Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

An abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) occurs when your aorta weakens and bulges out like a balloon. The aorta is a large blood vessel that extends from your heart to your abdomen. An aneurysm that is too big may burst and need repair. Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair is surgery to fix an aneurysm in your abdominal aorta.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Take your medicine as directed:

Call your primary healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell him if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits.

Follow up with your primary healthcare provider as directed:

Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.

Self-care:

• Check your blood pressure as directed: High blood pressure can cause problems after your surgery. Ask your primary healthcare provider what your blood pressure should be.
  
  
• Do not smoke: Smoking causes lung cancer and other long-term lung diseases. It increases your risk of many cancer types. Smoking also increases your risk of blood vessel disease, heart attack, and vision disorders. Not smoking may help prevent such symptoms as headaches and dizziness for yourself and those around you. Smokers have shorter lifespans than nonsmokers.

Contact your primary healthcare provider if:

• You are sick to your stomach or throwing up.
  
  
• You have a fever or chills.
  
  
• You have trouble having a bowel movement or you have diarrhea.
  
  
• You have blood in your bowel movement.
  
  
• You have questions about your condition or care.

Return to the emergency department if:

• Your stitches come apart.
  
  
• Your bandage becomes soaked with blood, or your incision is swollen, red, or has pus coming from it.
  
  
• Your feet become very cold or turn pale or blue.
  
  
• You have pain in your chest, abdomen, back, or side.
  
  
• You urinate less than before or not at all.
  
  
• Your arm or leg feels warm, tender, and painful. It may look swollen and red.
  
  
• You have chest pain or trouble breathing that is getting worse over time.
  
  
• You suddenly feel lightheaded and have trouble breathing.
  
  
• You have new and sudden chest pain. You may have more pain when you take deep breaths or cough. You may cough up blood.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.