Valentine’s special - from successful surgery to happy birthday
Valentine’s Day is a special time of year, but for one mum from Lytham St Anne’s, it’s even more poignant as she celebrates the birthday of her young daughter – something she feared she might not see when faced with the prospect of life-saving aortic surgery.
Emma, 35, was diagnosed with a type B aortic dissection - a life-threatening tear in the inner layer of the descending aorta away from the heart - and in October 2023 was brought into Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital (LHCH) for a 14-hour operation.
Now with the opportunity to celebrate her daughter Luna’s 6th birthday on Valentine’s Day, Emma says it’s something she will never take for granted.
“As soon as I was transferred to LHCH, my consultant surgeon, Professor Mark Field, realised the seriousness of my condition and told me that I needed urgent surgery. It was then during the operation that he discovered that my aorta was like tissue paper.
“The thought of leaving behind my young daughter, and my long-term partner, was almost unbearable. I honestly didn’t know if I would ever see them again.”
However, thanks to Professor Field and his clinical team, Emma came through her operation.
“I will never have enough thanks for LHCH, and every member of the team who cared for me. Professor Field will always be my hero, as he’s the person who saved my life and made it possible to celebrate birthdays with my little girl and see her future.
“I will carry that gratitude with me forever and I will never forget the kindness and support I was shown at the most vulnerable and scariest time of my life. But it wasn’t just from a medical point of view, as they cared for me personally as well – kindness, reassurance, talking and listening to me – it was incredible.”
Emma said it wasn’t just the surgery for which she was grateful.
“Prior to my surgery, I found out about the work of the charity, Aortic Dissection Awareness UK & Ireland. They were the ones who told me about the amazing teams at LHCH and were so supportive and informative, practically and emotionally. That support has continued to this day.
“I’m also so grateful for the support of my family and friends, and my long-term partner who I was able to marry in July 2024. After everything that had happened, it made us realise how precious life is and how grateful we are to still have a future together.”
Emma added that her recovery from aortic dissection hasn’t been easy. She still lives with some pain and limitations and needs to take life slowly.
“Knowing that I’m under LHCH’s care for life, with regular scans and follow-ups, is so reassuring for me.
“It was also thanks to their involvement, that I underwent genetic testing. This showed I carry a rare genetic condition called ACTA2, which means I’ll need specialist follow-up for life. I also learned that my dad had died from an aortic dissection – something which I hadn’t known at the time. However, it helped everything make sense and really reinforced how important specialist, lifelong aortic care is for families like mine… care that means I’m here to watch my daughter grow up.”