“This whole experience has been life-changing, not just for me but for my family members.”
Lifesaving.
“That’s the one word that comes to my mind right away,” said Susan Helfrich, when she recalls her experience with Penn Medicine.
In October 2023, Helfrich was diagnosed with an ascending aortic aneurysm. She knew she needed lifesaving care, but she didn’t know the experience would be life-changing.
An unexpected diagnosis
After retiring from UPS in 2019 with 41 years of service, Helfrich enjoyed an active retirement: walking, riding her bike, and spending time with her grandchildren.
Aside from a history of high blood pressure (BP), Helfrich never experienced symptoms pointing to her diagnosis. Thankfully, months prior, her primary care doctor recommended she see a cardiologist to investigate her high BP and elevated cholesterol levels.
“I explained to the cardiologist that my mother had an aortic aneurysm,” said Helfrich. “One of my sisters was also recently diagnosed with one, so I was sent for an ultrasound.”
The ultrasound confirmed Helfrich had an aneurysm. In a follow-up CT scan, the aneurysm measured 4.6 cm. The cardiologist told Helfrich the treatment would be to continue to get her BP under control and to monitor her aneurysm.
“While my cardiologist who discovered the aneurysm was great, I was still very concerned,” said Helfrich. “My anxiety was at a peak, and I needed additional information.”
Meeting the Penn Medicine Aorta Team
Helfrich decided to make an appointment with a cardiologist at Penn Medicine for further reassurance and met Lauren Glassmoyer, MD. Glassmoyer explained that based on the size of the aneurysm, her treatment would be to lower her BP and continue monitoring the aneurysm.
Due to her family history, Glassmoyer also suggested a surgical consult.
Helfrich agreed and the Penn Medicine Aorta team sent her for additional imaging in January 2024. The results showed the aneurysm grew from 4.6 cm to 5 cm in three months.
At the surgical consult, Helfrich met Kendall Lawrence, MD. Lawrence reviewed her test results and explained that based on the diagnosis, she would need open-heart surgery.
Lawrence also explained that since her mother and sister both had an aneurysm, a genetic factor was strongly possible, and to consider genetic testing.
"At least 20 percent of thoracic aortic aneurysms are related to a heritable or genetic condition,” said Lawrence. “Genetic testing is recommended for any individuals with syndromic features, family history of thoracic aortic disease, and/or early age of disease onset.”
Helfrich agreed to have the surgery as soon as possible based on Lawrence’s recommendation. That same day, Lawrence’s team arranged all pre-testing on the same day as her surgical consult, February 6, 2024.
“I was impressed with the efficient process they had in place,” said Helfrich.
Ascending aortic replacement surgery
On the morning of February 26, Helfrich had an ascending aortic replacement.
Although she felt nervous, Helfrich was quickly comforted by the calmness of her care team.
“When I woke up in the ICU, I was well cared for by my nurses,” said Helfrich. “I was only in the ICU for one day and was later moved to the cardiac floor.”
After surgery, Lawrence explained to Helfrich and her family that her aneurysm was large and had begun to thin.
“I consider myself very lucky,” said Helfrich. “If Dr. Glassmoyer had not sensed my anxiety over the aneurysm and referred me for a surgical consult, I might have had a different and possible fatal outcome.”
Life after surgery
Helfrich’s life post-surgery has been better than expected. While she describes challenging moments during her recovery, her mindset remains positive. She now feels as strong as pre-surgery and enjoys taking daily walks of 2-3 miles and traveling to visit her son in Tennessee.
“I couldn’t have asked for better care than what I received at Penn,” said Helfrich. “Dr. Lawrence is a skilled surgeon who was patient and informative with my all questions and concerns.”
Importantly, based on the genetic information Helfrich learned, she contacted extended family members on her mother’s side, urging them to get tested. She has two cousins who are currently being monitored by Lawrence and the Penn Medicine Aorta Center.
“We never knew about the genetic factor that could potentially put members of our family at risk for an aortic aneurysm,” said Helfrich. “This whole experience has been life-changing, not just for me but for my family members.”