for the development of an AAA, with a 4:1 male to female ratio. The reason for this gender disparity is unknown. The pathogenesis of AAAs formation is complex and multifactorial. "
"Clinically, multiple risk factors are associated with the development of AAAs, including increasing age, positive smoking history, and hypertension. Male gender is also a well-established risk factor for the development of an AAA, with a 4:1 male to female ratio. The reason for this gender disparity is unknown. The pathogenesis of AAAs formation is complex and multifactorial. "
