Hi Mike, each year, the specialist says that it is alright at that size and marks it on the card i carry. They prefer to leave it if it is staying about the same each year and then if it does expand, they will operate. There is a set size that will prevent you driving. Of course, i dont do much that will increase my blood pressure so live a much relaxed time now.
Measurements were 33.5 for 4 years and 34 for 2 years. They did say if any rapid expansion they would be testing more often. It seems the idea is the risk is less if its left alone as its not having causing any problems. My elder Brother tested and his was alright. It has worked out that one brother and i, smoked and the other two did not. I had stopped in my 50s.
Its a scary thought if this did pop as it normally is fatal. In my Brothers case, he did live for about 10 hours but his problem was they found during tests that he also had lung cancer and brain tumours so decision was to let him die.
I have been lucky in the last few years in that the 3 years of Parkinsons testing showed i have not got that, then the suspected bowel cancer was 3 polyps so now clear of that after they were removed. Fixed the Hernia with micro surgery.
I am left with the worn bones caused by arthritis now and there are so many affected, i will probably not have any more metal joints. Just lucky the hip joints are fairly good and pain free but the feet being worn, have almost stopped bending.