Getting old is for the birds.

and decline. Let him decide if he wants surgery.

And it sure is tough watching it happen. Very sorry.

My father-in-law dropped on a golf course from an aortic rupture about 14 years ago. He was rushed to the hospital and barely survived. They operated right away and he came home a couple weeks later with a pacemaker (he was 62 at the time).

Last year he was diagnosed with an aneurysm on his aorta. The cardiologist told him it was inoperable and he could die tomorrow or be gone in a year. It's been 14 months and he's still going. We're grateful for every day.

had the same surgery at 86, He did quite well, a few hiccups, but did fine.

My husband had a Type A , at 40 11 years ago and he is alive in well. It was though and hes neve been the same, but he’s here. The type your father has, while still very serious, has a better prognosis. We have come a long long way in treating ADs

My 91 year old mom was diagnosed with an aortic aneurysm 2 years ago. It was also found accidentally during a kidney ultrasound. ( The kidney was fine.) We are fortunate here in Albuquerque to have an amazing cardio-vascular surgeon, Steve Henao, who is internationally known. He uses a technique that is not as invasive as a full on surgical procedure to fix aortic aneurysms. My mom had a CT scan and blood work done before the procedure. She was 89 then and she did just fine. The aneurysm was life threatening. She was in the hospital only overnight, and came home the next day. Besides taking a low dose blood thinner now, she has no other effects from it. Fortunately, it had not ruptured. That was the danger. I am surprised that if it had indeed ruptured that they would not admit him immediately. We were told that a rupture was considered a medical emergency. We were fortunate that it was found before that could happen.

My dad is the same age as yours and he's been in observable cognitive decline the past couple of years. He's coming to visit us for Thanksgiving and he's been stressing over his travel plans-- this from a man who has flown several million miles in his career! It seems like his brain is okay but he has great trouble articulating his thoughts.

Although he's meticulous about his health, he's slowing losing weight and bone mass. I worry about him every day.

I sympathize with your circumstances and I wish the best for both your dad and you.

Peace.

...and he wound up living to 91.

My parents are both 94, and rife with health issues. It is a trying time, I know. My thoughts are with you.

My dad was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in January, 2000, lasted until late November, age 78 and fully cognizant, but he was playing tennis and beating guys 20 years younger a week before his diagnosis. My mom went *poof* from a stroke at age 75. They were both 100% compos mentis, but I lost them early. My grandfather lived to be 102 with all his marbles intact, but he was the only one who made it to 80. My short term prospects are not the greatest, but I refuse to spend my remaining time worrying about it.

Our family usually has a lot of longevity, and 87 isn't young... but damn, quality of life too right?

Looks like he's got some other blood issues going on...high iron, inflammatroy markers, high phosphates. His BP is actually LOW.

So he's having appts with the cardio drs on monday and a follow up ultrasound wed... I guess I am just waiting to see what comes from that. Looks like the type II ruptures/anuerysms are less urgent...

all we can do is wait for more answers

I'm so sorry. My parents are 90 and 91. My dad does pretty well but my mom is steadily declining physically and mentally. It is very hard to watch and to worry. I know how you feel about wishing there was more you could do. I feel the same and it breaks my heart. I think it helps to share how you are feeling and I'm glad you have done that here. Sending blessings to you.