Information session held for aneurysm patients at NNUH

The first-ever patient information session run by the Norfolk and Waveney Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) screening programme was recently held at NNUH.

The screening programme automatically invites men in their 65th year for an ultrasound scan to screen for AAA.

Male patients who had been screened and diagnosed with an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) but who had not yet had an operation, were invited to the event with their families to hear about all aspects of the condition, from diagnosis of AAA to post-operative care.

Speakers included Mr Matt Armon (Consultant Director), Toni Calver (Aneurysm Screening Nurse) and Katy Poynter (Senior Physiotherapist).

In the second half of the session former patient 74-year-old Trevor Crisp, from Pakefield – who had an AAA operation seven years ago – spoke about his experience from diagnosis to operation and then recovery.

“I would recommend AAA screening to anyone,” he said. “It can save your life. I think it’s a brilliant programme.”

He had a scan at NNUH which helped to diagnose an abdominal aortic aneurysm and then had an operation, undertaken by surgeon Mr Armon.

Physio Katy Poynter had earlier highlighted NNUH’s new Love Activity web pages for those wishing to explore options available to increase activity and exercise pre-operatively.

Exercise was something Trevor touched upon when he spoke too. “A walk is very important part of before the op. I still exercise, it’s a jolly good thing,” he said.

AAA statistics:
Men are 6 times more likely to have an AAA than women, which is why women are not offered screening. The chance of having an aneurysm increases with age. Your chance of having an AAA can also increase if:
• you are or have ever been a smoker
• you have high blood pressure
• your brother, sister or parent has, or has had, an abdominal aortic aneurysm

Check out the NNUH website or www.aaa.screening.nhs.uk for details of the screening service for 65-year-old men.