Yvette (54) a journalist from Kent, started experiencing pain in her hip seven years ago in 2015. An ex-national gymnast who had been incredibly active and flexible her whole life, Yvette felt concerned about the growing discomfort impacting her quality of life, and so sought help from her GP.
Abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA)
CAUSES AND SYMPTOMS OF BULGES IN ABDOMINAL BLOOD VESSELS
Our experts can explain the symptoms of abdominal aortic aneurysms and offer advice on the treatments available
What is an aneurysm?
An aneurysm occurs when the wall of a blood vessel weakens, causing it to bulge (swell). This can be dangerous if it gets bigger and ruptures (bursts).
There are several different types of aneurysm, including:
- abdominal aortic aneurysm
- thoracic aortic aneurysm
- brain aneurysm
Need to know
In most cases, there are no obvious symptoms and, of course, it often depends where in the body the aneurysm is located.
If you have an abdominal aneurysm that becomes large, you may experience a pulsating (vibrating) feeling in your abdomen (tummy) or back pain.
If an aneurysm ruptures, it causes internal bleeding and is life threatening. You or someone should call 999 if you experience sudden severe pain, feel cold, sweaty, faint and breathless or lose consciousness.
Aneurysms are often diagnosed by GPs or consultants during physical examinations. They may feel a pulsating bulge in your abdomen that indicates an abdominal aortic aneurysm.
Your GP or consultant will review your medical and family history and do some tests which might include:
- Ultrasound scan
- CT scan
- MRI scan
- X-ray
Your consultant will discuss the best treatment for you. This will depend on what kind of aneurysm you have.
Your consultant may recommend surgery to stop it getting bigger or rupturing (bursting).
There are two treatment options available:
- Open surgery. Using a scalpel, a cut is made in your skin and the damaged part of the aorta (blood vessel) is removed and replaced with a graft (tube).
- Endovascular surgery (type of keyhole surgery). This involves a graft (stent) being inserted into your blood vessel through small cuts made in your skin and placed inside the aneurysm.
Patient stories
Yvette's story: From back pain to hip replacement surgery
A new hip and straight back into the spin of things
David’s gym video shows him repeatedly pushing up to 100kg on a single leg press – not particularly unusual for this keen cyclist, former competitive squash player and all-round fitness enthusiast. What is unusual is that 52-year-old David had hip surgery just 12 weeks earlier.
Michael's MAKO hip surgery to treat his arthritis
73 year-old Michael, an avid walker and charity worker, was diagnosed with arthritis in January 2021. After facing long waiting times and increasing pain that was becoming more frequent, he started to look elsewhere for treatment.
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.