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Terry ConroyBritish man with abdominal aortic aneurysm
Country:
 Great Britain |
Content:
- Terry Conroy: A Heart-Stopping Experience
- A Sudden Collapse and a Race Against Time
- Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm: A Silent Killer
- Emergency Surgery and Risky Odds
- National Screening Program: Catching AAAs Early
- Endovascular Stent-Grafting: A Minimally Invasive Solution
- Recovery and Raising Awareness
Terry Conroy: A Heart-Stopping Experience
Terry Conroy, a 69-year-old football veteran from Britain, had no idea that the agonizing back pain he experienced at a St. Patrick's Day church gathering was a harbinger of something life-threatening.
A Sudden Collapse and a Race Against Time
As the pain intensified, Conroy collapsed outside the church. Fortunately, he was just 350 meters away from a hospital, where he was rushed into emergency care. Upon regaining consciousness, Conroy's agony was unbearable. Tests revealed the culprit: an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA).
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm: A Silent Killer
An aneurysm is a bulging of an artery due to weakened or stretched walls. In Conroy's case, the abdominal aorta, a major blood vessel supplying the lower body, had swelled to a dangerous 10 cm. As the aneurysm grew, it began to rupture, causing dizziness and loss of blood.
Emergency Surgery and Risky Odds
Conroy's condition was critical. The surgeon explained that he needed immediate surgery to repair the aorta, but the risk of death from a ruptured vessel was high. As Conroy signed the consent form, he slipped into unconsciousness.
National Screening Program: Catching AAAs Early
Three years prior, England implemented a national screening program to detect AAAs in men over 65. The program has significantly reduced deaths from AAAs, but the condition remains a threat to women as well.
Endovascular Stent-Grafting: A Minimally Invasive Solution
Conroy underwent a two-hour operation involving endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR). In this procedure, a stent-graft is implanted to isolate and seal off the weakened section of the aorta.
Recovery and Raising Awareness
Conroy made a full recovery from surgery in 2011 and no longer requires ongoing treatment. He emphasizes the importance of preventive measures, urging individuals to participate in aneurysm screening if recommended.
