
                   ANEURISM: THE SILENT KILLER 

                        EARL THIEBEN, 32 
                    5623 80th Street, N, #307 
                  St. Petersburg, Florida 33709 
                                         
   AFTER reading the "anatomy of a heart problem" by Brother 
Jerry Coleman, 32, in the February 1991 issue of The Scottish 
Rite Journal, I was prompted to write about my struggle with a 
related health condition, an aneurism. 

   One doesn't read very much about this medical problem except 
in obituaries or from hearing from friends who have lost loved 
ones because of it. Those who don't survive a ruptured aorta 
aneurism were probably unaware they were afflicted in the first 
place. 

   As my wife Dorothy and I live in Florida 7 months of the year 
(winters) and in Massachusetts the other 5 months, we decided in 
1987 to have our necessary medical doctors in both locations. 
Within 1 month, I had my first visit with an internist who also 
introduced me to a cardiologist. Between the two I went through 
various tests including 24-hour heart monitor, stress diagnosis, 
EKG's etc. These resulted in a decision to have a cardiac 
catheterization. The final diagnosis was inoperable cardiac 
vascular disease, but this, fortunately, is quite easily treated 
and controlled. 

   Then in the summer of 1989, an annual checkup with an 
excellent cardiologist detected an aortic aneurism. The 
cardiologist, working in concert with a vascular surgeon, 
determined that the aneurism was moderate, only 4.4 centimeters 
in length. It would require corrective surgery only if it 
progressed into the 5 centimeters or more area. A periodic 6-
month CAT scan was recommended. It was during the testing that I 
learned that while ultrasound examination is good - a CAT scan is 
more definite and, therefore, more reliable. 

   Inasmuch as there was no pain involved, I was cautioned the 
condition was a "silent killer." Then, as a precaution, I was to 
avoid unnecessary stress or strain. 

   Following medical advice I had a follow-up CAT-scan in March 
1990 which showed the aneurism to have advanced to 5.3 
centimeters. Remedial surgery became necessary. 

   I entered the hospital on April 4, 1990. For 6 days I 
underwent stabilization and other preparatory procedures. 
Finally, the aneurism was repaired on April 11 during a 5-hour 
surgical procedure, at which time the aneurism was 6 centimeters 
thereby creating a very dangerous and risky operation. Repairing 
the aorta consisted of installing a Dacron liner therein. They 
tell me I had the "A" team of surgeons, assistants, nurses and 
all the best possible other medical personnel. 

   About 5 days later, during the recovery process, I became very 
listless and lethargic which prompted immediate and extensive 
testing. This resulted in an emergency consultation between 
family members, surgeons, and other doctors. It was determined 
that an embolism (obstruction) was imminent. Apparently there was 
little time to waste as a late-evening, 3-hour operation was 
performed. A Greenfield vena cava filter was installed in the 
right jugular vein - this is a permanent filter which prevents 
the blood from coagulating. 

   After this was accomplished, the surgeon said "Well, Earl, I 
have saved your life twice in the past 6 days". My deepest thanks 
go out to him as well as to the observant cardiologist who first 
detected my aneurism. 

   The 21 days I spent in the hospital, 10 of which were in the 
intensive care unit, I found the most caring people. I now have a 
pain-free extended life. Of course my wife Dorothy was there all 
the time, and after discharge from the hospital, her tender 
loving care helped significantly with my complete recovery. 
                                                                       
   My message is simply this. See a cardiologist or qualified 
internist right now. Or at least during your next doctor's 
appointment ask for an examination to check specifically on a 
possible aneurism. It may save and extend your life. I hear a lot 
about people dying because of a ruptured aneurism, and they were 
not even aware they had the condition. No pain, just rupture and 
a quick death. "The Silent Killer." This is not necessary. 

   I am in my late 70's and looking forward to many more years 
thanks to many dedicated people and the early diagnosis of my 
aneurism. Take note! 
 _____ 

   Earl E. Thieben is a retired engineer. Now a member of Gulf Beach 
Lodge No. 291 and the Scottish Rite Valley of Tampa, he is also 
active in Seminole High Twelve and the Seminole Shrine Club. 

